'A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.'
– Groucho Marx
The New School offers a range of lessons and courses for children and young people from the age of 3, encouraging active involvement in all aspects of music, from listening to performing to composing. Private and group lessons in a variety of classical, traditional, jazz, popular and world instruments are offered, as well as a substantial pre-instrumental (early childhood) programme, group courses and travelling workshops.
Private, Partner & Group Lessons
Although children’s natural responsiveness to – and appreciation of – music can and should be encouraged from birth, instrumental tuition should not be given until a child has the concentration for lessons and a genuine desire to learn an instrument. For this reason, lessons in such instruments as piano, violin and guitar do not generally begin before the age of 6 or 7, and lessons in brass and wind instruments not until several years later. Singing lessons can start at any age, although it is not advisable to start technical work on the voice before the age of 15. Weekly private lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length. Group lessons, designed for students at the same level of proficiency who enrol together, are available as 30- or 45-minute ‘partner’ lessons, as well as 60-minute lessons for three or four students. For best results, it is recommended that children starting partner or group lessons be no more than two years apart in age.
Go to Enrolment & Fees for more information on private, partner and group lessons.
Pre-Instrumental (Early Childhood)
Designed for children aged 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6, our Music for Me programme is a unique introduction to music and music-making, all in a nurturing and creative environment.
Group Courses for Beginners
Designed for beginning students as well as ‘graduates’ of Music for Me (or other pre-instrumental programme), Introducing Guitar for Children, Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children and Introducing Violin for Children are lively first experiences with these wonderful instruments. Brief summer 'taster' versions of the Guitar, Piano/Keyboard and Violin courses are also available.
Ensembles
The New School's Children's Ensemble is open to young students of all orchestral instruments from near-beginner to Grade III standard. The emphasis is on having fun and learning repertoire in a non-competitive atmosphere. While the group will focus on ensemble skills and developing general musical/string skills, it is also an opportunity to meet other young musicians and make some great music!
Outreach
The New School’s Outreach Workshops bring music to primary schools, post-primary schools, youth centres and special needs groups throughout the greater Dublin area. These include workshops in the music and culture of Latin America, Africa, India and Ireland, as well as Capoeira, Drumming Around the World and Musical Theatre Workshops. All workshops are team-taught and highly interactive, combining fascinating live demonstrations with a variety of musical activities. Our In-School Music Programme consists of on-site music courses and lessons for primary schools. The programme provides the opportunity for every student to have the enriching experience of learning music at a reasonable cost and in a convenient setting. We offer both group courses and private (one-to-one) lessons, in a range of subjects and instruments, which can take place either during or after school hours. Go to Outreach Programme for more information.
Back to top