23-Week Course
Teacher
Schedule & Fee
Enrolment
Recommended Instruments
'[My son] really loved the class, and Fran was able to channel his enthusiasm and encourage it.'
– J. Donnelly
Guitar is an excellent starter instrument for children. Melodic, harmonic and percussive, it is satisfying to play in itself and can also serve as a ‘gateway’ musical experience for other instrumental study. It’s easy to carry, simple to store and affordable. Best of all, children want to play it! Introducing Guitar for Children enables young students aged 6-8 to experience early success and have fun, while the specially-designed curriculum guides them to broader musical development. The course includes melody playing, chord accompaniment, note reading skills and basic two-part solo playing.
Children must have their own guitars for this course. We recommend a small nylon-string ('classical' or 'Spanish') guitar, usually 1/2- or 3/4-size, for this age group. These may be purchased from Waltons music shops at special discounts for student enrolled in the school (see below).
Introducing Guitar for Children is one of our group courses for beginners. Private and partner guitar lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Guitar & Bass for more information.
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Francis Long, Teacher
Fran has been involved in the music business for many years. At the age of eight he joined the Artane Boys Band, where he learned to play the clarinet, oboe and the bell lyre – before moving on to guitar (in which he earned an ABRSM diploma) and bass. He has played professionally with different bands, releasing several CDs and recording various artists, including Cathy Davey. Fran has worked in several music shops and was Manager of Waltons Music for five years. In addition to teaching guitar, banjo and mandolin to students of all ages at the New School since 2003, he has also given lessons at several Dublin-area primary schools through our In-School Music Programme, facilitated workshops at the Ballyfermot Community Centre aimed at helping young people understand the music business and co-facilitates our Inside Rock outreach workshop.
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2013-2014 Class Schedule & Fee
23 weeks, 5 October 2013 – 12 April 2014
(No classes 2 November, 21 December – 4 January, 22 February)
CLASS 1
Saturdays 11 am – 12 pm
CLASS 2
Saturdays 12 – 1 pm
Tuition Fee: €380
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Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2013-2014 Courses for Children Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places in each class are limited to six.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
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Recommended Instruments
If your child does not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments at special discounts for students starting tuition at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
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