Introducing Guitar for Adults

Group Course for Beginners

Comments from Students
Teachers
Schedules & Fees
Enrolment

Designed for absolute beginners, this 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 – including folk, pop and rock songs – 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.

Comments from Students

'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

'I have been trying to play guitar for years. After a ten-week course I really feel I have some chance now!'
– G. Collie

'Great interaction between the teacher and each individual student. Great fun too!'
– B. Rahman

'Brilliant teacher. Really enjoyed the course!'
– D. O'Connor

'Great way to get started with the guitar! [I have] a very thorough and patient instructor, with good choice of content for the classes. I have found that my playing has improved greatly.'
– T. Elomari

'The relaxed atmosphere made the course really enjoyable, which made the lessons a lot easier and helped me to progress quicker than I ever expected.'
– G. Treacy

'I tried learning online and got nowhere. Already, after the course, I can play a few songs. Will definitely recommend it.'
– M. Kumar

'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

'Each class brings me closer to a possible dream realised.'
– M. Kerrigan

'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

Teachers

Francis Long

Fran Long 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 both an ABRSM diploma and an LTCL diploma) and bass. He has played professionally with different bands, releasing several CDs and recording various artists, including Cathy Davey. His most recent project is the band torc, which released the album The Last Love Song in 2011. 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 and facilitated workshops at the Ballyfermot Community Centre aimed at helping young people understand the music business. Fran also teaches our Introducing Guitar for Children and Electric Blues Guitar Basics courses, as well as co-facilitating our Inside Rock outreach workshop and teaching outreach guitar classes in our In-School Music Programme.

Mark Sisk

One of the most in-demand guitarists in the Dublin music scene, Mark 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

John Sweeney John 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 our Introducing Guitar for Teens and Trad Guitar Basics courses, co-facilitates our Inside Rock outreach workshop and teaches outreach guitar classes in our In-School Music Programme.

2012-2013 Summer Term Schedules & Fees

July

CLASS 1 (Mark Sisk)
5 weeks, 2 – 30 July 2013
Tuesdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm

CLASS 2 (Fran Long)
5 weeks, 3 – 31 July 2013
Wednesdays 7 – 9 pm

Tuition Fee: €170

August

(Mark Sisk)
4 weeks, 6 – 27 August 2013
Tuesdays 6.30 – 8.30 pm

Tuition Fee: €135

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 Summer Term 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.

Waltons New School of Music