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
Thank you Waltons New School of Music for providing a course I had been looking around for and for delivering on its promises. Superb tutor! [Introducing Music Technology]
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]
My daughter attended Waltons for the introductory guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Children] and has continued with an improvers course for almost two years. She really enjoys it. Her teacher is great – very calm, encouraging and patient, and he doesn’t talk down to them. Every week I see progress and her personal pride in playing a little more accurately and fluidly each time. The atmosphere in the building from all staff is one of professionalism, kindness and welcome.
I enjoyed the [Introducing Singing for Adults] course immensely and learned a lot. The teacher was excellent and I liked the whole welcoming set up in Waltons New School of Music.
Very good [voice] teacher, with excellent knowledge of good technique. Keep up the good work!
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!
Waltons New School of Music and my excellent teacher gave me the opportunity both to learn and achieve something that I didn’t think was possible for me. Through combination of healthy challenge and empathetic guidance, I learnt and grew in ways that I didn’t think I would in such a short space of time. Thank you…. [Songwriting Workshop participant]
I would highly recommend the Making Music course for 3–4-year-olds. It’s a truly brilliant course, wonderfully active and engaging, and it really benefitted my son’s listening skills and enthusiasm for singing and dancing. It’s lovely that there is no need for any knowledge of music or instruments for it and that the teacher combines her knowledge of music and teaching superbly well.
My daughter had no previous knowledge of the cello, and we took a big gamble investing in an instrument and lessons. Little did we know that in a short period of time her tutor Enrien would help build her confidence and take time to explain how to play the instrument, from holding the bow to understanding how to read music with ease. We are so impressed with Enrien. Not only he is super professional and shows so much dedication in each lesson, but his teaching has instilled in my daughter such love for the instrument that she wouldn’t miss a lesson! Thank you very much. We are so delighted and would highly recommend the school and its tutors.
We chose Waltons as one of the few music schools that offers bass guitar lessons, and the school has a very welcoming culture and great teachers. [My son] is very happy with his lessons and is keen to continue.
Michael McInerney has the blues running through his veins. I didn’t really expect much from the [Introducing Harmonica] course, but it’s so good I keep signing up for more terms of harmonica playing. Great fun too!
Learning the fiddle was a really positive and worthwhile experience. The tuition was pitched perfectly for beginners, and the teacher is exceptional. Thank you. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
I was over 50 and wanted to learn to play the fiddle, so I signed up for my first set of classes (10). I nervously attended my first [Introducing Irish Fiddle] class in Waltons, and I needn’t have worried. The admin staff were so welcoming and light-hearted and made me feel at ease. My class teacher has a very natural way of teaching; she is so patient and encouraging and there is a relaxed atmosphere in the class. I will be starting my sixth set of sessions with Waltons at Easter.
I have wanted to do a music technology course for years but the opportunity didn’t come up until I saw that Waltons were offering an online version of their Introducing Music Technology course. Signing up was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. My zero experience in recording music was no problem because it is tailored for beginners, and looking back on how much I learned in such a short space of time is incredible! The teacher is very friendly, helpful, and explains things in a clear and concise way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the subject!
A fantastic tutor. Waltons should be proud to have him. [Intensive Lessons]
Paddy is an excellent teacher. He is very easy to understand and explains things thoroughly. I enjoyed the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course and learned so much that I will be booking ahead for the next 3 terms.
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.
Excellent online tuition and fabulous tin whistle teacher. Harry’s huge background knowledge, passion for his craft, patience and approach to encouraging a learner like me to gain confidence and improve has inspired me to continue and become the best player I can be.
The teacher was very enthusiastic. His love for the music shone through! [Irish Music Tasters]
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 really enjoyed Cathy’s humour and patient manner. [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
I’ve really enjoyed my online lessons. I had tried learning banjo with YouTube videos but found the whole experience frustrating and difficult. Now I have progressed faster with just a few lessons (so far) with a great teacher than I had when trying to learn myself for over a year!
Top class vocal teaching that is specifically tailored to each student.
