'The guitar is a small orchestra. It is polyphonic. Every string is a different color, a different voice.'
– Andrés Segovia
'If you're going to sweep the floor, sweep it better than anybody in town. And if you're going to play the guitar, really, really, really get into it, and don't be jivin'.'
– Carlos Santana
'The guitar teachers at Waltons School of Music are brilliant. I would recommend them to anyone. Shame the term is over.'
– C. Kinsella
'A very supportive and inspiring teacher.'
– O. Martin
'Great tunes. Excellent teacher. Very enjoyable!'
– D. Scott
'I have the best teacher in the world!'
– S. Killeen
Private, Partner & Group Lessons
Reflecting the diversity of the modern guitar, the New School offers lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced students in classical guitar (to diploma level), jazz guitar (to diploma level), acoustic guitar (blues, fingerstyle, song accompaniment, Irish traditional, etc), Spanish & flamenco guitar, electric guitar and electric bass. Students of classical, jazz and popular guitar styles may also choose to take grade exams from a variety of examining boards. Electric guitar and bass tuition can also include instruction in guitar effects and technology. All of our guitar teachers are also active performers, both live and recorded.
Weekly private (one-to-one) 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-, 45- or 60-minute ‘partner’ lessons, as well as 60-minute lessons for 3 or 4 students. Single 1- or 2-hour Intensive Lessons for both individuals and small groups are also available for any guitar style.
Go to Tuition Options for more information on private, partner and group lessons, and Enrolment & Fees for tuition fees and enrolment forms.
Group Courses for Beginners
Beginning students can join Introducing Guitar for Adults, Introducing Guitar for Teens or Introducing Guitar for Children, three of our most popular foundation courses.
Group Courses for Intermediate-Advanced Students
Acoustic Blues Guitar, Electric Blues Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar, Flamenco Guitar and Trad Guitar are intensive introductions to the styles for players with some previous experience. Aimed at both serious amateur and professional musicians working in any style, Performance Techniques for Musicians provides participants with an essential toolkit of proven techniques that will help you to get the most out of any audition, recital, amateur or professional performance.
Ensembles
Guitar and bass students may also be interested in joining one of the school’s Jazz Ensembles or Rig-a-Jig, our traditional music group.
Theory
Beginning guitar and bass students should also consider taking Music Fundamentals, designed to supplement private tuition with the basics of music theory.
Recommended Instruments & Payment Plans
In association with Waltons music shops, we have selected several recommended instruments for guitar and bass students at the New School. Because the cost of instruments shouldn’t deter students from starting lessons, we have also created payment plans for instruments priced €150 or more that allow students to purchase beginners' instruments or upgrade their existing instruments without a large financial outlay. Payment plans consist of an initial deposit and six monthly payments made by post-dated cheques or credit/Laser card payments. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
The Gibson Epiphone Guitar Prize
In June 2010, a Gibson Epiphone acoustic or electric guitar (valued at approximately €500) will be awarded to the most promising student of classical, acoustic, traditional, electric or jazz guitar at Waltons New School of Music. Go to Scholarships & Prizes for more information.
Faculty
Francesco Amico (jazz guitar)
Michael Behan (acoustic / electric / jazz guitar)
Miguelangel Lejarza (classical / Spanish / flamenco guitar)
Fran Long (classical / acoustic / electric guitar)
Harry Long (traditional guitar)
Michael McInerney (acoustic / contemporary fingerstyle / slide guitar)
David Mooney (acoustic / electric bass, acoustic / electric guitar)
Eoin Mulvany (classical / acoustic guitar)
Mark Sisk (acoustic / electric / jazz guitar)
John Sweeney (acoustic / electric / traditional guitar, electric bass)
Brian Tavey (classical / acoustic / electric guitar)
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