Mr. McCarthy has a Bachelor of fine arts degree in music education with an emphasis in general and vocal music earned from Western Illinois University in 1983. While at Western Mr. McCarthy participated in Marching band, University Singers, University Chorale, "Newcomers" show choir, Summer Music Theatre, and University Dance Theatre ensembles.

Mr. McCarthy has been a music teacher for 22 years having taught high school and middle school in Kankakee Illinois for 6 years, Elementary school in Hazel Crest Illinois for 3 years and for the Chicago Public schools for 13 years.

Mr. McCarthy has taught general music and directed vocal ensembles in all the school he has had the pleasure of working in. In addition Mr. McCarthy has been a hired clinician for various University summer show choir camps and adjudicated numerous show choir competitions all over the Midwest.

While living in Chicago Mr. McCarthy has performed with several theatrical production companies and is a seasoned veteran of local musical theatre productions.