Teaching Faculty
Waltons New School of Music
‘Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.’
– Japanese Proverb
‘It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.’
– Albert Einstein
My 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!
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.
I’m writing about the wonderful Tin Whistle Taster my family recently had at the New School. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. Two adults and two children were kept entertained and engaged, and we learned so much not only about tin whistle playing but about Irish music in general in a short space of time. Éamonn is clearly not only a great musician but also a gifted, natural teacher – someone who can connect with people of all ages. We’ll definitely be back for a Bodhrán Taster the next time we visit Ireland! [Irish Music Tasters]
I really appreciate studying [piano] at this school. The teachers are very good, and they not only teach you how to play but they also always try to find the best approach for you.
The teacher is great at providing a fun environment for learning. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
Excellent teaching, and easy learning techniques. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
The instructor is extremely knowledgeable but also patient and approachable. Highly recommended. [Music Fundamentals]
My violin teacher completely accommodated my ambition to progress quickly in learning the instrument, starting from absolutely no experience.
The teacher really contributed to my learning development and knowledge of music. [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
Thoroughly enjoyed the course [Musical Theatre Workshop]. Sinéad is a super teacher!
Sinéad is everything you could ask for in a teacher – supportive, good humoured and puts a huge effort into helping you improve and develop, overcoming your weak points and mastering your strengths. [Musical Theatre Workshop]
I went to Waltons to improve on guitar. There’s a good vibe in the school, with very helpful staff. I took lessons with John, who was both sound and enthusiastic about teaching guitar. Got a lot out of it.
Great [voice] teacher. I have developed so much in the past year [and] have learned so much technique. We get through a lot in a 30-minute lesson; it’s very productive.
Well organised [piano] lessons with a fantastic, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable teacher. And the school provides lots of opportunities to learn different instruments.
I started taking online guitar lessons with Waltons during the lockdown in May, and I have to say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In fact, I found online lessons so effective and convenient that I’m continuing with them this year as well. I have an excellent teacher who really cares about his students’ progress, and I’m hugely enjoying the experience of learning guitar.
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 fiddle teacher is really helpful and encouraging. I always leave my lessons feeling more confident about my playing. Thanks!
I started learning the drums as an adult, and my tutor, who is both very kind and professional, has made me feel very at ease and provided a great, personally tailored experience for learning quickly. The school’s location is very convenient and I feel like I’m getting everything I need from my lessons. Highly recommended.
l am really enjoying my flute lessons with Waltons New School of Music. As a student who has never take any music lessons before, l have learned a lot here and really enjoyed it. My teacher is professional, very patient and always encourages me. He even encouraged me to participate in the school’s Most Promising Beginner scholarship competition, even though I had been learning the flute for only 2 ½ months – and I won Third Prize! I see myself making a lot of progress here. The school administrators are very nice too. I highly recommend this school.
My guitar teacher is both very fun and enthusiastic, and he teaches incredibly well – knowing how to tailor his lessons to his students’ needs. I would also recommend the school because of its friendly admin staff, who always reply quickly, and its great location. [electric guitar student]
A great teacher who offers excellent tuition catered around each individual student’s needs. One of the best. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
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.
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!
This course [Sight Singing Made Easy] is a great way to learn sight singing with an excellent teacher. I’ve sung with a few choirs over the years, but I always had to learn the music either by ear or with recordings. What a pleasure it is now to just pick up a written song or piece of music and sing it!
I have the best [guitar] teacher in the world!
I’ve really enjoyed my piano lessons with Dan. He is very creative, with an ‘out of the box’ approach, and with his patience made me feel comfortable from the very beginning. I am starting to feel a lot more confident and have a better musical mindset. [online student]
The very positive approach by the teacher was so encouraging! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
I’ve been taking Intensive Lessons in blues guitar on and off for the past couple of years. They’re a great solution for someone who can’t commit to weekly lessons. Also, I have a fantastic teacher who gives me plenty of material to work on between my lessons.
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.
John is a master of many styles of guitar playing – Irish traditional, flamenco, jazz, rock, you name it – and his enthusiasm for all kinds of music is infectious. This series of classes [Trad Guitar Basics] was very informative and fun to attend, and it gave me the basis for practice and improvement over the coming months. I enjoyed them greatly.
Very well taught! Notes are easy to understand, and it definitely boosts your confidence towards the exam. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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.
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.
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.
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.
Top class vocal teaching that is specifically tailored to each student.
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]
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]
The [Introducing Irish Fiddle] teacher was excellent, very encouraging and with endless patience.
