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
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)]
The [Introducing Guitar for Adults] tutor is excellent, patient and easy to understand. He makes the class very enjoyable. I also really like the friendly atmosphere in the school. All of the staff are very helpful and professional.
Waltons’ music lessons are world class. The teachers go out of their way to encourage their students and make the lessons more enjoyable for them.
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.
A wonderful music school with a broad range of courses, excellent teachers and a friendly approach. I would be happy to recommend the New School to anyone. [Irish harp student]
My child loved the [Introducing Guitar for Teens] class and the teacher. She’s learned a lot.
I have an absolutely brilliant teacher. He is not only passionate about music but he is also a very talented drummer. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher, as he goes above and beyond in every class. I hesitated to enrol for drumming lessons at the beginning, as I wasn’t sure if this would be for me. Thanks to my teacher and his tremendous talent I discovered my new passion. Love every minute. 10/10
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.
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]
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.
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!
I’ve gained so much since I’ve taken [Musical Theatre Workshop] classes here. My confidence has grown immensely, and I’ve come on as both a singer and performer. Sinéad is an amazing teacher who has pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me so that I can reach my full potential and be the best performer that I can possibly be.
My personal experience is that Waltons New School of Music has a long tradition of fostering musical talent in its students, and my tutors have continued that tradition with respect, flexibility, skill and creativity. I really enjoy working with Adam, my Irish harp teacher, and he has helped me develop my own skills and style at my own pace.
John was very passionate about music and made me love playing the guitar. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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.
I really enjoyed Cathy’s humour and patient manner. [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
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 been taking online lessons, and my guitar teacher has inspired me to start playing again after 30 years. He’s a super teacher and sends me helpful notes straight after each lesson. I’ve been learning more and more difficult guitar pieces after my initial tentative lockdown attempt to restart lessons.
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.
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]
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.
Cathy is a fantastic and supportive instructor. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it! [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
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]
Very enthusiastic and able teacher. Go raibh maith agat! [Trad Guitar Basics]
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.
My son takes drum kit lessons at the New School, and his teacher uses a variety of teaching techniques to make the lessons both interesting and enjoyable. The school has a great location and facilities for teaching.
I came back to guitar lessons in middle age and have found that I can pick up my skills and still learn to a high level, with a collaborative and supportive teacher. He really tunes into what music I like to play, understands what skills I need to work on and gives me very good guidance for practising. It has been most beneficial and enjoyable.
My piano teacher is super nice and patient, so kind and always encouraging – I truly like her. Very nice staff as well. It felt like home. Thanks everybody – you are all lovely!
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.
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.
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
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!
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 have an excellent [voice] teacher. She is very encouraging and has a lot of insight into the individual student’s problems and how to improve them.
Excellent teaching skills, very good interpersonal skills – and also very patient! It has been a pleasure to attend [guitar] lessons with John.
Dedicated and excellent choir director/tutor. [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
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.
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.
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]
A great [guitar] teacher – patient, organised, knows when to step back and when to push, very adaptable and knowledgeable.
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]
Relaxed but progressive atmosphere. Excellent tuition. Professional teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
Great teacher, with great patience, who tries to get the best from my son at every [drum kit] lesson, while making it fun.
My teacher was so engaged and tailored the lessons to my wants and needs. [Irish banjo student]
Barbara Dagg is a brilliant piano teacher – patient, adaptive to the different needs of my three children and helping them to progress at their own pace. I also really appreciate that it has been possible to continue the lessons online, as we would be unable to travel to the school in person regularly. Online tuition is fantastic!
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.
Very friendly and professional school, with great staff.
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!
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.
Sinéad created a great, welcoming and supportive musical environment. The songs we worked on varied between comfortable and challenging for me to sing, and that was a great part of the experience. [voice student]
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!
Sinéad is the best voice teacher I’ve ever had. In a few months, I’ve built up so much confidence in my voice and I can really hear how I’ve improved. I get to work at my own pace and have had the chance to sing some of my favourite pieces too. If you want to work on both technique and mindset, then I highly recommend Sinéad’s tutoring.
Our [Jazz Vocal Workshop] teacher is very knowledgeable, patient and good-humoured, and I enjoyed exploring a new area of singing with someone who is both an expert in her field and able to teach it. This is my third course at Waltons and all three have been great.
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.
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]
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.
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.
Thoroughly enjoyed the course [Musical Theatre Workshop]. Sinéad is a super teacher!
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.
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!
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]
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.
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]
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!
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 approached the school with a certain goal in mind – to undertake the LCME exams – so my ukulele lessons were tailored for this purpose, which was brilliant. John is a great teacher; he is very patient, knowledgeable and generous with his time, and he provides good advice on how to approach the pieces. I’ve learnt more about music theory, the fretboard and improved my playing skills in the past year than I have in many years playing in ukulele sessions and bands.
Paddy is an excellent, adaptable [banjo] teacher who helped me to achieve my goals.
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]
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.
