Teaching Faculty
Waltons New School of Music
‘Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.’
– Japanese Proverb
‘It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.’
– Albert Einstein
My [piano] teacher very quickly discovers a student’s best way of learning and uses that to the student’s advantage. She is also very approachable.
I like the super friendly staff (both office and teachers), great location and ability to adapt individual tuition to your own pace and time commitments.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Intensive Lesson with Dav. I honestly thought I was incapable of singing, and she changed my mind on that!
A very positive experience and great teaching. [Introducing World Drumming]
Great fun, amazing teacher, loved every class! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
Marta is an amazing [voice] teacher. I studied singing [in Dublin] and Paris when I was younger, and the standard of teaching from Marta is much higher than anything I received in the past. More, she brings the techniques that she learnt about in master classes from world-renowned singers such as Barbara Bonney. Marta is encouraging and positive, vocally and emotionally; I feel uplifted when I finish my lesson. It is such a blessing to have her as my teacher. I strongly recommend her.
I like the structured approach and empathetic teacher with the ability to identify and help areas of weakness. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Pia brought me in the world of jazz (one that I didn’t know at all) with great skills, a perfect choice of songs, and a practical approach that made me enjoy the singing and at the same time gave me the desire to learn more about the theory of this music. Highly recommended for any singer or any lover of singing! [Jazz Vocal Workshop]
Excellent teacher and class environment in which to (re)learn singing! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
I liked everything about [Jazz Ensemble II]. The relaxed atmosphere was conducive to learning. But most of all, Dave is a great teacher and his dedication shows.
The Introducing Bodhrán course was great! John is an excellent teacher and he is really passionate about music. I enjoyed the classes and also discovered some Irish trad music while learning. Highly recommend it. Thanks!
Andriy’s [piano lessons] are excellent. He doesn’t get frustrated with my mistakes, and he helps explain how to overcome sections that are proving difficult. He is also a pleasure to work with and successfully helped me prepare for and pass my very first music exam.
Gabriele is a very professional and responsible violin teacher. The service at the school is excellent, and the reception is always very friendly.
A great [voice] teacher…really encouraging and patient. She has really helped me to regain the confidence in singing that I thought I had lost.
The teacher is great at providing a fun environment for learning. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
Very professional and friendly school with excellent teachers. I really enjoyed studying here.
I would definitely recommend the New School to my friends because of the great experience I’ve had with my daughter’s guitar lessons and the progress she has made over such a short period of time. The teachers work very well with their students, and it’s a fun learning environment.
Luke is a great [piano] teacher who nurtured and expanded [my daughter’s] musical abilities. We were very pleased with the tuition she received at Waltons New School of Music. The school administration also takes a real interest in matching your child to the most suitable teacher for what it is that you and your child are hoping to achieve from the lessons.
My [piano] teacher is so enthusiastic, encouraging and knowledgeable.
Sinéad Flynn is a wonderful singer and vocal teacher who teaches with much heart and passion, always pushing me to improve and to find more layers in the songs. The Friday casual concerts are very enjoyable, and everyone is so supportive of each other. When you enter Waltons, there is a lovely welcoming vibe, and the office staff are all extremely friendly and helpful. (voice student)
I had Grade 8 piano (and had been teaching for years) but thought it was high time to get a teaching diploma and ‘proper’ qualification, so I decided to take private lessons with Waltons New School of Music. My piano teacher was excellent – friendly, supportive and thorough – and after a solid year of study (and a lot of practice!) I passed the diploma exam (Associated Board) with distinction. Thank you Waltons!
Thanks to all in the New School for arranging such professional tuition with such experienced staff.
The teacher’s easy manner gave me the courage to have a go even if I wasn’t getting things right. By my own reckoning I have made huge progress since I began the [Sight Singing Made Easy] course.
I’ve learned so much from my teacher that I wasn’t able to learn from singing lessons elsewhere.
My son is on his second term of piano lessons and he absolutely adores it, loves the teacher, and I have to say I can’t speak highly enough of all staff too.
The teacher had an excellent knowledge of music and inspired me! Extremely good notes…easy to apprehend. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
My teacher is professional, committed to teaching guitar in a fun environment, and he takes a personal interest in his pupils, ensuring that they make steady progress. He is a real gent.
My only knowledge of music was as a subject I had taken for my Junior Cert. 50 years ago! The adult piano online beginners’ classes [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] were great. Our teacher is a lovely person and is very good at explaining and encouraging. This is a new hobby for me, and although I am slow to learn, I really enjoy the lessons and the practice.
A solid introduction to jazz and improvised music-making. The teacher is not only a great jazz musician but a supportive and inspiring educator. [Jazz Piano Basics]
My voice teacher is caring, kind and hard working, and I feel I have improved so much.
