'An abundance of technique should not be a means to an end but a way to allow the heart to expand freely.'
- Pablo Casals
'A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?'
– Albert Einstein
'My daughter has a wonderful violin teacher here. She certainly has the knowledge and expertise but most importantly she knows how to work with children and motivate them to stick with it. We’ll be back.'
– J. O'Donnell
'I'm a mature student with limited time to play an instrument, and Waltons have been great.... I've had a very encouraging teacher, I'm so glad I took up violin and I plan to continue. Thanks!'
– H.J. Ó Mairtin
Private, Partner & Group Lessons
The New School’s string programme provides specialised training at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Many of our students, whose ages span nearly half a century, have been prepared for grade examinations, teacher’s diplomas, scholarships and public performances. Others have come here to study entirely for their own pleasure.
Weekly private (one-to-one) lessons – 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length – are offered for violin (classical and jazz), viola, cello, double bass, traditional fiddle and Irish harp. Group lessons, designed for students at the same level of proficiency 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 both individuals and small groups are available for all of these instruments.
Go to Tuition Options for more information on private, partner and group lessons, and Enrolment & Fees for tuition fees and enrolment forms.
Group Courses for Beginners
Beginning students may join Introducing Fiddle, Introducing Violin for Adults and Introducing Violin for Children, which offer lively introductions to the instrument.
Group Courses for Intermediate-Advanced Students
Aimed at both serious amateur and professional musicians working in any style, Performance Techniques for Musicians provides participants with an essential toolkit of proven techniques that will help you to get the most out of any audition, recital, amateur or professional performance.
Theory
Beginning string students should also consider taking Music Fundamentals, designed to supplement private tuition with the basics of music theory, and string students at all levels are encouraged to attend theory classes.
Ensembles
The school’s three String Ensembles (for adults or children) focus on ensemble skills and developing general musical/string skills but are also an opportunity to meet other string players and make some great music! Rig-a-Jig, the school’s traditional music group, is open to students of all instruments, of at least intermediate standard, and selects, arranges and performs traditional music and song in an innovative and dynamic way. The school’s two Jazz Ensembles introduce students of all instruments to the art of improvisation through the study and performance of blues and jazz.
Recommended Instruments & Payment Plans
In association with Waltons music shops, we have selected several recommended instruments for string students at the New School. Because the cost of instruments shouldn’t deter students from starting lessons, we have also created payment plans for instruments priced €150 or more that allow students to purchase beginners' instruments or upgrade their existing instruments without a large financial outlay. Payment plans consist of an initial deposit and six monthly payments made by post-dated cheques or credit/Laser card payments. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
Faculty
David Burns (violin)
Elena Elioutina (violin, viola)
Beata Kmak (violin)
Martina Kozhuharov (cello)
Sinéad Madden (fiddle)
Elias Maguire (violin)
David Mooney (double bass)
Gloria Mulhall (violin, viola)
Junshi Murakami (Irish harp)
Anne Murnaghan (cello)
Tara Novak (violin, jazz violin, viola, fiddle)
Suzanne Savage (violin)
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