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
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.
Great foundation for a jazz beginner. The teacher has a very positive, open and encouraging approach. [Jazz Piano Basics]
Harry is a great teacher, with a passion for Irish music that is infectious. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Great classes [Introducing World Drumming] and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.
I could do this course [Musical Theatre Workshop] all year long. Sinéad pushes and pulls you to do your best. The feeling of achievement is ‘grandiose’!
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]
A fantastic opportunity to go over the course with a lecturer who really knows his stuff. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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.
I have an excellent [classical guitar] teacher, and I admire his musicality, his talent, his wide-ranging taste and his skills. He is an excellent judge of the right pace for progression and diversification of repertoire, and he’s generous with his many practical and very helpful suggestions on technique and the best use of practice sessions. I have enjoyed my lessons with him enormously, and I feel I’ve made huge progress since I started with him. The atmosphere of my lessons is relaxed yet focused on the music. It has worked really well for me.
My [drum kit] teacher made it very easy to learn the drums, as he broke each skill down into its elements. Also, the drum kit here is fantastic.
I found the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] classes so enjoyable, and I looked forward to our group lesson every week. The teacher was excellent, with a relaxed and kind approach which helped settle any nerves. I’m so glad I decided to give it a go and will definitely continue with lessons.
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]
Love my [Irish harp] teacher. She is great, and I’d recommend her to anyone who wants to learn the harp.
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)
There is a really pleasant atmosphere. The teachers are always available and proactive, as well as the people who work at reception.
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.
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.
Professional, friendly and fun. Learned a lot about singing [with a] very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
I have really enjoyed my private piano lessons, which are tailored to my needs. My teacher is meticulous and passionate and very kind. And the school staff are professional and good at communication. The New School has reignited my love for music and piano. I felt supported and guided to complete my Grade 7 exam after years of taking a break from piano.
Harry is just great. In a few tin whistle lessons (all online and taken from Dublin, Amsterdam, Rome and Poland!), he taught me the basics of the Irish tin whistle, with a little effort from my side. His key capability is being able to transfer knowledge in an enjoyable manner.
The tuition is first rate…fantastic tutor, with excellent ability in both playing and teaching. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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 really enjoyed learning step-by-step from a master of the instrument, in a relaxed atmosphere. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
A fantastic teacher who combines huge enthusiasm for his subject with huge knowledge (and patience!). An excellent course. [Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics]
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.
Clear and confident [clarinet] teacher.
I really appreciate the energy that Rebecca brings to her [Introducing Irish Fiddle] classes, which are always really enjoyable. Also, for an intro level course, we have really progressed quickly. She is always providing us with personal feedback despite it being a group class, which I greatly appreciate.
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.
A solid introduction to jazz and improvised music-making. The teacher is not only a great jazz musician but a supportive and inspiring educator. [Jazz Piano Basics]
Excellent school. Excellent teachers and staff, who really give their time in the interest of students. Studying at Waltons has re-ignited my absolute passion for music.
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.
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]
What I liked best about the course was the fast progress we made, the great atmosphere of the class and Rebecca’s amazing teaching and passion for music. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
Great teacher with lots of good tips and helpful notes. [Leaving Cert. Music Pre-Exam Revision Workshop]
I’ve been enjoying my piano lessons very much and have learned so much over the past few months since I started to learn the piano. Luke is a brilliant teacher, is very good at explaining new concepts so that I can understand them as a beginner, is super patient and encouraging and makes the lessons fun and challenging.
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!
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]
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
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!
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)]
I’ve always wanted to play drums, but I didn’t know where to begin. I saw that Waltons offers one-off Intensive Lessons, took the plunge and haven’t looked back! The teacher was so helpful and encouraging that I decided to enrol for regular drum kit lessons and buy an electronic kit. I’m hugely enjoying the experience.
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
Fantastic course! [Introducing Guitar for Teens] John is such a great guitar player and teacher, and he really inspired me to learn guitar. I can play a few songs now, and I’m definitely going to continue learning.
The guitar teachers at Waltons School of Music are brilliant. I would recommend them to anyone. Shame the term is over.
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 absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
Excellent teacher and class environment in which to (re)learn singing! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
Can’t speak highly enough of my singing tutor. As a novice to singing beyond the privacy of my shower, her personal attention and interest in helping me to discover my singing voice has been invaluable.
My child benefited from individual attention from an excellent teacher in a small group. [Introducing Violin for Children]
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.
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.
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.
