You may have seen in the news recently the inspirational story of three musicians who survived cancer and have released a song to give a voice to people still on waiting lists for treatment and in recovery. We’re very proud that one of the musicians involved - soprano opera singer, cancer survivor and all-round Mighty Girl Monica McGhee - is a visiting music teacher here at Blackheath High School!  

Ms McGhee, who teaches singing, piano and music theory here at Blackheath High, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2017. She explains that on top of the worry about her diagnosis and the prospect of months of treatment, she faced the very real fear of losing her career and her income as the cancer was in her neck and threatened her vocal chords: “[the night before my operation], I went to church and sang every single aria of every single role that was on my wish list.... just in case I never got to sing again." 

Thankfully her operation was a success, and she was able to return to performing and building her incredibly inspirational career - she was accepted as the soprano Young Artist at The National Opera Studio for 2020/2021, and has appeared as a soloist in some of the country's leading venues. In February 2025, on the anniversary of her diagnosis, she will make her English National Opera principal debut; and next year, driven by her passion for music education, she is also aiming to bring to the stage a musical for young people. 

In November 2024, she collaborated with insurers Zurich and two other opera singers to create a performance which symbolises the stress and worry felt whilst waiting for cancer treatment. Miss McGhee composed the operatic score called ‘About Time’, performed with tenor Toby Spence and pianist Lee Michael Walton, giving voice to the 77,000 people waiting more than two months for cancer treatment each year. 

Ms McGhee says: “When I was at school I was so lucky to have a number of inspirational teachers who really shaped the musician - and more importantly, the person - I am today. Teaching students one-to-one is an incredible privilege and I strive to be that same type of teacher to the girls at Blackheath High. Whether this is through music, or through my story of courage and resilience in the face of difficulty, I hope somewhere there is something to inspire our students.  

Director of Music, Mrs Butterworth, adds, “We are hugely proud of Ms McGhee. A highly valued member of the Music Department, she is passionate about nurturing our students both as performers and composers. She is an inspiring role model for women in music and we are privileged to work with her at Blackheath High School.”