Dónal P. Noonan

Campus Minister for Music and Liturgy

Donal.Noonan@lmu.edu  

Dónal P. Noonan is a music minister, educator, and choral director with over 20 years of experience in music ministry and nonprofit leadership. Originally from Ireland, he has dedicated his career to using music as a bridge for community building and education in the United States, serving diverse communities in Florida, Georgia, and now Southern California.

Dónal holds a Master of Arts in Music & Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Educational Studies. Before joining Loyola Marymount University, he led music ministries in Atlanta, GA, including serving as Director of Music Ministries at the Catholic Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and as Archdiocesan Choir Director for the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta. A sought-after speaker and conference facilitator, he has presented at Chorus America, NPM (National Association of Pastoral Musicians), and the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.

As the founder of the Atlanta Homeward Choir, Dónal pioneered a groundbreaking musical initiative that collaborates with individuals who have experienced homelessness, harnessing the power of music to foster hope, healing, and community. He currently serves on the National Council for NPM and is the newest member of the Advisory Council for the Irish Studies Program at LMU.

Beyond his professional work, Dónal enjoys exploring Los Angeles’ vibrant food scene, attending concerts and art exhibits, and staying connected to the local Irish community through cultural events, traditional music sessions, and storytelling gatherings. He finds joy in discovering the city’s rich tapestry of cultures while staying deeply rooted in his Irish heritage.