Paul has taught both of my sons drumming, and they look forward to it every week. My eldest son (14) is now the drummer in his school musical and in a band, and my younger son (12) is on the lookout for members for his own band. The experience has expanded their love of music, and they now spend their pocket money on records and have been to his gigs. Paul is an ideal music role model – chill, kind, funny, patient and talented.
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]
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]
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.
Excellent online course, great teacher, highly recommended. [Summer Music Technology Essentials]
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.
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.
The teacher explained everything clearly and efficiently [and] made the complicated works easier to grasp. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I always wanted to play the mandolin but never thought I could. Paddy is an excellent teacher, and his method of teaching has brought me way beyond my expectations.
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]
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.
I have a lovely fiddle teacher, who takes her time and is patient. She is very knowledgeable and teaches in a challenging but understandable way.
My classical guitar teacher has a huge knowledge of music and vast experience in the music industry (just Google his name and you will be impressed!). He can explain the most difficult things in a simple and comprehensible way. I was a complete beginner when I started, and I can’t believe how fast I’m learning and how much I’m enjoying the lessons and playing this instrument. I would recommend Waltons New School of Music to anyone who wants to explore the mind-blowing world of classical guitar.
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 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.
Participating in the Jazz Ensemble has been an absolute joy. Dave is such an encouraging and supportive teacher, and I feel that I’ve really come to grips with how jazz ‘works’.
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.
Very enthusiastic teacher and great breadth of genres taught. Really enjoyable – didn’t miss a class! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
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!
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.
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 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
I am a resident of the U.S. and was delighted to have found online guitar lessons with Waltons New School of Music. For an absolute beginner like myself, I had the ideal teacher, so patient and encouraging, allowing me to build confidence with every lesson. I could not have been happier with the experience. I am just so glad Waltons has made online music learning available. What a great use of technology to be able to connect with talented musicians and instructors from around the world!
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.
I love my voice teacher. She’s really friendly and thoughtful, and I enjoy studying with her so much!
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]
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.
I recently took the Introducing Bodhrán course and I loved it! John was a great teacher and created a really fun atmosphere in the class. He has a lot of knowledge of music in general. Looking forward to continuing with the bodhrán. Very good value for money too!
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.
Excellent [violin] teacher with great insight into what I needed. The school has nice friendly atmosphere and high-quality lessons.
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.
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]
My son is very lucky to have found such a generous, committed and talented [double bass] tutor.
I’ve wanted to learn piano for many years, and I’m glad I was finally bold enough to try. My teacher was not only patient but provided an atmosphere that wasn’t at all daunting or intimidating. I loved it! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Love my [Irish harp] teacher. She is great, and I’d recommend her to anyone who wants to learn the harp.
Great school. Very good, caring teachers make learning enjoyable.
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.
Sarah is an incredible teacher. She’s always very prepared, structured and patient. I’ve restarted piano lessons as an adult after a 20-year hiatus, and she’s the best teacher I could have had for this process. I’m always looking forward to our lessons together!
John is a great teacher who found many ways to describe the techniques required. This resourcefulness was so helpful to our understanding. [Introducing Bodhrán]
I have such a supportive and encouraging Irish fiddle tutor with endless patience, who instantly puts me at ease and who I could not rate highly enough. A total credit to the school.
My 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 [Introducing Bodhrán] course was amazing, and I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in such a short time. We have a fantastic teacher, knowledgeable and happy to introduce us to different types and flavours of music. He was very encouraging, and all in all it was a great experience.
Paddy made every [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class an interesting one. He is a superb teacher.
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.
I really enjoy attending my bass guitar lessons at Waltons. It is a very good school, and it is in a great location. My teacher Dave Mooney is brilliant and very nice. I can learn many songs and also choose the songs I like myself. Thank you!
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.
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]
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, 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!
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.
All the fundamentals were covered, which gave us the best foundations for learning how to play the violin correctly. Terrific teacher, and the atmosphere of the [Introducing Violin for Adults] classes was always great and positive. I had fun at every class. Thank you.
Anyone can learn the guitar. All you need is a willingness to learn and a professional teacher from Waltons New School of Music. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Intensive Lesson with Dav. I honestly thought I was incapable of singing, and she changed my mind on that!
I have a very friendly and understanding voice teacher. I learned a lot from the lessons, and she has a wealth of knowledge. She approached the lessons with ease, and I felt comfortable singing with her. I looked forward to my lessons every week and I would highly recommend her to other students who wish to pursue voice/singing lessons. I also like that there are both online and in-person tuition options. I found it difficult to find online singing lessons, and it was very beneficial for me as I do not live in the greater Dublin area and I am on the move a lot. Waltons New School of Music offers a great range of subjects and a large variety of instruments to learn. The enrolment process was straightforward, and their communication regarding enrolment and finalising lessons was very quick and efficient.