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]
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 learned so much…. The teacher was excellent with a wide knowledge of the field. [Introducing Music Technology]
Really enjoyable piano for beginners course. I feel like I learnt a lot in ten weeks. Our teacher was great, really patient and encouraging. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Excellent course. Eoin makes what some would consider a dry subject both interesting and engaging. And being able to read music has opened up a whole new world for me! [Music Fundamentals]
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.
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]
Excellent [violin] teacher with great insight into what I needed. The school has nice friendly atmosphere and high-quality lessons.
Great [voice] teacher, very friendly as well. She put a lot of effort into finding new ways to improve my singing.
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.
I don’t think anyone wanting to learn jazz piano could find a better teacher than Johnny Taylor.
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. We have a fantastic teacher with an approachable and accessible teaching style, who 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!
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]
I’m into my 4th year of [guitar] tuition and have progressed way beyond my expectations – which I thought were ambitious. The environment in the school is serious in terms learning and progression, yet hugely developmental and enjoyable. My tutor is the consummate professional. He has a teaching style that is easy to engage with and breeds confidence and encouragement – all delivered with a subtle but effective eye towards delivery beyond expectations. I’ve never not looked forward to a class. That says it all for me!
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the singing/voice classes [Summer Singing for Adults] I have taken with Fiadh Rua Gregg: the mix of exercises, technical knowledge and skills, learning new songs, and the experience of singing with other people. I also enjoyed listening to and learning from other people in the group. I have learned so much about my voice, and I really value this learning – considering how much I use my voice in my work.
The whole experience has been deeply enriching. I appreciated how Fiadh pitched and paced each class with a blend of tasks that provided a challenge while also offering a sense of achievement. While I attended all classes online, I felt very much part of a group, and this was due to Fiadh’s skill as a teacher, as she created such an encouraging, facilitative and supportive atmosphere. I had wanted to take singing/voice classes for years, and I’m so glad I did!
My [guitar] teacher is engaging and has broad and deep musical and technical knowledge that has improved my playing considerably.
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.
The lesson was very good and the teacher was great, encouraging and relaxed. [Irish Music Tasters]
David is a truly fantastic violin teacher. He is full of enthusiasm and has great patience, keeping the lessons fun while progress is being made. I would recommend Waltons New School of Music because of its great teachers, very accessible location, and good communication from the school.
This is a well-designed course [Introducing Harmonica] where progress is nearly guaranteed (as long as you practice enough). Michael McInerney knows what he is talking about, and he definitely has the skills to bring you to the next level.
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.
Really super lessons, both in person and online. Studying voice musical theatre with Sinéad Flynn has been such an enriching experience. She has a lovely manner, very encouraging and still critical and pushing me to improve. I have learnt so much in the past 18 months, and the lessons have done wonders for my confidence. I’m even taking exams in my forties!
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!
A very patient teacher. She moves the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] class at just the right pace to push you forward, but she doesn’t leave anyone behind.
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
I thoroughly enjoyed The Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop with Melanie O’Reilly. I found the content very interesting and informative, and I’m continuously putting it into practice in my writing. Melanie is a brilliant teacher, enjoyable and fun to listen to. She has so much knowledge and experience, and the course has helped me to get a grasp on how to go about writing a song with a structure. It was also a lovely way of meeting people with similar interests, and we still keep in touch. I would highly recommend the course.
Daniel is a great piano teacher. He is dedicated and very patient, particularly with younger students like my 6-year-old daughter. We’re thrilled with her progress, and she loves the piano lessons. I also like the availability of online lessons at home for younger children. I would highly recommend anyone, beginner or advanced, to take lessons with Waltons New School of Music.
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]
Gabriele is such a friendly and helpful [violin] teacher. [My daughter] felt really comfortable with him as he made the lessons so enjoyable.
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.
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]
Dav is an amazing voice teacher – incredibly kind, patient and extremely knowledgeable. What I value most is how much I learn in every single lesson. She has a wonderful way of explaining things that helps me to truly understand my voice and develop my skills step by step. I always leave the lessons feeling that I have grown as a singer and gained new confidence. Even on difficult days, the lessons lift my mood and motivate me to keep improving. Her energy and passion for her work are truly inspiring. She is not only a wonderful teacher but also an exceptional artist.
A fantastic tutor. Waltons should be proud to have him. [Intensive Lessons]
I started the [Musical Theatre Workshop] wanting to sing but not believing I could. I ended it on a high note – literally. I found my voice through the energy, enthusiasm and love of singing Sinéad shares and gives to you – to find your voice is a powerful gift to yourself.
The teacher is great at providing a fun environment for learning. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
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.
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.
I can’t say enough good things about Waltons New School of Music! My toddler has been taking [Making Music (Ages 3-4)] 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!
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]
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!
Well organised [piano] lessons with a fantastic, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable teacher. And the school provides lots of opportunities to learn different instruments.
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]
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]
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.