My ukulele lessons are on Tuesday evenings, and however hard my day was, I always look forward to them and walk away with a smile. I particularly like the flexibility and patience of my teacher, as well as the relaxed atmosphere.
My singing teacher is very motivational and passionate about music. I found the lessons at Waltons a valuable learning experience and great fun at the same time. Highly recommended.
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.
I’m a mature student with limited time to play an instrument, and Waltons have been great…. I’ve had a talented and very encouraging teacher, I’m so glad I took up violin, and I plan to continue. Thanks!
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.
Harry is a great teacher, with a passion for Irish music that is infectious. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
Very good course and atmosphere…. [My son] loved the teacher, different instruments and other children. Interaction helped him to ‘come out of his shell’. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
Excellent teacher and class environment in which to (re)learn singing! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
Harry’s teaching methods are excellent, and I could see my own skills improving each week. Great atmosphere in the classroom. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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!
Great [voice] teacher. I have developed so much in the past year [and] have learned so much technique. We get through a lot in a 30-minute lesson; it’s very productive.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and it completely exceeded any expectations that I had. The teacher’s experience and encouragement meant that we each left more confident in ourselves and in our abilities to create music.
John is a great teacher, and I enjoyed every minute of my [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course and my practice at home. Your patient and experienced tutors, nice and helpful staff and wide range of classes make you the best music school in Dublin. I have recommended you to all of my friends.
A wonderfully accessible way to learn music with expert teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Highly recommended. [Irish flute student]
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.
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.
The online [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course was very good and allowed me to take the first steps towards playing guitar. The teacher was knowledgeable, covered a good range of topics, was very clear in explaining them and taught us good songs. He was also accessible and always available to support us with any questions we had.
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!
Really enjoyed my time at this school. Friendly, professional, with excellent teachers and lovely office staff. Highly recommended.
The guitar teachers at Waltons School of Music are brilliant. I would recommend them to anyone. Shame the term is over.
My piano teacher is very understanding, patient and encouraging. These online lessons have been a great experience, and I should have done it years ago.
This has been a most enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience. My [guitar] teacher is a classy, professional but very much down-to-earth guy. He puts you at ease and is hugely encouraging and supportive. On my first visit I was a little tentative on arrival. His style is to engage and listen, and I immediately felt comfortable and assured. Since then I’ve genuinely enjoyed every minute of these sessions. Don’t think I can say that about too many experiences of anything I’ve been involved with over the years!
Great location, friendly staff…excellent [double bass] teacher and good opening hours.
Excellent teaching, and easy learning techniques. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
My son is really enjoying his piano lessons at Waltons and is very impressed with his teacher. He is encouraged in a positive manner.
My 7-year-old could not get enough of the [Introducing Violin for Children] classes. She never wanted to miss her class, where she learnt how to play the violin and made friends.
The Songwriting Workshop was transformative for me, taking a lifelong ambition at songwriting and – within a few weeks – transforming it into a weekly/daily practice rather than a vague aspiration. Luan Parle clearly understands the songwriting process intimately, but what is rare is her ability to convey that deep understanding to fledgling songwriters. She dived right into the process from day one, and it was very much “learning-by-doing”. This immediately alleviated my nerves and self-consciousness. She also broke down songwriting into easily digestible components (verse/bridge/chorus/middle eight) and then sent me away to try and write each ‘part’ between classes. The course was really exciting and rewarding – and it also managed to demystify songwriting and make it more realisable. Throughout, Luan’s approach was always one of positivity and optimism – searching out the best parts of my work. The course was also very good value.
I honestly didn’t think I would get so much out of online singing lessons, but my teacher’s just brilliant and I have learned loads. I live much too far from Dublin to come to the school on a regular basis, so online tuition has been a great experience for me.
Take that chance – it is never too late. From the day I signed up for the [Songwriting Workshop] course to the last session the teacher and staff were so helpful and friendly. Just go for it!
A great [guitar] teacher – patient, organised, knows when to step back and when to push, very adaptable and knowledgeable.
We have a fantastic guitar teacher. His teaching style is so relaxed and as somebody who was an absolute beginner, I cannot believe how much I have learned in such a short space of time. [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.
