Web resources for primary teachers & students
Summer teacher training course - classroom music

Group Courses

The following courses are currently offered in our Primary In-School Music Programme:

• African Music & Dance (all classes, max. 25 participants) A fun, energetic course that explores African percussion instruments, dancing and songs. Emphasis is placed on learning how to play and dance together through listening, cooperation, mutual respect and working together as a team.
• Bodhrán (3rd class and up, max. 10 participants) The bodhrán, a wood and goatskin drum beaten with a wooden stick, is the heartbeat of Irish mu­sic - and great fun to play! Students will learn all the main rhythms of traditional Irish music in this course, including reels, jigs, hornpipes and polkas. Waltons plain bodhráns can be purchased by or for participants at a 10% discount.
• Capoeira (all classes, max. 25 participants) African in its origin and Brazilian in its evolution, capoeira provides a fun, creative and comprehensive way for participants to exercise, develop their sense of music and rhythm and be exposed to the another culture. In Brazil, capoeira is the second most practiced sport after soccer and is part of many Brazilian schools’ curricula.
• Choir (3rd class and up, no limit) Aside from the fun and music, the benefits of providing a choir for your school or centre are many and varied. Numerous studies have shown that choral singing improves academic performance and teaches valuable life skills. Most importantly, a choir teaches the importance of co-operation and working together as a team..
• Exploring Percussion (3rd class and up, max. 25 participants) This fun, energetic course explores a wide range of drums, drumming and rhythms. Participants will work with a variety of instruments, including bodhráns, classroom percussion, parts of the drum kit - and even their own bodies! – all the while gaining valuable experience in communication and working together as a team.
• Guitar (3rd class and up, max. 10 participants) Melodic, harmonic and percussive, the guitar is not only satisfying to play in itself but can also serve as a ‘gateway’ musical experience for other instrumental study. Valencia nylon-string guitars can be purchased for participants at a 10% discount.
• Irish Fiddle (3rd class and up, max. 10 participants) Learn basics of playing this subtle and demanding instrument – holding, bowing, fingering, etc. – and the main forms of traditional music (jigs, reels, hornpipes, airs, etc.), including some of their many variations. Valencia violin outfits (violin, bow, rosin, hard case) can be purchased by or for participants at a 10% discount.
• Music for Me! (Junior Infants to 1st class, max. 10 participants) Exploring the many elements of music through listening, performing and ‘composing’, this course is ideal for Junior and Senior Infants classes as well as Montessori schools, and promotes independent thinking, cooperation, problem-solving and musical exploration.
• Music Therapy (all classes) Based on the understanding that all human beings are able to respond to and communicate with music, irrespective of disability or injury, music therapy classes have proven very effective for children with autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, developmental and physical disabilities.
• Singing for Fun (3rd class and up, max. 10 participants) Everyone loves to sing, and singing is the basis of all music. It also builds self-esteem, promotes teamwork and facilitates self-expression. We’ll work on a wide range of songs in this course, including pop, R&B and musical theatre.
• Songwriting (3rd class and up, max. 10 participants) Learning to write and perform songs is an immensely satisfying and empowering experience. In this course we will explore the components of songs and work together as a group to write our own original songs.
• Tin Whistle (1st class and up, max. 25 participants) A simple tube of metal with six finger-holes, the whistle has a great expressive range, and children learn to play Irish music, folk songs, Christmas carols and simple classics. Waltons ‘Mellow D’ tin whistles can be purchased by or for participants at a 10% discount.
• Violin (3rd class and up, max. 10 participants) Intended not only to teach children to play the violin but also to make music an engaging and enjoyable learning experience. Valencia violin outfits (violin, bow, rosin, hard case) can be purchased by or for participants at a 10% discount.

It is important that no single class has students more than one year apart in age.

Private Lessons

Private (one-to-one) lessons can be arranged for many of the instruments that are currently taught at Waltons New School of Music (see Lesson/Course Catalogue). Some of our teachers teach more than one instrument, and a minimum teaching block of three hours (or six 30-minute lessons) per teacher is required. For piano and singing lessons, the school must have an acoustic upright piano or digital piano with weighted keys, in good working condition and in tune. (Waltons music shops can provide these at special discounts to schools.)

School Requirements

Following are the New School's requirements for In-School Music Programme classes:

• All Group Courses Large classroom or school hall with good ventilation and light, whiteboard/marker or blackboard/chalk. 
• African Music & Dance, Music for Me! and Music Therapy Classroom percussion set (may be purchased at a discounted price from Waltons), with teacher bringing additional instruments.
• Capoeira Space cleared of desks, CD player.
• Fiddle, Guitar, Tin Whistle and Violin At least one music stand for every two students. 
• Choir and Singing for Fun Piano, digital piano or electronic keyboard. (Waltons music shops can provide these at special discounts to schools.)
• Private Lessons Small classroom and music stand. Piano lessons require an acoustic upright or digital piano. (Waltons music shops can provide these at special discounts to schools.)

Communication

Good communication between In-School Music Programme teachers and schools or youth projects is very important. For this reason a school- or project-based contact person should be nominated and his/her name and contact details specified in the contract.

Tuition Fees

GROUP COURSES

Below are fees for 10- and 30-week group courses, although it is possible to arrange courses of various durations, including 5-week ‘taster’ courses, and we would be happy to tailor a course to your particular needs. One hour of teaching can also be divided into two consecutive 30-minute classes, and two consecutive hours of teaching can be divided into two 60-minute classes, three 40-minute classes or four 30-minute classes.

PRIVATE LESSONS

A minimum 3-hour block, or 6 x 30-minute lessons, is required for private lessons.

10 weeks of 30-minute lessons: €225/student
10 weeks of 45-minute lessons: €338/student
10 weeks of 60-minute lessons: €450/student

Fees are subject to change. Additional fees may apply to courses and lessons outside the Dublin area.

Flyers/Enrolment Forms

We can provide your school with everything you need to get started, including information flyers/enrolment forms to distribute to students and parents.

Booking & Enquiries

Use our Booking & Enquiry Form (see below) or contact Sarah Cunningham, Outreach Co-ordinator.

Download an Outreach Programme brochure.

Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for an Outreach Booking & Enquiry Form.

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