I don’t think anyone wanting to learn jazz piano could find a better teacher than Johnny Taylor.
Dav, my teacher, has been so helpful in helping me to understand my voice. Learning to sing well is a process, but I see good results already. A very big thank you that the school is here and that you’ve given me an opportunity to learn with a professional and to satisfy my desire to sing.
The online summer courses are a great opportunity, and the teaching is of a high standard. [jazz violin 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.
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!
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 voice teacher has been so helpful, and patient and generous with advice regarding singing techniques and working on song choices. Regarding the school as a whole, the administration is very helpful and teachers very accommodating to students’ intentions and goals.
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]
I started to play cello in my senior years, and my in-school lessons with Enrien have been invaluable. He has given me a great introduction to the basics of cello playing. The school staff have always been helpful, and the school’s city centre location has been great.
My [voice] teacher is patient and skilled in understanding how different students might process things differently – which is great, in my experience. She’s also a performing and working musician, which I feel is important for music teachers in general. The teachers and faculty that make up Waltons are very skilled and passionate musicians, which makes them particularly great teachers.
Great classes [Introducing World Drumming] and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.
I have been taking weekly singing lessons with Marta Natoniewska for over two years, and I have progressed way beyond what I imagined thanks to her expert instruction and encouragement. My confidence in singing is soaring. I took grade 3 and grade 4 exams and did very well in both – a merit and distinction. I am now looking forward to taking grade 5. It has been such a constructive and positive experience, and I have learned a huge amount. If I doubt my ability and preparedness, Marta reassures me! I am completely at ease with and would highly recommend her and the school.
I am hugely enjoying my piano lessons and really like my teacher’s approach. I have made great progress in the last year.
I liked everything about [Jazz Ensemble II]. The relaxed atmosphere was conducive to learning. But most of all, Dave is a great teacher and his dedication shows.
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 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.
Fantastic [Trad Guitar Basics] teacher with stellar enthusiasm.
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.
The tuition is first rate…fantastic tutor, with excellent ability in both playing and teaching. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
I have been learning flute and piano at the school for the past two years. I really enjoy coming to lessons, and the staff at the school are very friendly and approachable. My teachers are great, and their inspiration has motivated me to continue…. The school is also very accessible by any means of transport. I have recommended it to many of my friends.
Great [Introducing Harmonica] teacher – enthusiastic, good-humoured and very helpful.
Waltons New School of Music and my excellent teacher gave me the opportunity both to learn and achieve something that I didn’t think was possible for me. Through a combination of healthy challenge and empathetic guidance, I learnt and grew in ways that I didn’t think I would in such a short space of time. Thank you! [Songwriting Workshop participant]
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)]
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.
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, great teachers.
Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher. [Songwriting Workshop]
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.
Studying here was the highlight of my musical experience in Dublin. Both teachers are master musicians and exceptional music educators. Many thanks. Shalom, shalom. [Irish Music Tasters]
I’m a mature student with limited time to play an instrument, and Waltons have been great…. I’ve had a talented and very encouraging teacher, I’m so glad I took up violin, and I plan to continue. Thanks!
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 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.
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]
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.
I was very disappointed when leaving Dublin, partly because it meant I would have to stop my singing lessons with Sinéad. But now that the school offers lessons online, you can access these invaluable lessons from anywhere in the world. I’m delighted that even though I now live far away from any music school, I can still take singing lessons with the best possible teacher.
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.
My [piano] teacher was very encouraging and interested in progressing her student.
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!
Excellent teacher. I had so much fun learning to play guitar in a fun and relaxed environment. I will definitely come back. [Introducing Guitar for Teens]
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 good music tutor is worth their weight in notes! It’s the personal touch that makes tuition at Waltons a far superior product to other products, especially on-line tutorials. Having a tutor who specialises in your chosen instrument and has 3rd level or higher qualifications means the student receives phenomenal value for both money but more importantly, TIME. 60 minutes with a good tutor can unravel countless hours of poor self-learning and bad habits, leaving the student highly motivated to improve and develop their playing repertoire. What’s not to like! [bass student]
I would recommend the [Creative Music Production] 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. We also had an excellent, patient and hands-on teacher.
I was delighted that my concert flute teacher set very good challenges for me and that my online lessons were so enjoyable.
A pleasure to spend an hour doing something different with a genuinely passionate musician and totally nice bloke. [Irish Music Tasters]
Great course [Songwriting Workshop]. Really enjoyed having someone walk me through a scary new thing, with great skill and experience.
