'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
'Well taught, very entertaining, great music, nice friendly group.'
– M. Goggins
'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
Introducing Guitar for Adults is designed especially for adult beginners and offers a relaxed and enjoyable introduction to the instrument and what it can do. Students begin with basic left- and right-hand technique and reading both chord diagrams and basic music notation. Classes then progress through a varied and interesting repertoire, ranging from traditional folk songs to classical pieces – even including blues, jazz and rock solos – while students develop their technique. Attention is also paid to ensemble playing, song accompaniment and more specialised playing styles such as clawhammer and flamenco. The course, one of the New School’s most popular, has given hundreds of adult beginners an impressive grasp of guitar fundamentals.
Participating students should have an acoustic guitar to bring to class and to practice at home.
Students finishing the course have the option of continuing in improvers groups, which take place on several different levels at the school.
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.
First Term Schedules & Fee
CLASS 1 (John Sweeney)
10 weeks, October 4 – December 13, 2010
Mondays 6.30 – 7.30 pm
CLASS 2 (Mark Sisk)
10 weeks, October 4 – December 13, 2010
Mondays 7 – 8 pm
CLASS 3 (Fran Long)
10 weeks, October 6 – December 15, 2010
Wednesdays 8 – 9 pm
CLASS 4 (Mark Sisk)
10 weeks, October 7 – December 16, 2010
Thursdays 7 – 8 pm
CLASS 5 (John Sweeney)
10 weeks, October 8 – December 17, 2010
Fridays 6.30 – 7.30 pm
CLASS 5 (Mark Sisk)
10 weeks, October 9 – December 18, 2010
Saturdays 2 – 3 pm
No classes October 25 – 30
Tuition Fee: €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 has 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. Currently teaching guitar, bass, banjo and mandolin at the New School, 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.
Mark Sisk has played guitar for over two decades and worked as a musician and teacher for the last fifteen years, covering many 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’s teaching goal is to make music accessible to everyone by breaking down musical barriers with simple explanation and demonstration.
John Sweeney has been playing guitar and bass for over 25 years and works in many different styles, including traditional, rock and jazz. He has performed and recorded with a number of Irish groups, performed throughout Ireland and Spain and performed and taught in Toronto, Canada. Currently teaching guitar and bass at the New School and co-facilitator of our Inside Rock outreach workshop, John is always striving to develop new techniques and teaching methods.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. 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? Download a gift certificate booking form.
Recommended Instruments
If you do 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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