Great tuition! Have been taking trad flute lessons here for the last year and my instructor has brought me on by leaps and bounds. The Friday Trad Slow Sessions are an excellent way to learn new tunes.
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 really enjoyed my [violin] lessons. I had a teacher who really understood how adults learn, and she gave me great confidence.
I had an excellent piano teacher for my Intensive Lesson – very clear, organised, friendly and patient! Doing a lesson with him was a pleasure, and I plan to continue my piano/keyboard studies here. I highly recommend the school for its excellent teachers, very helpful administrative staff, user friendly website and convenient and accessible location!
The teacher was very easy to understand and was willing to answer any questions. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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.
I enrolled [for voice lessons] to improve my ability to sing in a choir. I made a lot of progress quickly with Ana, with technical advice that helped me to sing better and more confidently. The lessons, which were based on the foundation of classical technique, were very enjoyable as well, and I am looking forward to further explorations in the new term. Thanks, Ana!
Great teacher, full of knowledge, who made the [Introducing Bodhrán] classes fun and incorporated extra teaching tools to go above and beyond.
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]
Éamonn, my bodhrán teacher, is excellent at teaching music. He is calm, friendly and a really nice person. Thank you for your help!
John Sweeney is a terrific tutor. He listens to my sons and builds up a great rapport that keeps them interested in the guitar.
Sinéad is the best voice teacher I’ve ever had. She makes every single lesson fun, interesting, and useful. And many thanks for the online tuition option. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to take lessons anymore, since I am now based in Germany. Finally, every single interaction I’ve had with the school, be it online or in person, has always been very pleasant and helpful.
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.
Really enjoying learning bodhrán with such a great teacher. I just wish I’d discovered these online lessons sooner!
Learning the fiddle was a really positive and worthwhile experience. The tuition was pitched perfectly for beginners, and Rebecca is an exceptional teacher. Thank you. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
I felt my basic guitar skills improved considerably over the online improvers Guitar for Adults course. Plenty of challenging and interesting songs to work on to continue to improve. The teacher was great. He clearly knows his stuff and is very easy going, approachable, encouraging and genuinely interested in making sure everyone was getting something from the classes.
I am so glad I took this amazing course [Songwriting Workshop]. It far exceeded my expectations. Luan is an excellent teacher, and writing a song with her was a great and enjoyable experience. It is such a great opportunity being offered by Waltons. I believe that there are many people who would like to write a song and just need this guidance. Brilliant course.
I recently started learning bass guitar in the school and couldn’t be happier. David Mooney is a great teacher, and I’m really enjoying my lessons. I appreciate his vast music knowledge and experience, his flexibility and his passion for teaching and for the instrument he teaches – passion that he is really able to transfer to students. We explore many music genres and techniques in my lessons, and at the same time I’m learning improvisation, which I really love because it gives space to creativity. If you want to learn bass guitar, I would definitely recommend lessons here. The school is a guarantee for music lovers. If I only could, I’d take everything they offer!
Super [guitar] teacher who really listens.
Very enthusiastic and able teacher. Go raibh maith agat! [Trad Guitar Basics]
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.
David is calm and understanding teacher who is very good at explaining and imparting his knowledge of the violin. Would definitely recommend. And it’s convenient and easy to take online lessons on my laptop from home. I have had a very good experience with the school overall – great teachers and helpful staff in the school office.
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!
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
Exceptional tuition. I started [with] a group course [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] last term and continued with private lessons with the same tutor. The tutor has helped me make great progress towards my goals, and is very knowledgeable.
The Musical Theatre Workshop is amazing. Sinéad is very competent and dedicated. She really knows what she’s doing and I learned a lot with her.
Very professional and friendly school with excellent teachers. I really enjoyed studying here.
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].
The teacher was very enthusiastic. His love for the music shone through! [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.
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.
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
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.
I learned so much…. The teacher was excellent with a wide knowledge of the field. [Introducing Music Technology]
The group classes are a great way for mature beginners to take the plunge in learning a new instrument. Good value for money too. [Introducing and Improvers Irish Fiddle student]
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]
Gabriele is a very professional and responsible violin teacher. The service at the school is excellent, and the reception is always very friendly.
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’ve really enjoyed learning a new instrument and new songs, as well as the group camaraderie. The teacher is very patient! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
A pleasure to spend an hour doing something different with a genuinely passionate musician and totally nice bloke. [Irish Music Tasters]
Sinhué is a wonderful teacher. He is so enthusiastic, and I have learned so much about the flute as well as how to play it. I have found the lessons very enjoyable.
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.