Great foundation for a jazz beginner. The teacher has a very positive, open and encouraging approach. [Jazz Piano Basics]
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]
A fantastic opportunity to go over the course with a lecturer who really knows his stuff. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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]
Harry is a great teacher, with a passion for Irish music that is infectious. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
Very good [voice] teacher, with excellent knowledge of good technique. Keep up the good work!
Great school. Very good, caring teachers make learning enjoyable.
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.
Hugh is a great drum kit teacher, and I always enjoy the lessons. He’s very patient and always makes them interesting. Great set-up as well. Thanks for everything.
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.
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.
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!
I had no expectations going to my first [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class, but when it was over, I knew I was in the right place and was going to love it! Paddy is such an affable man, blessed with great patience, who made learning such a pleasure. The class was just so engrossing that the hour seemed to fly by. Prior to my tuition, I was a complete novice musically. And although I’m still very much in the embryonic stage of my musical journey, after my tuition with Paddy I feel that I’ve come such a long way already. I simply can’t stress enough how much enjoyment and knowledge I derive from my class every week.
I also love the ‘old school’ charm that the New School of Music offers – those brief interactions of curiosity and encouragement with students of other instruments, as we await our respective classes.
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.
I have a great flute teacher who explains everything very clearly.
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.
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 really enjoyed my [violin] lessons. I had a teacher who really understood how adults learn, and she gave me great confidence.
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.
My violin teacher completely accommodated my ambition to progress quickly in learning the instrument, starting from absolutely no experience.
I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
I had the pleasure of taking vocal lessons with Dav McNamara, who is extremely knowledgeable about all genres of voice. She tailored each lesson to my specific needs for that day and provided many resources for further learning outside of class. I truly appreciated her warm, friendly encouragement and enthusiasm. I would highly recommend her lessons to anyone who is interested in singing, especially if you are working on something for professional development.
John is a really nice guy and a brilliant guitarist and teacher. To learn guitar from someone with such mastery of an instrument is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. He tailors the lessons to what you’re interested in, which is another plus.
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.
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]
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, great teachers.
My son is very lucky to have found such a generous, committed and talented [double bass] tutor.
I am in my mid 30s and wanted to begin learning piano. At Waltons New School of Music they have matched me with a really fantastic teacher who understands where I’m at and is working with me at a pace that challenges me and also understands my abilities. The staff in the school are always helpful and friendly, and there is a really great atmosphere in the place. It’s a great place to learn an instrument, and I highly recommend it!
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!
The [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course is professionally taught, with the targets outlined and explained at beginning of the course. And our tutor Paddy keeps the classes both interesting and varied.
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.
The teachers are obviously passionate, and this coupled with their musicianship and knowledge makes the learning an enjoyable and rewarding habit.
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.
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]
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.
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.
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]
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]
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].
Inspiring tutor made every single [Jazz Vocal Workshop] class interesting, challenging but most of all fun and highly rewarding.
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.
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.
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.
The Musical Theatre Workshop is just an amazing course. Sinéad is a fantastic teacher – encouraging and honest. Having done the course twice now, I find it has really helped me with my confidence in performing and also in my everyday life. Even my seniors in work have noticed the change, so thanks Sinéad!
Really enjoyed my time at this school. Friendly, professional, with excellent teachers and lovely office staff. Highly recommended.
Our teacher laid out the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course content very well and made it so easy to understand. I have already recommended the course to other people and will definitely be back to continue with one on one lessons with her.
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.
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.
A great teacher who offers excellent tuition catered around each individual student’s needs. One of the best. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
Absolutely delighted with the singing lessons I’m getting from the amazing and highly talented Marta Burns 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!
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.
Our teacher made the technology very accessible, and he has an easy, pleasant teaching manner. [Introducing Music Technology]
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]
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
Really enjoying learning bodhrán with such a great teacher. I just wish I’d discovered these online lessons sooner!
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 [Introducing Irish Fiddle] teacher was excellent, very encouraging and with endless patience.
Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher. [Introducing Music Technology]
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!
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.
I love my voice teacher. She’s really friendly and thoughtful, and I enjoy studying with her so much!
I really enjoy working with my [voice] teacher – she is wonderful. I very much like the atmosphere at Waltons, as do my family. I look forward to next term and to improving my voice and technique.
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.
The teacher really contributed to my learning development and knowledge of music. [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
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.
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!
Friendly admin. staff and great teachers. Very pleased overall.
I was very self-conscious about starting piano lessons as an adult beginner, but I am enjoying them so much. My teacher is so encouraging and supportive, and everything is well organised. My Monday music lesson is the highlight of my week.
Excellent teacher and class environment in which to (re)learn singing! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
I loved our bodhrán lesson with Éamonn – patient, witty, amicable and an expert musician – especially when he taught me a rhythm and then he accompanied me on his flute. Great fun! Would absolutely recommend this top notch experience! [Irish Music Tasters]
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.
Excellent tutor who takes personal interest in our progress. I am learning so much, am enjoying every class and have improved significantly since I started the course. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
I recommend Waltons New School of Music without reservation to anyone who has a desire to learn a musical instrument or take a refresher course.
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.
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
Jade Roche