I’m writing about the wonderful Tin Whistle Taster my family recently had at the New School. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. Two adults and two children were kept entertained and engaged, and we learned so much not only about tin whistle playing but about Irish music in general in a short space of time. Éamonn is clearly not only a great musician but also a gifted, natural teacher – someone who can connect with people of all ages. We’ll definitely be back for a Bodhrán Taster the next time we visit Ireland! [Irish Music Tasters]
Peter Dobai, my saxophone teacher, tailors my online lessons perfectly to match my needs. I am 66 and already play jazz guitar, so I have a little knowledge but need a lot of input on theory, etc. I’ve already recommended Peter as a very versatile teacher who moulds his instruction to the needs of his students.
My time as a student in Waltons New School of Music over the past two years has been invaluable. My singing teacher Sinéad has opened new doors for me by teaching me how to improve my vocal techniques, and she also introduced me to the world of musical theatre. The lessons have been wonderful experiences and have encouraged me to go further on my musical journey.
Great teachers and a great environment. I have improved my musical abilities a lot thanks to the school. [voice student]
Excellent teacher. Excellent tuition. Friendly and encouraging. The Introducing Violin for Adults course content was perfectly pitched for a violin beginner. I enjoyed it immensely.
My [Introducing Singing for Adults] teacher is brilliant at explaining, giving hands-on tips and exercises to practice. She knows how to make people feel both more comfortable and braver, and she is always positive and encouraging.
I’ve wanted to learn piano for many years, and I’m glad I was finally bold enough to try. My teacher was not only patient but provided an atmosphere that wasn’t at all daunting or intimidating. I loved it! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
I really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and our teacher’s enthusiasm and dedication to teaching us how to play. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
Very enthusiastic teacher and great breadth of genres taught. Really enjoyable – didn’t miss a class! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
So-Young is a great teacher who really personalises her jazz piano lessons to cater to each student – what they want to learn, their strengths & weaknesses, etc. Lessons were very fun and had a good mix of comping and soloing. The school as whole has a great location, wonderful staff, high quality lessons and in-school resources.
I am very happy with my voice lessons at Waltons. I have an amazing teacher, very encouraging and patient, who makes the work fun. I will be continuing my lessons here for as long as I can afford it!
My son is very lucky to have found such a generous, committed and talented [double bass] tutor.
Can’t speak highly enough of my singing tutor. As a novice to singing beyond the privacy of my shower, her personal attention and interest in helping me to discover my singing voice has been invaluable.
Sinéad is a wonderful teacher. Every week she has encouraged me with her positive feedback, and I have gained a lot of confidence about my singing since starting lessons with her. I would recommend Sinéad and Waltons New School of Music to anyone who enjoys music. I also like the fact that the school accommodates both online and face-to-face tuition, and it’s both very central in town and easy to access by public transport. Finally, I have booked rooms in the school to practice my singing outside of lessons – which is an excellent facility.
I found the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course very enjoyable and very much looked forward to my hour class every week. My teacher created a very relaxed and fun learning environment and managed to include enough variation for me to have a good understanding of guitar playing. Will be continuing classes in the next term.
I looked forward to the class every week. We have an excellent teacher…always enthusiastic and encouraging. I’ll definitely be recommending [Introducing Violin for Adults] to other people, and I will be attending the next stage.
The [Trad Guitar Basics] course tutor is excellent and also very flexible. He knows how to bring someone up to speed if they fall behind in class. Very enjoyable as well as instructive.
John was very passionate about music and made me love playing the guitar. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
What I like most about my low whistle lessons with Harry are his patience, his friendliness, his proficiency with the instrument, his knowledge of traditional Irish music and his keenness to impart that knowledge. [online student]
I have a great piano teacher, very patient and very encouraging. The lessons are well organised, and it is very easy to enrol. I especially like that you offer online tuition. Thanks to my teacher and everyone else at the school!
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
Our online Tin Whistle Taster was super fun and engaging, and a great way to engage with the team. A really unique experience and such an interactive way to learn more about Ireland and traditional Irish music. Harry and Éamonn were really great teachers – patient, passionate and masters of their music!
My son’s [piano] teacher has a great approach and teaching skills for all levels. Would not change her in a million years. Concerts which are held in the school are fantastic preparation for stage or exams.
I have a very friendly and understanding voice teacher. I learned a lot from the lessons, and she has a wealth of knowledge. She approached the lessons with ease, and I felt comfortable singing with her. I looked forward to my lessons every week and I would highly recommend her to other students who wish to pursue voice/singing lessons. I also like that there are both online and in-person tuition options. I found it difficult to find online singing lessons, and it was very beneficial for me as I do not live in the greater Dublin area and I am on the move a lot. Waltons New School of Music offers a great range of subjects and a large variety of instruments to learn. The enrolment process was straightforward, and their communication regarding enrolment and finalising lessons was very quick and efficient.