The instructor is extremely knowledgeable but also patient and approachable. Highly recommended. [Music Fundamentals]
The results [of my voice lessons] have far exceeded my expectations, and I discovered parts of my voice that I didn’t know existed. Sinéad is a wonderful teacher and a fabulous person, and our lessons have been fun as well as productive. The school itself has very helpful staff, great tuition and a lovely friendly atmosphere.
Introducing Irish Fiddle was a really enjoyable course. All of the tunes I learned were broken down and made easy to learn and pick up. The teacher was extremely helpful, accommodating and approachable, and this gave me the confidence in going on to learn the fiddle.
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.
When I started my violin lessons, it was a welcoming reintroduction which took away plenty of nerves. My teacher Gabriele Braga was very observant about many things that I had overlooked or hadn’t been told when I was a kid/teenager, not to mention being so approachable with any questions. I would highly recommend his mentorship to anyone in the same situation as me when it comes to making the decision to try learning the violin again. For an adult student, having a supportive, positive teacher is such a plus. I’ve been very lucky having Gabriele to guide me, and I hope to continue with him.
My son is very lucky to have found such a generous, committed and talented [double bass] tutor.
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]
Sinéad really is a fabulous voice teacher, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the lessons I’ve had both in a group and a 1-2-1 environment.
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 am hugely enjoying my piano lessons and really like my teacher’s approach. I have made great progress in the last year.
My [piano] teacher very quickly discovers a student’s best way of learning and uses that to the student’s advantage. She is also very approachable.
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.
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. 😀
We have been here for three years now, and our kids are very happy in Waltons and with their teachers. The teaching at Waltons is a professional combination of enjoyment and tuition. As a result, both my children have been inspired by their teachers to practice their instruments. Playing guitar or drums is not a chore anymore but has become a passion for them.
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.
Paddy Kiernan is a charismatic musician and a great teacher. His greatest asset is his continuously positive and enthusiastic approach to teaching, which derives from his deep love for music. He has encouraged me to work methodically to improve myself as a musician, while also helping me to understand my potential. I’m very lucky to have a teacher like him.
The school has a warm and welcoming environment with a very courteous and helpful administration and excellent teachers. [mandolin student]
Sinéad is an excellent teacher. She has improved my singing beyond recognition and has done so with passion, ensuring that I could expand my range and learn the techniques of good singing. Sinéad ensures that my Intensive Lessons are enjoyable and fun, but she also makes sure you do your homework! It has been an extremely positive experience for me.
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.
I only started recently, and as a mature student I was a bit apprehensive about going back to music after many many years – but both Andriy, my piano teacher, and Cathy, my fiddle teacher, made me feel at ease, and from week one I have just enjoyed it! Everyone in the school is so friendly and helpful – from the people in the office giving me information on courses and taking time to help me with any queries I had, to the teachers, who are brilliant. I would definitely recommend Waltons – a very welcoming place for students of all ages. Great location. Great teachers. Great staff. A positive experience from the very start!
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.
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.
I had a great time enjoying my passion for singing in a friendly atmosphere, and discovering new skills step by step with a very patient teacher who brings you as high as possible. An experience I advise for anyone interested in singing. [Jazz Vocal Workshop]
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.
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.
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]
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.
Great school. Very good, caring teachers make learning enjoyable.
I’ve been taking online trad flute lessons with Waltons for the past few months, and I’ve been very impressed both by the quality of my online tuition and by the kindness and expertise of my teacher. Not only is he a wonderful player and educator, but he’s also a fount of knowledge both about trad flute and about Irish music in in general. I’d highly recommend lessons here.
Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher. [Introducing Music Technology]
I highly recommend Waltons New School of Music. I come from a conservatory background, and the level of tuition is as good. My concert flute teacher is very professional and passionate about music and teaching. He has brought me to another level with very advanced pieces, while adapting to my learning rhythm and providing the best advice.
As a mature student with no prior musical experience, I came to these [banjo] lessons apprehensive and nervous, but Paddy’s easygoing and patient style and ability to break down and explain techniques has helped me to progress. It has been a life changing experience, and I would highly recommend this to students in any age group. [online student]
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.
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]
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.
The [Introducing Tin Whistle] classes are the highlight of my week. I tried other instruments but always gave up, never found one that I could enjoy as much as I do the tin whistle. So much of it is thanks to Harry, who is a brilliant, expert teacher, finding the perfect pace to develop and always encouraging the group
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.
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 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.
Gabriele is such a friendly and helpful [violin] teacher. [My daughter] felt really comfortable with him as he made the lessons so enjoyable.
