'Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn.'
– Charlie Parker
'Waltons New School of Music fills an important gap in music education as it is open to newcomers/amateurs, especially adults. It caters for all – from 'hobbyists' to top grade exams – and provides wonderful opportunities for music making. Welcoming and non-judgmental, yet pushing for individual best standards. Tá failte romhat!'
– J. Dillon (flute student)
Private, Partner & Group Lessons
The New School offers lessons for beginner, intermediate and advanced students in clarinet, concert flute, Irish traditional (wooden) flute, harmonica (diatonic and chromatic), oboe, recorder and saxophone (all to diploma level). Clarinet, harmonica and saxophone instruction can also include jazz theory and improvisation. 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- 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 also available for all of the wind instruments taught at the New School; students must bring their own instruments to 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 Harmonica, which explores the basics of diatonic harmonica playing in various styles, from folk-rock to blues. No previous musical experience is required.
Workshops 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.
Ensembles
The school’s Flute Ensemble is open to students of Grade III standard and above and works on a wide range of repertoire in a variety of styles. It is also an opportunity to meet other players and make some great music! 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. 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.
Theory
Beginning students should also consider taking Music Fundamentals, designed to supplement private tuition with the basics of music theory, and wind students at all levels are strongly encouraged to attend theory classes.
Recommended Instruments & Payment Plans
In association with Waltons music shops, we have selected several recommended instruments for students of wind 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
Eamonn Galldubh (traditional flute, concert flute)
Jessica Harris (oboe)
Sabrina Hu (concert flute)
Julie Maisel (concert flute, Flute Ensemble)
Michael McInerney (diatonic & chromatic harmonica)
Ronan O'Sullivan (clarinet, saxophone, recorder)
Dennis Wijers (saxophone, clarinet)
Back to top