I’ve really enjoyed Paddy’s [5-string banjo] lessons. I like has laidback teaching style, and I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made over last two terms under Paddy’s tuition. Looking forward to continuing! I’ve also found online lessons to be particularly useful and productive. Travelling to Dublin for a lesson would not make sense. Very happy to recommend Waltons to anyone looking for music lessons.
This course [Introducing Bodhrán] was brilliant. I can now play Riverdance on the bodhrán! John was such an inspiring teacher, and his passion was infectious. I would highly recommend Waltons. Thank you.
My [violin] tutor is amazingly patient and always provided me with so many alternative ways to approach a difficult section within a piece I was practicing for my exam. The feedback always started with the positive! What I especially about taking online lessons was not having to factor in the travel time. And regarding the school, I was made to feel part of a community, whether calling into the office or emailing. Everyone in the office and on the faculty is so supportive.
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 Trad Slow Sessions are an excellent way to learn new tunes.
I’m absolutely delighted that I signed up for the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] course, which is at the perfect level for a group of adult beginners. Rebecca is a fantastic teacher with an approachable and accessible teaching style, and she communicates so well with our group. There is a lovely rapport in the class. Overall, the New School has a great atmosphere and is a great environment for learning music. The staff and teachers are so professional and accommodating. I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
Sinéad is amazing, and Waltons students are lucky to have her! I learned so much in such a short time, and it’s all thanks to her and her passion! [Musical Theatre Workshop]
Dedicated and excellent choir director/tutor. [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
Small class, lovely teacher, lovely students. [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
I can’t speak too highly of Waltons New School of Music and of Paddy Kiernan’s tuition for the banjo. I love what I am learning and go away from each [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class more motivated to learn.
Luke Howard was the best part of the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course. He was energetic and enthusiastic about the everything. This made the course more exciting since it was online.
Sinéad is the best voice teacher I’ve ever had. She makes every single lesson fun, interesting, and useful. And many thanks for the online tuition option. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to take lessons anymore, since I am now based in Germany. Finally, every single interaction I’ve had with the school, be it online or in person, has always been very pleasant and helpful.
Paul instilled in my son a great interest in playing drums. What started as an attempt to make a boy with too much free time a bit busier has turned into a full-fledged hobby for him. What I like best about the school are its great teachers and personnel, convenient location and great communication with parents and students.
Michael McInerney, the [Introducing Harmonica] teacher, was very enthusiastic and passionate about the harmonica and teaching others. What I liked most was the detailed explanations given by the teacher and the music he assigned us to practice.
Melanie is a very talented teacher, and her [Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble] classes are a joy. She has a natural flair for communicating her extensive knowledge of jazz and swing music with infectious enthusiasm and fun. There was a lovely dynamic in our group, and we all learned to sing great songs with impressive rhythm and harmony.
My daughter thoroughly enjoys each [guitar] lesson. In just a short space of time she has developed confidence in playing her guitar and a desire to improve and learn more. This is purely attributable to the fantastic tuition from her teacher. Thank you!
Very well taught! Notes are easy to understand, and it definitely boosts your confidence towards the exam. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
My son has made great progress with the saxophone while studying here. While he has worked hard himself, much of this is down to the teacher, who has been both patient and motivating.
Michael is a really enthusiastic and capable teacher. I enjoyed both his humour and his teaching methods. He’s very patient and encouraging. [Introducing Harmonica]
Éamonn is a great [tin whistle] teacher. He cherishes what I already am capable of and knows exactly what to teach me to make me progress every week.
A truly excellent online course. The teacher is really engaging and not only makes the essentials of music reading (and writing) easy to understand but makes the whole learning process fun as well. I would highly recommend this course [Music Fundamentals] for anyone interested in learning to read music who doesn’t know where to start. You won’t regret it!
I’m delighted I made the decision to start learning guitar. The instructor is really helpful, and the classes are fun and enjoyable. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
Radha really enjoys her piano lessons each week and has learned so much this year. She especially likes how Dan mixes up the lessons with a variety of styles – classical pieces, modern music, and even songwriting. His positive and encouraging approach keeps her motivated, and it’s great to see how much she’s grown in skill and confidence. We’re really grateful for the balance of structure and creativity Dan brings to the lessons. I think it’s helping to develop a genuine love of music in her, which is so nice to see.
