'There is only one way of becoming a traditional player or singer, and that is by listening to genuine material performed in a traditional manner.'
– Brendán Breathnach
'Great tuition! Have been taking trad flute lessons here for the last year and my instructor has brought me on by leaps and bounds. The Friday sessions are an excellent way to learn new tunes.'
– C. Boylan
'You are never too old to play an instrument. I have only had five lessons and can now play three tunes to my satisfaction.'
– M. Smithers
Private, Partner & Group Lessons
Reflecting Waltons’ ongoing commitment to Irish music, the New School offers a strong traditional and folk programme. Lessons are available for beginner, intermediate and advanced students in bodhrán, fiddle (Irish traditional and bluegrass), flute, guitar, harmonica, Irish harp, mandolin, piano accordion, tenor banjo, tin and low whistles, and uilleann pipes.
Weekly private (one-to-one) lessons are 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length. Group lessons, designed for students at the same level of proficiency who enrol together, are available as 30-, 45- and 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 the traditional instruments taught at the New School; instruments can be provided for banjo, bodhrán, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and piano accordion intensive lessons.
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 can join Introducing Bodhrán, Introducing Fiddle, Introducing Harmonica or Introducing Tin Whistle, which provide foundation tuition in these instruments. No previous musical experience is required.
Group Courses for Intermediate-Advanced Students
Fingerstyle Guitar and Trad Guitar are intensive introductions to the styles for players with some previous experience. 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.
Trad Slow Sessions
The New School’s Trad Slow Sessions are traditional Irish music sessions in all ways except one: the tempo. We play the session tunes at a slower than normal pace (usually less than half the speed), so that beginning and intermediate players can more easily learn the tunes and join in the session. More experienced players who wish to refine their techniques at a slower pace are also very welcome. Go to Trad Slow Sessions for more information.
Ensemble
Rig-a-Jig, the New School's traditional music group, is open to students of all instruments, of at least intermediate standard. The group will be involved in selecting and arranging traditional music and song in an interesting and dynamic way. In addition to the vast repertoire of Irish music and song, some material from other traditions (such as those of Brittany, Galicia, Scotland, Newfoundland etc.) may be selected. The group will be encouraged to discuss and experiment with musical arrangements, and the possibilities for composition of new music and song in a traditional style will also be explored. We aim to make good music, rehearsed to public performance standard, but to have fun in doing so.
Outreach
Sounds Irish is an outreach workshop in Irish traditional music for primary schools and youth centres. The workshop features dynamic live demonstrations and allows participants to develop their musical awareness through the hands-on exploration of the forms, rhythms and instruments of Irish traditional music.
Recommended Instruments & Payment Plans
In association with Waltons music shops, we have selected several recommended instruments for students of traditional instruments 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 (bodhrán)
Eamonn Galldubh (uilleann pipes, flute, tin / low whistle)
Fran Long (mandolin, tenor banjo)
Harry Long (tin / low whistle, guitar)
Michael McInerney (harmonica)
Ian McTigue (bodhrán)
Sinéad Madden (fiddle)
Junshi Murakami (Irish harp)
Tara Novak (fiddle)
Kevin O'Hare (bodhrán, guitar)
Anne Orr (piano accordion, tin whistle)
John Sweeney (guitar, bodhrán, tin whistle)
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