Kerry McKechnie was a classically trained opera singer who spent much of her adult life helping young singers to improve their technique and get better results. She had a real passion for music of all genres. Kerry sadly passed away as a result of a brain aneurysm on 15th March 2021.

She was born and raised in northern California and had a keen interest in music as a youngster. Her love of singing led her into studying music at university. Kerry would go on to complete her Doctorate of Musical Arts at the University of Austin, Texas, majoring in Voice, Opera and pedagogy. She was a wonderful lyric soprano and an extremely talented actress. During her time at UT she appeared in a number of professional opera productions including, most notably, the lead role of Mona in the world premier of Daron Hagen’s Bandana.

While she was attending university she started teaching young and aspiring singers. Her in depth technical knowledge combined with her performance experience and exceptional singing talent meant she had a lot to offer.

Kerry was an inspirational, loving and dedicated teacher and role model for her students. She valued good teaching and championed disadvantaged students, ensuring that they had proper coaching and access to facilities and technology.

Her close friends and family have established the Kerry McKechnie Singers Fund in her memory.

Kerry’s fund is currently set up as a sub committee of the Vertex non-profit initiative based in West Kilbride. The goals of Kerry’s fund are aligned with the goals of Vertex which seeks to promote music and the arts in West Kilbride.