I wish I had discovered the New School’s Intensive Lessons sooner! I have a great singing teacher, and I have a lesson with her whenever I can, but I was out of the country far too much to have regular weekly lessons. When the first lockdown happened, I started taking online intensives, which worked very well. So when I do start travelling again I plan to take online intensives when I’m away.
It’s really exciting to hear the progress your own voice can make in the space of a term with guidance from your teacher, learning to relax and proper breathing. Love it! [voice student]
I absolutely love my [voice] lessons with Sinéád. She is extremely knowledgeable and inspires me to push myself. Her teaching style really puts you at ease and I have seen a great improvement in myself in the year that I’ve been going to her. During Covid-19, I didn’t continue with online lessons, but Sinéád still kept in touch and sent me relevant links and videos for my own home practice. I can’t wait to get back to Waltons!
As a non-neurotypical learner, I was able to learn music technology and DAWs (I focused on Logic Pro) with a patient teacher at a pace that suited my needs, and I progressed well. I look forward to continued progress!
A great [guitar] teacher – patient, organised, knows when to step back and when to push, very adaptable and knowledgeable.
Marta has been teaching me classical voice for the past three years at the New School, and the progress I have made under her guidance has been truly remarkable. Her deep expertise, structured approach, and genuine passion for music have had a significant impact on my development as a musician. Thanks to Marta’s dedication and effective teaching methods, I have consistently achieved high grades in advanced singing music exams. She combines technical rigor with encouragement, making each lesson both productive and inspiring. Marta’s personal teaching style and commitment to excellence sets her apart as a teacher. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled and nurturing classical voice instructor.
Dav, my teacher, has been so helpful in helping me to understand my voice. Learning to sing well is a process, but I see good results already. A very big thank you that the school is here and that you’ve given me an opportunity to learn with a professional and to satisfy my desire to sing.
I found the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] classes so enjoyable, and I looked forward to our group lesson every week. The teacher was excellent, with a relaxed and kind approach which helped settle any nerves. I’m so glad I decided to give it a go and will definitely continue with lessons.
I would definitely recommend anyone to take singing lessons at Waltons. My singing teacher taught me how to sing and brought up techniques to develop my voice in a way I could understand in just a few weeks of lessons. She was extremely friendly, welcoming, warm and professional all at once. She is an amazing teacher and singer, and you can tell she loves it by the way she teaches…with a lot of passion and interest.
Great school. Very good, caring teachers make learning enjoyable.
I find Dav’s [voice] lessons to be excellent and fun. My voice has improved greatly, and her relaxed style makes the lessons very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Sinéad Flynn is a fantastic [voice] teacher. Her vast knowledge of the musical theatre repertoire helps you choose pieces that suit your voice and helps you to make the most of your potential as a singer.
My teacher is a gem. A kind person with a deep understanding of music, who knows how to teach it. [voice student]
I started learning the drums as an adult, and my tutor, who is both very kind and professional, has made me feel very at ease and provided a great, personally tailored experience for learning quickly. The school’s location is very convenient and I feel like I’m getting everything I need from my lessons. Highly recommended.
Excellent teacher. Excellent revision. [Leaving Cert. Music Pre-Exam Revision Workshop]
I have been attending Waltons New School of Music for the past year, and it’s safe to say that I have run out of superlatives when it comes to the place. My own personal experience has been truly amazing from day one.
Firstly, you meet the people in the office, who couldn’t be more welcoming, helpful, and patiently informant. They do what I believe is a tough job very, very well.
I am learning traditional guitar with John Sweeney, and I’d like to take this opportunity to tell anyone thinking about joining up or getting started that this man has a gift, and I have to thank him on a regular basis for not keeping this wonderful gift to himself. He is unbelievably patient, is superbly knowledgeable about music and is just so down to earth and makes the lesson so enjoyable. You can see from him that he clearly loves his job, as he gets the same joy that the student does when things start to come together.
I also attend the Trad Slow Sessions on Friday evenings, and these too are excellent.
I would highly recommend Waltons New School of Music to anyone that is interested in taking up an instrument as I feel that you’re in good hands, you’re getting value for your money (they even have a discount for parking your car in Dury Street Carpark) and you will ultimately come out of there a far better musician than when you went in.
What I most liked about my voice lessons was the teacher’s skills and open attitude towards the student as a unique individual, as well as her friendly and compassionate manner. This school really stands out for the positive and friendly attitude of all the people who work there, from the teachers to the people at reception, which creates a safe environment to learn and have some fun!
Peter is a great clarinet teacher, who is always trying to make you think about what you are studying in new ways. As a result, my online lessons are very engaging. He has an amazing knowledge of both the history and theory of music and combines these eloquently to help you think through what you are studying. The result is that you discover new music which encourages you to practice, and you never know – maybe someday you could play this? You guys are lucky to have such a great teacher. I look forward to my lesson every week!