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. 😀
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.
I’ve been attending voice lessons with Sinéad Flynn for the last five years, and I have felt my confidence grow and my technique improve thanks to the effort both myself and Sinéad put in every week! It has been great to work towards the Scholarship Competition, as well as towards grade exams, in a relaxed and supportive environment, and I’ve really enjoyed the experience.
Great foundation for a jazz beginner. The teacher has a very positive, open and encouraging approach. [Jazz Piano Basics]
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].
My child loved the [Introducing Guitar for Teens] class and the teacher. She’s learned a lot.
Experience with my [drum kit] teacher has been fantastic. He’s a great teacher with lots of patience – encouraging and really passionate.
Great, knowledgeable teacher. This beginner guitar class [Introducing Guitar for Adults] helped me go from not knowing one end of a guitar from the other to actually being able to play a song!
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.
The [Introducing Singing for Adults] course is a truly uplifting and fantastic experience. We have an amazing teacher who has great patience and brings humour to our classes, so that we’re always relaxed.
A great atmosphere to learn in. I have got to know a few other students here, and the teachers are more than helpful with any musical questions that I have and have had. With the tuition I received from Waltons, I got into college to study music at Third Level. [bass guitar & piano student]
I really like the structure of Gabriela’s piano lessons and that we work on two things at once! She’s a great teacher for an adult beginner and is very encouraging.
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
I would recommend the [Introducing Music Technology] course to anyone who thinks learning how to use DAW software is beyond their reach. I can’t think of a better place to start. The course made it easy to understand a lot of technical terms and information with ample time to ask questions and get clarification, which is quite an achievement for an online course. We also had an excellent, patient and hands-on teacher.
John Sweeney is an excellent, inspirational tin whistle teacher. I have learned so much from him, and he has instilled in me a love of music, which I am so grateful for. I would recommend John to anyone interested in learning the tin whistle.
The teacher is great at providing a fun environment for learning. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
Super [guitar] teacher who really listens.
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]
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.
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 such a supportive and encouraging Irish fiddle tutor with endless patience, who instantly puts me at ease and who I could not rate highly enough. A total credit to the school.
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.
Loved the way you get to express yourself…. Sinéad gets the best out of you, and it is so much fun! [Musical Theatre Workshop]
What I liked best about the course was the fast progress we made, the great atmosphere of the class and the teacher’s amazing instruction and passion for music. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
Dave Mooney is an excellent bass guitar teacher who has made [my son] the musician he is today.
A good music tutor is worth their weight in notes! It’s the personal touch that makes tuition at Waltons a far superior product to other products, especially on-line tutorials. Having a tutor who specialises in your chosen instrument and has 3rd level or higher qualifications means the student receives phenomenal value for both money but more importantly, TIME. 60 minutes with a good tutor can unravel countless hours of poor self-learning and bad habits, leaving the student highly motivated to improve and develop their playing repertoire. What’s not to like! [bass student]
This course [Songwriting Workshop] gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.
My son is very lucky to have found such a generous, committed and talented [double bass] tutor.
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
Our [Introducing Irish Fiddle] teacher was really supportive and enthusiastic from the start, and her love for music was contagious! I really enjoyed learning from her and I will definitely continue taking lessons from Waltons.
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.
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 [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!
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.
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.
I love my voice teacher. She’s really friendly and thoughtful, and I enjoy studying with her so much!
I’m taking singing lessons, and I really like my teacher’s approach of going with the ‘natural’ voice. I also like that the school is inclusive of ‘mature’ students. And finally, as I’m not able to travel into town for lessons, online lessons give me the opportunity to continue.
Overall, this a very welcoming school, accepting of beginners of all ages without compromising high musical standards and the pursuit of excellence.
My [guitar] teacher is engaging and has broad and deep musical and technical knowledge that has improved my playing considerably.
I thought Dan, our teacher, was great, very patient with beginners while keeping us moving on to the next step. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults student]
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!
Great [voice] teacher, very friendly as well. She put a lot of effort into finding new ways to improve my singing.
