'I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone.'
– E. Mernagh
'A comprehensive introduction to the instrument.'
– E. Ó Caollaí
'Well taught, very entertaining, great music, nice friendly group.'
– M. Goggins
'Would highly recommend this course to anyone starting out on the guitar.'
– N. Clarke
'I never thought I would be able to read chords and actually play something in such a short time.'
– K. Mifsud
'Great interaction between the teacher and each individual student. Great fun too!'
– B. Rahman
'Brilliant teacher. Really enjoyed the course!'
– D. O'Connor
'Anyone can learn the guitar. All you need is a willingness to learn and a professional teacher from Waltons New School of Music.'
– S. Collins
'I found the course very enjoyable and very much looked forward to my hour class every week. My teacher created a very relaxed and fun learning environment and managed to include enough variation for me to have a good understanding of guitar playing. Will be continuing classes in the next term.'
– C. McCauley
'I would highly recommend the course to anyone who always wanted to learn the guitar, especially those who think they are "too late" or are afraid of the instrument.'
– J. McNally
Designed for absolute beginners, this 10-week course offers a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to the guitar and what it can do. Students begin with basic left- and right-hand technique, and the lessons then progress through a varied and interesting repertoire, ranging from folk songs to classical pieces and from blues to rock, while students develop their technique. The course, one of the New School’s most popular, has given hundreds of adult beginners an impressive grasp of guitar fundamentals.
Students finishing the course have the option of continuing in improvers groups, which take place on several different levels at the school.
Participating students will need to have an acoustic guitar to bring to class and to practice at home. If you do not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments, some of which are available on payment plans, for students at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
Introducing Guitar for Adults is one of our group courses for beginners. Introducing Guitar for Children is offered for children aged 6-8. Private, partner, group and intensive guitar lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Guitar & Bass for more information.
2011-2012 Third Term Schedules & Fees
CLASS 1 (Mark Sisk)
9 weeks, April 16 – June 25, 2012
(No classes on May 7 & June 4 bank holidays)
Mondays 7 – 8 pm
CLASS 2 (Francis Long)
10 weeks, April 18 – June 20, 2012
Wednesdays 8 – 9 pm
CLASS 3 (Mark Sisk)
10 weeks, April 19 – June 21, 2012
Thursdays 7 – 8 pm
CLASS 4 (John Sweeney)
10 weeks, April 20 – June 22, 2012
Fridays 6.30 – 7.30 pm
CLASS 5 (Mark Sisk)
10 weeks, April 21 – June 23 2012
Saturdays 2 – 3 pm
Tuition Fee (Monday class): €153
Tuition Fee (all other classes): €170
Teachers
Fran Long 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 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. Fran also teaches the Electric Blues Guitar Basics course and co-facilitates our Inside Rock outreach workshop.
One of the most in-demand guitarists in the Dublin music scene, Mark Sisk has played guitar for over two decades and worked as a musician and teacher for the last fifteen years, covering a wide range of styles including rock, jazz and blues. He has recorded and toured with international artists as a session musician and is also a regular on the Dublin live circuit. Mark has taught at the New School for over a decade; his teaching goal is to make music accessible to everyone by breaking down musical barriers with simple explanation and demonstration.
John Sweeney comes from a musical family and has been studying and playing guitar and bass for over thirty years. He works in many different styles, including traditional, rock and jazz, and has performed and recorded with a number of Irish groups, gigging extensively throughout Ireland, Canada, the UK, the US and Spain. He began teaching in 1988 at the Scarborough School of Guitar in Toronto, Canada, where he also studied composition and flatpick technque. He has also studied flamenco guitar with Miguel Escudero Lopez in Seville, Spain and traditional music at St. Enda’s Folk Park & Museum, and he continues to develop techniques of both melody and rhythm accompaniment for Irish music. John has taught at the New School since 2003 and also teaches the Trad Guitar Basics course and co-facilitates our Inside Rock outreach workshop.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2011-2012 General 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 eight.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
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