Professional, friendly and fun. Learned a lot about singing [with a] very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
I’m back home from Dublin. It was a most pleasant stay, but the high point of it was my bodhrán lesson. I have this personality disorder that manifests itself in collecting instruments and trying to learn them, mostly on my own. Being able to take even just one lesson with a real expert (and a most able teacher), is invaluable. Hope I’ll be back soon! [Irish Music Tasters]
Our [Introducing Violin for Adults] teacher was very friendly, calm and patient. She took everything step by step and made sure we understood. A very good teacher!
Really enjoyed my time at this school. Friendly, professional, with excellent teachers and lovely office staff. Highly recommended.
Excellent teacher! [Making Music (Ages 3-4)]
Our teacher made the technology very accessible, and he has an easy, pleasant teaching manner. [Introducing Music Technology]
I really enjoyed Cathy’s humour and patient manner. [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
I loved the [Introducing Ukulele for Adults] classes. I started with zero knowledge, but within weeks I was playing along to some great songs. The teacher is an accomplished and talented musician, and his love for music comes through in his classes. He was patient, positive and encouraging at all times. Great fun, highly recommended!
The school has a welcoming atmosphere and a very high standard of teaching that strives to meet the student’s personalised goals. Competitions, scholarships, etc. are great opportunities for students. [voice student]
The online classes were very enjoyable. There was a lovely atmosphere, and everyone felt at ease. The teacher was excellent, always ready to help and had a lovely way of encouraging her students. And there was no pressure put on any student to be perfect. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
The [Introducing Violin for Children] course exceeded my expectations. The teacher was kind and engaging. I was impressed that music theory was included from the first lesson so the students could begin to read the music they played. My son could see his own progress over the 10 weeks, and we look forward to continuing his tuition here.
The teacher was very easy to understand and was willing to answer any questions. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Great teacher, with great patience, who tries to get the best from my son at every [drum kit] lesson, while making it fun.
Vita Galla is a very easy-going piano teacher and a pleasure to work with. Waltons are also efficient in their paperwork/admin, which means I always got the time/day I want.
I only started recently, and as a mature student I was a bit apprehensive about going back to music after many many years – but both Andriy, my piano teacher, and Cathy, my fiddle teacher, made me feel at ease, and from week one I have just enjoyed it! Everyone in the school is so friendly and helpful – from the people in the office giving me information on courses and taking time to help me with any queries I had, to the teachers, who are brilliant. I would definitely recommend Waltons – a very welcoming place for students of all ages. Great location. Great teachers. Great staff. A positive experience from the very start!
Fun, challenging…with lots of good singing. The choir has improved my confidence, and I’m always in a good mood when the class is over. Cathy great! [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
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.
I have an excellent acoustic guitar teacher, and I could notice real improvement as we progressed through these online sessions. I would recommend the school for its competitive prices, good schedule availability and great teachers.
Great teacher, full of knowledge, who made the [Introducing Bodhrán] classes fun and incorporated extra teaching tools to go above and beyond.
Studying here was the highlight of my musical experience in Dublin. Both teachers are master musicians and exceptional music educators. Many thanks. Shalom, shalom. [Irish Music Tasters]
Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher. [Introducing Music Technology]
Harry is an excellent teacher who plans a really great term of music – challenging, enjoyable, interesting. He always has a great story and background history of the pieces and is always encouraging and upbeat. He teaches the whistle, but he also fosters a love of Irish music. Really enjoy the Monday classes. [Introducing Tin Whistle student]
Michael made learning fun and very accessible (i.e. you don’t have to be ‘gifted’ to learn to play). He explains techniques well and is very positive. [Introducing Harmonica]
A silver lining of this pandemic was that lessons moved online, and even though I had moved to Kerry I could continue learning to sing with Sinéad Flynn. She is a fabulous teacher and a huge asset to the New School. I would highly recommend to any aspiring singers or performers to sign up for lessons with Sinéad and the New School. [voice student]
Dave is an amazing teacher – the best I’ve ever had. He is extremely patient and passionate about what he is doing, and he is really good at motivating people. [Jazz Ensemble II student]
Ableton Live Basics is a great course to get started with Ableton Live, and it has given me the confidence to make my own music. The course was set at just the right pace, and every class covered something new without being overwhelming. The teacher’s friendly and relaxed attitude made the whole experience really enjoyable.
Exceptional tuition. I started [with] a group course [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] last term and continued with private lessons with the same tutor. The tutor has helped me make great progress towards my goals, and is very knowledgeable.
A very accessible beginner’s guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Adults]. The teacher was excellent, with great enthusiasm and expertise. I’ve taken two courses so far (Guitar and Bodhrán) and both have been excellent.