The teacher’s approach to teaching the tin whistle is brilliant. He started gently (which I needed) and brought everyone along. There’s also a mix of Irish music appreciation that works for me. I’d recommend this class [Introducing Tin Whistle] for anyone interested in learning to play traditional music.
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
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!
Sinéad is an incredible voice teacher. She is not only extremely talented and dedicated but is also very skilled at understanding the student’s psychological limits and tailors her lessons accordingly. She clearly puts a lot of effort and time into her teaching, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found her.
My Irish harp teacher’s method is truly excellent. From precise and efficient playing techniques to ways of making the music richer, she impresses me every time. As an international student, I also found the environment at the school incredibly welcoming. The teachers are very patient and explain everything clearly, making it a perfect place for anyone to learn music, regardless of their background!
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.
As a past musician who had not played an instrument for 30 years, Waltons and [my teacher] gave me back my music. For that I will always be grateful.
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.
The wonderful teacher, very supportive and patient, made for a very enjoyable experience. There was a lovely sense of camaraderie in the group learning and playing together. [Flute Ensemble]
Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature! [Sight Singing Made Easy]
I have been taken singing [Intensive Lessons] for the past three years. Early on, I decided not to stick to one teacher so I could benefit from different approaches, and the standard of teaching from all the teachers I’ve had has been uniformly excellent.
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 informative. 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 lessons so enjoyable. You can see 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 who is interested in taking up an instrument, as I feel that you’re in good hands, you’re getting value for your money and you will ultimately come out of there a far better musician than when you went in.
Very relaxed, friendly approach. Paddy encourages everyone to ask questions and is great at demonstrating. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
Great structure to this online course and easy to follow notes. Our teacher was excellent, and he gave everyone a chance to play, ask questions, etc. He went above and beyond in providing chords for songs we might like to learn, MP3 recordings for all classes and most of all, enthusiasm! [Introducing Guitar 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]
Johnny is not only a highly skilled pianist but as a teacher well able to communicate the essentials and tailor the tuition to my needs. The level of his tuition is way above other tutors I’ve experienced. I also feel that the school staff are very approachable and easy to deal with. [jazz piano student]
Everything was taught in a very relaxed manner, and the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] course had a really lovely and enjoyable atmosphere. Adam is extremely patient and thorough, and I was absolutely delighted that he was our teacher.
My [piano] teacher is so enthusiastic, encouraging and knowledgeable.
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.
Fantastic [Trad Guitar Basics] teacher with stellar enthusiasm.
The welcoming and friendly atmosphere and wonderful staff and teachers at Waltons make it such a special place to be a part of. I started my singing lessons with the fantastic Sinéad Flynn nine months ago and have loved every lesson since. Whether you’re a beginning a new instrument or an experienced musician, I could not recommend Waltons more!
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 is a fantastic [voice] teacher. She’s super attuned and knows how to put her students at ease, creating a space for them to take risks and explore their musicality and voice. She’s also incredibly encouraging and engages with the person in front of her in a holistic, empathic, super-experienced and grounded way. And she paces the level of challenge really well. In general, I’ve had such a positive experience in the school; all the staff are lovely and extremely helpful, balancing warmth and professionalism. A beating heart of music education in Dublin’s city centre.
The lesson was very good and the teacher was great, encouraging and relaxed. [Irish Music Tasters]
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.
Very enjoyable course [Introducing Music Technology], with all details well explained by a knowledgeable and friendly teacher.
The teachers were extremely talented, engaging and knowledgeable. I loved the demonstrations of various instruments (especially the pipes). [Irish Music Tasters]
I don’t think anyone wanting to learn jazz piano could find a better teacher than Johnny Taylor.
Thoroughly enjoyed the course [Musical Theatre Workshop]. Sinéad is a super teacher!
I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
Luke has incredible depth as a jazz piano teacher and is very encouraging. I would recommend the New School for its great teachers, great location and being part of a community of real musicians.
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.
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.
The teacher does a brilliant job with the [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)] course. Each child is listened to and well looked after, whether the classes are in the school or online. My son loves the course and has learned lots of new things. He looks forward to every Saturday.
