Debbie has been involved with Music West since her early teens when she started out playing brass in the old Town Hall in Castlebar, first with the training band, then the Castlebar Concert Band under the direction of Tom Bourke. She is once again Musical Director of the Concert Band, appointed in September 2022, having also been Director for a number of years in the early 2000s. In April Debbie led the band to success by winning five awards at the IABCB 2023 National Band Championships.

Debbie is brass tutor for students young and old, many of whom sit the RIAM Grade Exams and achieve high marks and high standards of musicianship. Her students often return to participate in the Mayo Concert Orchestra, Castlebar Concert Band and Mayo Youth Orchestra.