The [Introducing Bodhrán] course was amazing, and I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in such a short time. We have a fantastic teacher, knowledgeable and happy to introduce us to different types and flavours of music. He was very encouraging, and all in all it was a great experience.
Every topic covered, with plenty of tips for higher marks. Very helpful, with an exam oriented and enthusiastic teacher. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Sinéad Flynn is the best teacher I have ever had, for any discipline. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone interested in exploring their voice as an instrument. Sinéad is an exceptional teacher, very knowledgeable and encouraging, with a wonderful disposition. Also, the school staff are great, and the location is excellent.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning and developing a new skill. This was further enhanced by the enthusiasm, motivation and continual encouragement and support of the teacher. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
I went to Waltons to improve on guitar. There’s a good vibe in the school, with very helpful staff. I took lessons with John, who was both sound and enthusiastic about teaching guitar. Got a lot out of it.
We have been here for three years now, and our kids are very happy in Waltons and with their teachers. The teaching at Waltons is a professional combination of enjoyment and tuition. As a result, both my children have been inspired by their teachers to practice their instruments. Playing guitar or drums is not a chore anymore but has become a passion for them.
Amazing classes with incredible teachers. Don’t be afraid and think you can’t sing. This school will show you how everyone can be a singer and truly be happy after every single class. [Introduction to Song Performance student]
I had always been fond of the piano but had no training, theoretical or practical. The [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course I took introduced me to both, and with what I learned I’ve have been able to continue my tuition independently. Our teacher was lovely, patient and thorough, and she made the course very enjoyable, user friendly and easy to understand. I’m happy to say I still use the tools she provided in my practice today. A great online course, and good value as well!
My classical guitar teacher has a huge knowledge of music and vast experience in the music industry (just Google his name and you will be impressed!). He can explain the most difficult things in a simple and comprehensible way. I was a complete beginner when I started, and I can’t believe how fast I’m learning and how much I’m enjoying the lessons and playing this instrument. I would recommend Waltons New School of Music to anyone who wants to explore the mind-blowing world of classical guitar.
My singing teacher is very professional and knowledgeable and tailored my lessons to suit my needs. She is also easy to build a rapport with.
My teacher, David Burns, was very friendly and helpful, and the violin lessons were engaging and a lot of fun. David did a great job figuring out what level I was during the first two lessons and then motivated me to improve even more.
A fantastic opportunity to go over the course with a lecturer who really knows his stuff. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I thoroughly enjoyed [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] and can’t wait to continue and fulfil my lifelong dream of playing the piano! And I couldn’t recommend my teacher enough. He is fantastic – so clear, thorough and patient, and an excellent communicator.
Any anxiety, doubts or fears I may have had as a senior citizen with an interest in Irish music and as a late-comer to the process of learning to play the guitar, were first removed on meeting your reception staff and later re-enforced by the professionalism and friendliness of my tutor John Sweeney.
Great way to get started with the guitar! [I have] a very thorough and patient instructor, with good choice of content for the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] classes. I have found that my playing has improved greatly.
The guitar teachers at Waltons School of Music are brilliant. I would recommend them to anyone. Shame the term is over.
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
Fantastic [Trad Guitar Basics] teacher with stellar enthusiasm.
I have been studying singing with Waltons for three years now, and I have found it to be such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. My voice has really improved, and both the teaching standard and professionalism of the school are very high. My teacher Sinéad Flynn has been particularly helpful to me, and I really enjoy my lessons!
My concertina lessons are great. Learning music for the first time as an adult is very scary, but my teacher had the greatest patience and taught me many tunes. I progressed a lot, and that’s all her merit. She is a very knowledgeable and skilled musician, but she’s also a great teacher. It is very difficult to find both things in the same person.
I highly recommend Waltons New School of Music. I come from a conservatory background, and the level of tuition is as good. My concert flute teacher is very professional and passionate about music and teaching. He has brought me to another level with very advanced pieces, while adapting to my learning rhythm and providing the best advice.
I am a resident of the U.S. and was delighted to have found online guitar lessons with Waltons New School of Music. For an absolute beginner like myself, I had the ideal teacher, so patient and encouraging, allowing me to build confidence with every lesson. I could not have been happier with the experience. I am just so glad Waltons has made online music learning available. What a great use of technology to be able to connect with talented musicians and instructors from around the world!
The [Introducing Singing for Adults] course was so much more than I expected. I learned so much and gained confidence within myself. The teacher was an inspiration!
I am hugely enjoying my piano lessons and really like my teacher’s approach. I have made great progress in the last year.