Great fun, amazing teacher, loved every class! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
I have an excellent piano teacher – she is very patient, friendly and encouraging at all times. She also has the brilliant ability to break down the more complex aspects of a piece into simpler parts, which makes it easier to understand and learn them. She has a great technical knowledge of the piano and music theory as well.
I went initially to Marta Natoniewska for some Intensive Lessons about 8 years ago. I had zero confidence in relation to singing, as I hadn’t sung since my school days. I doubted my ability and wondered if it was too late to learn, as I coming up to retirement age. But I was keen to learn, and she was so nice and encouraging. I have now been taking weekly lessons since March 2024. My confidence and technique have improved dramatically, thanks to Marta. I am enjoying the experience immensely and am amazed at how much I have learned. I also recently decided to take singing exams. There was absolutely no pressure to do so, as it’s optional. But I am really enjoying the challenge under Marta’s guidance and encouragement. I often recommend her to others considering singing lessons. [voice student]
Great atmosphere, and the [Introducing World Drumming] classes were taught clearly and with enthusiasm. Brian is a great teacher, very patient and professional.
I’m finding [Introducing Violin for Adults] very enjoyable and not at all intimidating. The teacher makes us feel at ease as we learn the violin.
My online singing lessons with the New School over the past few months have been a revelation! I know it can take people a bit of time to get used to online learning, but I have an excellent teacher who explained everything so clearly and listened to my singing so intently that I honestly prefer online lessons to in-person now. And the best part of it is that I have no commute!
I started to play cello in my senior years, and my in-school lessons with Enrien have been invaluable. He has given me a great introduction to the basics of cello playing. The school staff have always been helpful, and the school’s city centre location has been great.
Marta is a wonderful teacher. After taking [voice] lessons with her, my daughter’s attitude towards singing completely changed. She has gained confidence in singing and now has a real love for it.
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.
John was very passionate about music and made me love playing the guitar. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
I always wanted to play the mandolin but never thought I could. Paddy is an excellent teacher, and his method of teaching has brought me way beyond my expectations.
Great teachers, great place for an adult to learn to sing. As a result of time in the New School I was able to join first the Rathmines Folk Group, then the Sandymount Gospel Choir and then the Donnybrook Church Choir. I have also taken three exams with the Royal Irish Academy of Music, with Honours in my last exam. I am at present preparing for a Grade 6 exam. None of this would have happened were it not for Waltons New School of Music. [voice student]
My violin lessons with Oleg are endlessly entertaining! He always makes the lesson fun and applicable to my abilities. What’s more, he focuses on the technical aspects of violin playing as well as the musicality; many other teachers do not.
My child benefited from individual attention from an excellent teacher in a small group. [Introducing Violin for Children]
With a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and excellent teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this online course. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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.
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!
John is a master of many styles of guitar playing – Irish traditional, flamenco, jazz, rock, you name it – and his enthusiasm for all kinds of music is infectious. This series of classes [Trad Guitar Basics] was very informative and fun to attend, and it gave me the basis for practice and improvement over the coming months. I enjoyed them greatly.
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.
Great [piano] teacher, always ready to help, with incredible patience and very helpful suggestions.
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!
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.
Everything needed for your exam in one place. The teacher was very good and explained everything, particularly the composition paper. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Michael has an encyclopaedic knowledge of harmonica and the blues. He gives great encouragement to his students whilst showing great patience. [Introducing Harmonica]
It’s an amazing course! [Musical Explorations [Ages 5-6)] I am so thrilled with the teaching and atmosphere, and Jade is a really gifted teacher. My five-year-old has been engaging with the world differently since starting; he sees musical instruments in ordinary kitchen items, and he hears and identifies music now. We have such fun improvising together. It’s beautiful watching him bloom.
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.
Thank you very much for the very informative, exciting and interesting three days for our students at your school! They really enjoyed playing the tin whistle and bodhrán and singing traditional Irish songs. Your teachers did a really good job, and the students learned a lot in a very short time. A fascinating new experience! [Irish Music Tasters]
Loved the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course, and instructor was brilliant. He took me from picking up a banjo and not knowing a thing to having a really good grasp of the instrument.