Michael has an encyclopaedic knowledge of harmonica and the blues. He gives great encouragement to his students whilst showing great patience. [Introducing Harmonica]
The teachers are obviously passionate, and this coupled with their musicianship and knowledge makes the learning an enjoyable and rewarding habit.
The teacher explained everything clearly and efficiently [and] made the complicated works easier to grasp. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Excellent teaching, and easy learning techniques. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
Great [Introducing Harmonica] teacher – enthusiastic, good-humoured and very helpful.
Great teachers. Very family friendly. Brilliant one to one teaching.
My concertina lessons are great. Learning music for the first time as an adult is very scary, but my teacher had the greatest patience and taught me many tunes. I progressed a lot, and that’s all her merit. She is a very knowledgeable and skilled musician, but she’s also a great teacher. It is very difficult to find both things in the same person.
The online summer courses are a great opportunity, and the teaching is of a high standard. [jazz violin student]
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.
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.
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!
I absolutely love my [voice] lessons with Sinéád. She is extremely knowledgeable and inspires me to push myself. Her teaching style really puts you at ease and I have seen a great improvement in myself in the year that I’ve been going to her. During Covid-19, I didn’t continue with online lessons, but Sinéád still kept in touch and sent me relevant links and videos for my own home practice. I can’t wait to get back to Waltons!
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.
Waltons New School of Music provides fantastic online tuition that I’m able to easily fit into my week’s schedule. It’s so easy and works seamlessly, going from corporate meetings to summertime blues. And I wholeheartedly recommend Peter Dobai, my saxophone teacher.
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]
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.
Very friendly and professional school, with great staff.
Dave is an excellent (and patient) electric bass teacher, and I always look forward to our lessons. If you’re a late starter (or restarter) like me, don’t be intimidated – give it a go!
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!
Really enjoyed the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course, delivered online. We had a very good teacher, calm and relaxed but pushing us at the right times too. He engaged very well with us as students and was very encouraging. I was starting from scratch, and by the end of the course I was able to play through several songs from start to finish – albeit not expertly – and that, for me, was a great result. Would highly recommend this course to any adult learners looking to start playing the guitar.
A fantastic tutor. Waltons should be proud to have him. [Intensive Lessons]
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.
The Introducing Bodhrán course is a really good intro into trad music, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about it. John is an amazing teacher, great at explaining things!
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]
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.
Great [piano] teacher, always ready to help, with incredible patience and very helpful suggestions.
I went initially to Marta Burns 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]
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.
My daughter has been taking violin lessons in the school for over a year now, and both her and my experience has been fantastic. From the quality of time her teachers have given her, to the promptness and informed interactions with the office staff, I couldn’t recommend Waltons New School of Music highly enough.
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 have a very understanding and helpful voice teacher who’s great at getting me to pronounce some tricky Italian words! I also really like the convenience of online lessons with no need to travel.
Experience with my [drum kit] teacher has been fantastic. He’s a great teacher with lots of patience – encouraging and really passionate.
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.
A silver lining of this pandemic was that lessons moved online, and even though I had moved to Kerry I could continue learning to sing with Sinéad Flynn. She is a fabulous teacher and a huge asset to the New School. I would highly recommend to any aspiring singers or performers to sign up for lessons with Sinéad and the New School. [voice student]
Very engaging and friendly teacher who uses a range of activities, including dancing, singing, call and response and instrument playing. Both of my girls have been teaching us the call and response activities at home. We will be back! [Making Music (Ages 3-4)]
I’m very grateful to my flute teacher for his patience while I was taking my time to play some high notes properly! In my 2nd year at Waltons, I am able to enjoy playing my favourite tunes!
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.
Melanie is very experienced teacher/songwriter, and she was very generous about sharing her knowledge. She was also very supportive and gave everyone on the course plenty of time and support with their individual creative projects. Really enjoyed the [Art & Craft of Songwriting] workshop!
Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher. [Songwriting Workshop]
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!
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 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 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
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, great teachers.
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.
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.
Inspiring tutor made every single [Jazz Vocal Workshop] class interesting, challenging but most of all fun and highly rewarding.
A great [guitar] teacher – patient, organised, knows when to step back and when to push, very adaptable and knowledgeable.
The teacher…is lovely, very caring, a natural educator. [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)]
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
Aoife Dunne
Lenka Dobai
Ana Dundovic
Grace Galligan
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Joan O’Malley
Melanie O’Reilly
Jade Roche