Johnny Taylor is exceptional. As a former classical piano teacher to diploma level, I can safely say he is the best teacher I have come across, and I consider myself very fortunate to have done so. [jazz piano student]
Every week at my [guitar] lessons is a new and positive experience. I appreciate my teacher’s expertise greatly and feel lucky for the opportunity to continue learning from him. Waltons New School of Music is very professional and has a friendly, welcoming environment.
Hugh is an excellent [drum kit] teacher, very good and well organised in terms of technique, as well as flexible, helpful, very encouraging and kind to [my son].
I cannot thank you enough. My cello teacher always goes above and beyond in my lessons. And the office staff are knowledgeable, warm and friendly. It’s a lovely place to be a student.
John is a fantastic teacher. I have no musical talent, and I somehow came out of this 10-week course [Introducing Bodhrán] being able to play a few reels and jigs, and having really enjoyed the course.
I’ve always wanted to play drums, but I didn’t know where to begin. I saw that Waltons offers one-off Intensive Lessons, took the plunge and haven’t looked back! The teacher was so helpful and encouraging that I decided to enrol for regular drum kit lessons and buy an electronic kit. I’m hugely enjoying the experience.
The very positive approach by the teacher was so encouraging! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
The passion and ability of the individual teacher makes a huge difference both to the learning outcome and to the enjoyment of the lessons. Sinéad has the ability to make these happen. [voice student]
The teacher’s laid back and informal approach, coupled with vast experience and knowledge of music, made the [Songwriting Workshop] very enjoyable for me, and I would be happy to recommend it to others. The workshop was just what I was looking for and gave me an excellent understanding of how to approach songwriting.
The teacher explained everything clearly and efficiently [and] made the complicated works easier to grasp. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
My [voice] teacher is patient and skilled in understanding how different students might process things differently – which is great, in my experience. She’s also a performing and working musician, which I feel is important for music teachers in general. The teachers and faculty that make up Waltons are very skilled and passionate musicians, which makes them particularly great teachers.
Great [Introducing Ukulele for Adults] teacher. Never having played an instrument before, I didn’t have high expectations for this course, but years ago I fell in love with Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ‘Over the Rainbow’ on ukulele and wanted to play it – and believe it or not, now I can!
The teacher was very enthusiastic. His love for the music shone through! [Irish Music Tasters]
My daughter has a great [violin] teacher! I was hesitant at first to sign her up for online lessons, as I could not picture how music lessons might be held online. However, the lessons are fantastic! The teacher notices even small things and has done an excellent job in teaching and motivating my daughter to improve.
My [drum kit] teacher made it very easy to learn the drums, as he broke each skill down into its elements. Also, the drum kit here is fantastic.
I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
The [Introducing Violin for Adults] course gave me a great introduction to a difficult instrument in a friendly, fun environment. It was challenging but thoroughly enjoyable, which I think should be credited to the patience and helpfulness of the teacher.
I can’t say enough good things about Waltons New School of Music! My toddler has been taking [Making Music] classes, and it’s been an absolute joy watching her grow from a shy little one to an enthusiastic music lover. The teacher’s patience and engaging teaching style worked wonders with my daughter, and that seems to be the standard for all teachers at Waltons. The school has such a friendly, welcoming vibe, and they really know how to make music learning fun while keeping it professional. Whether you’re booking classes, rescheduling, or asking questions, the staff is super helpful and organised. What I love most is how they cater to everyone – from tiny tots like mine to adults – with flexible scheduling that actually works for busy families. If you’re thinking about music lessons, I’d definitely recommend giving Waltons a try. It’s been such a positive experience for us, and seeing my daughter confidently participating in their music sessions makes it all worth it!
Learning the fiddle was a really positive and worthwhile experience. The tuition was pitched perfectly for beginners, and Rebecca is an exceptional teacher. Thank you. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
Really enjoying learning bodhrán with such a great teacher. I just wish I’d discovered these online lessons sooner!
Harry is just great. In a few tin whistle lessons (all online and taken from Dublin, Amsterdam, Rome and Poland!), he taught me the basics of the Irish tin whistle, with a little effort from my side. His key capability is being able to transfer knowledge in an enjoyable manner.
Everyone is back home and more-or-less recovered from the short nights and travel, and can look back with a lot of pleasure on the fine weekend in Dublin. I would like to thank you for all your work in engaging the wonderful teachers, finding the classroom space, and having it all work out in timing and pricing. Thanks also for passing on my many requests to the teachers! I know it took quite some time, but it really helped make it the right kind of course for my pupils. I’m very grateful that the school and the teachers were willing to be flexible! I would also like to thank your colleagues…for the warm welcome, and for making us feel at home in the school.
