'Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the secret places of the soul.'
– Plato
The development of a complete musician requires far more than simply learning to play an instrument or sing. For this reason the New School offers a range of theory and musicianship lessons and courses, designed to supplement and support the student's practical studies. Tuition in musicianship and theory is recommended for students of all ages, whether they are studying classical, traditional, jazz, popular or world instruments, and essential for anyone planning to take grade examinations past intermediate level.
Private, Partner & Group Lessons
The New School offers private musicianship, theory and sight singing lessons for all grades, from beginner to teaching diploma level. At higher levels the study of harmony, counterpoint and music history is included, and tuition is also available in composition. Group lessons, designed for students at the same level 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 are also available.
Go to Enrolment & Fees for more information on private, partner and group lessons.
Group Courses
Music Fundamentals I & II introduce students to the fundamentals of reading and writing music, as well as to elementary musical grammar. They are recommended for anyone beginning instrumental tuition at the New School. Designed especially for voice students and choristers, Sight Singing Made Easy allows students to develop simultaneously their music reading skills and practical sight singing.
The New School also offers theory classes organised by grade. If you have some theory already but have not yet joined a class, your teacher will help you assess your theory level. If you are not studying an instrument or voice at the New School but would like to join a theory class, use the Associated Board Music Theory in Practice workbooks (available in Waltons music shops) to assess your own level.
Music Technology
Music Notation with Sibelius (the only course of its kind in Ireland) is designed for • amateur and professional classical, jazz, traditional and popular musicians • composers • songwriters • music teachers/educators • and music students who would like to learn how to get the most from the world’s most popular music notation and composition software.
Leaving Certificate Music
The New School’s courses and workshops together make up the most comprehensive Leaving Cert. Music programme of any music school in the country. The Preliminary Course covers the fundamentals of music theory up to Junior Cert. standard as a preparation for Leaving Cert. Music. The Two-Year Course is designed to prepare students for all aspects of the Essential Listening and Composing Activities at Higher level. The Easter Revision Course provides extra preparation to students studying for the exam, either on their own or at school. Offering an intensive final preparation to students studying for this year’s Leaving Cert. Music exam, either at school or on their own, our Pre-Exam Revision Workshop takes place on the Saturday before the June exam. Go to Leaving Certificate Music.
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