My banjo teacher is both patient and encouraging, and the lessons are very informative. I’m very happy with my online lessons and plan to continue.
My children have been taking online lessons with Barbara Dagg, who is an outstanding piano teacher with the experience and patience to inspire even the most challenging of children. She tried different techniques and ways of teaching to find something that worked well for both of my children. For my oldest, she was supportive and understanding as she went into her first pre-exam and gave her confidence. For my youngest, she tried different ways of working with her to find something that stuck. They have both progressed tremendously in the last year and enjoy playing. We have had a great experience with the school, and I have already recommended it to other families.
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)
Excellent [voice] teacher. Excellent school. Thanks for giving me the confidence to get in touch with my real singing voice. Music is one of the greatest gifts we have been blessed with.
Absolutely delighted with the singing lessons I’m getting from the amazing and highly talented Marta Natoniewska during the pandemic. I thought I had lost my voice skills, but if you get the right people teaching you, you get your confidence back again. Thank you Marta and Waltons New School of Music for making me believe in myself!
I loved the class [Musical Theatre Workshop]. The teacher is brilliant, and I feel much more confident about my singing and acting. Also the class is great fun.
I am hugely enjoying my piano lessons and really like my teacher’s approach. I have made great progress in the last year.
Great induction course. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] The teacher was relatable, approachable and knew what he was talking about.
The teacher was very easy to understand and was willing to answer any questions. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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]
This course [Musical Theatre Workshop] is excellent for developing both acting and singing skills in fun, relaxed and creative atmosphere. Sinéad is dedicated, enthusiastic and open to letting the class develop their performance. I hope to take the course again next year, as it has given me the confidence to perform and audition for my local musical society.
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.
Our teacher 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]
The teachers here are the best I’ve ever come across. I have been in the school for seven years, and it has never let me down.
All the fundamentals were covered, which gave us the best foundations for learning how to play the violin correctly. Terrific teacher, and the atmosphere of the [Introducing Violin for Adults] classes was always great and positive. I had fun at every class. Thank you.
Well organised [piano] lessons with a fantastic, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable teacher. And the school provides lots of opportunities to learn different instruments.
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]
I’ve learned so much from my teacher that I wasn’t able to learn from singing lessons elsewhere.
Have been to the Jazz Vocal Workshop at Waltons as well as one-on-one singing lessons. Teachers are personable, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, so too are the admin staff. I would highly recommend the school and will be signing up again soon for more intensive singing lessons!
Marta is an amazing voice teacher. Kind and encouraging, she has helped me to grow as a singer both in technique and in confidence. She has also helped me to complete Grades 4 through 6 of my classical singing exams, and I have received distinctions each time.
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]
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]
I like the structured approach and empathetic teacher with the ability to identify and help areas of weakness. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Studying Irish fiddle here has been a most enjoyable learning experience, with nice tunes and a great teacher. This has been an ideal opportunity to learn Irish fiddle.
Dave is an extremely good teacher; he is very skilled at explaining concepts in a way that is conducive to my understanding. He is also very dedicated, puts a lot of effort into the lessons and clearly has great expertise with which to teach music theory and the bass in a very intuitive way. Overall, the standard of teaching was extremely high, and I gained a very strong understanding of both theory and my instrument very quickly. More generally, the school was very helpful in organising lessons, and the facilities and staff are both excellent.
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.
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 decided to take the [Ableton Live Basics] course because I had Ableton Live Lite software that came bundled with some gear I’d bought, and I had no idea how to use it. The course far exceeded my expectations. I’d imagined a course that would give me a couple of tips for using Ableton Live more effectively, but our teacher provided us with so much more. I now realise why Ableton Live is such a popular software – and I now have a very good idea of what it can do!
I liked the encouragement and guidance, the comradery with the group and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, as well as the great teacher, very knowledgeable and experienced, with great insight into songwriting and lots of tips. [Songwriting Workshop]
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
Aoife Dunne
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Melanie O’Reilly
Isabella Remkes
Jade Roche