Huge thanks too to all the teachers: John, Éamonn, Harry and Aoife. They were fabulous! The course was a great success for my students, and I would definitely be happy to work with Waltons New School of Music again. [Irish Music Tasters]
Great atmosphere, and the [Introducing World Drumming] classes were taught clearly and with enthusiasm. Brian is a great teacher, very patient and professional.
I have really enjoyed [Introducing Violin for Adults] at the school, especially the outstanding teaching skills, kindness and patience of the instructor. I have to say that choosing this course was a very good decision.
I’ve really enjoyed learning a new instrument and new songs, as well as the group camaraderie. The teacher is very patient! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
A pleasure to spend an hour doing something different with a genuinely passionate musician and totally nice bloke. [Irish Music Tasters]
I had no music background, but the teacher was very helpful and made it very enjoyable. I really enjoyed the [Introducing Violin for Adults] classes. Thanks!
An incredible player and inspiring teacher! [Introducing World Drumming]
Cathy is a great teacher [and] exposes me to interesting music material while quite dramatically improving my fiddle playing from a technical standpoint. [Irish and bluegrass fiddle student]
I think Sarah is an excellent piano teacher with a wealth of knowledge about music. She assesses my performance and sets expectations for me every week based on how fast or slow I am progressing. Her lessons are extremely well structured with a rightful emphasis to perfect the basics, and it’s really inspiring to learn from her.
There is a really pleasant atmosphere. The teachers are always available and proactive, as well as the people who work at reception.
Excellent online course, great teacher, highly recommended. [Summer Music Technology Essentials]
I’m writing to provide feedback on the Combined Tin Whistle and Bodhrán (and singing!) Taster provided for us by Waltons New School of Music. Quite simply, our experience was superb! Despite our late arrival given some transportation issues between Maynooth and Dublin, Harry greeted us warmly and expertly explained the historical origins and uses of each instrument. He was exceptionally patient in teaching us how to get started playing each instrument, including slowing the tempo of the first couple of songs we attempted to give each of us the chance to successfully hit the notes. (Note: I am a terrible tin whistle player, but I redeemed myself with the bodhrán and my duet with Harry singing ‘Molly Malone’.) We had a wonderful time with Harry and felt we learned about and experienced a bit of authentically Irish culture. As one of the group leaders, I would eagerly schedule this again when we return next year. Thank you so much for allowing us this experience with Waltons New School of Music. [Irish Music Tasters]
Great intro course. Great teacher, staff and location. Great experience! [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
The teacher’s enthusiasm and patience, and sensitivity to the varied standards of playing within the group, allows everyone to reach a satisfying standard of music making. A great opportunity to experience ensemble music making where the whole becomes greater than the parts! [Flute Ensemble]
Excellent school, excellent teachers, I would highly recommend. We had Dave Mooney for bass this year and he was great. Patient, kind and a great teacher.
Really enjoyed the Songwriting Workshop! In this difficult time when we can’t go places, music is the best remedy. The teacher delivered very hands-on classes that got me writing a few songs within a few weeks! Thank you. 😀
Fantastic course! [Introducing Guitar for Teens] John is such a great guitar player and teacher, and he really inspired me to learn guitar. I can play a few songs now, and I’m definitely going to continue learning.
I have a cracking teacher and really enjoyed the [Summer Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course. I loved the logical way he took us through the basics and gave us heaps of encouragement and praise.
I could do this course [Musical Theatre Workshop] all year long. Sinéad pushes and pulls you to do your best. The feeling of achievement is ‘grandiose’!
Barbara is a wonderful [piano] teacher! I was also very impressed with how quickly the school adapted to online lessons and was so happy that Barbara was able to continue to give our daughter lessons. Very impressive!
If you are looking to learn a new instrument, or how to sing, I couldn’t recommend Waltons New School of Music enough. It’s centrally located so is easy to get to, and the teachers are experts in their fields. The classes are taught in a relaxed environment, and they will no doubt leave you confident and competent in your chosen discipline. [Introducing Singing for Adults student]
Our teachers are listed in alphabetical order by surname. You can also filter teachers by department or area.
Click on an image or name to access a biography.
- All Faculty
- Drums • Percussion
- Ensembles
- Guitar • Bass • Ukulele
- Irish Music Tasters
- Jazz
- Leaving Certificate Music
- Music at Work Programme
- Music Technology
- Outreach Programme
- Piano • Keyboard
- Pre-Instrumental (Early Years) Music
- String Instruments
- Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting
- Traditional • Folk • World Instruments
- Voice (Singing)
- Wind Instruments
Lenka Dobai
Ana Dundovic
Sinéad Flynn
Grace Galligan
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Joan O’Malley
Melanie O’Reilly
Jade Roche