I have been learning jazz piano at the New School for the past three years. Johnny Taylor is a fabulous musician. He has a great understanding of melody and harmony and a superb talent in sharing and explaining his knowledge. He can also recognise what talent I have and build on it. His criticism is always precise and is followed by remedies to improve. He is a natural instructor – not an easy profession. I was a pilot with Aer Lingus for 30 years and came across many skilled pilots, but only a few had the ability to pass on their skills as instructors – something Johnny Taylor has in spades. As well as playing the piano a little better, my understanding has increased tenfold, and I am enjoying the piano and the instruction immensely.
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.
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.
Friendly admin. staff and great teachers. Very pleased overall.
Very good [voice] teacher, with excellent knowledge of good technique. Keep up the good work!
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.
Excellent teaching skills, very good interpersonal skills – and also very patient! It has been a pleasure to attend [guitar] lessons with John.
My voice teacher is caring, kind and hard working, and I feel I have improved so much.
John is a great guitar teacher. He helped me understand the instrument / fret board a lot more and helped me to correct bad habits.
As a non-neurotypical learner, I was able to learn music technology and DAWs (I focused on Logic Pro) with a patient teacher at a pace that suited my needs, and I progressed well. I look forward to continued progress!
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 Creative Music Production 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!
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
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.
Very friendly and professional school, with great staff.
The teacher had an excellent knowledge of music and inspired me! Extremely good notes…easy to apprehend. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning and developing a new skill. This was further enhanced by the enthusiasm, motivation and continual encouragement and support of the teacher. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
A truly excellent online course. The teacher is really engaging and not only makes the essentials of music reading (and writing) easy to understand but makes the whole learning process fun as well. I would highly recommend this course [Music Fundamentals] for anyone interested in learning to read music who doesn’t know where to start. You won’t regret it!
I 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]
I wish I had discovered the New School’s Intensive Lessons sooner! I have a great singing teacher, and I have a lesson with her whenever I can, but I was out of the country far too much to have regular weekly lessons. When the first lockdown happened, I started taking online intensives, which worked very well. So when I do start travelling again I plan to take online intensives when I’m away.
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.
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.
My son has learned guitar with the school for past two years and loves it. He has become really skilled and confident in his ability. I highly recommend Waltons, a professional and friendly music school with great results and a high standard of teaching.
Absolutely delighted with the singing lessons I’m getting from the amazing and highly talented Marta Natoniewska during the pandemic. I thought I had lost my voice skills, but if you get the right people teaching you, you get your confidence back again. Thank you Marta and Waltons New School of Music for making me believe in myself!
We have an excellent teacher. Huge preparation and effort goes into each class [of the Introducing Guitar for Adults course], and he worked with the class to see which songs we would like to learn. We came away with party pieces to play, but also a technical understanding of the instrument, reading music, and different techniques. I have recommended him to so many family members and friends. Well worth doing this online course. Thanks!
I went initially to Marta Natoniewska for some Intensive Lessons about 8 years ago. I had zero confidence in relation to singing, as I hadn’t sung since my school days. I doubted my ability and wondered if it was too late to learn, as I coming up to retirement age. But I was keen to learn, and she was so nice and encouraging. I have now been taking weekly lessons since March 2024. My confidence and technique have improved dramatically, thanks to Marta. I am enjoying the experience immensely and am amazed at how much I have learned. I also recently decided to take singing exams. There was absolutely no pressure to do so, as it’s optional. But I am really enjoying the challenge under Marta’s guidance and encouragement. I often recommend her to others considering singing lessons. [voice student]
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!
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
Clear and confident [clarinet] teacher.
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.
Cathy is a fantastic and supportive instructor. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it! [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
Great intro course. Great teacher, staff and location. Great experience! [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
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]
The teachers are obviously passionate, and this coupled with their musicianship and knowledge makes the learning an enjoyable and rewarding habit.
From my point of view the teaching at the school is top class.
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 think Sarah is an excellent piano teacher with a wealth of knowledge about music. She assesses my performance and sets expectations for me every week based on how fast or slow I am progressing. Her lessons are extremely well structured with a rightful emphasis to perfect the basics, and it’s really inspiring to learn from her.
Enjoyed every [voice] lesson due to the support and encouragement, energy and enthusiasm of my teacher.
The teachers were extremely talented, engaging and knowledgeable. I loved the demonstrations of various instruments (especially the pipes). [Irish Music Tasters]
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!
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
I’m taking singing lessons, and I really like my teacher’s approach of going with the ‘natural’ voice. I also like that the school is inclusive of ‘mature’ students. And finally, as I’m not able to travel into town for lessons, online lessons give me the opportunity to continue.
Overall, this a very welcoming school, accepting of beginners of all ages without compromising high musical standards and the pursuit of excellence.
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.
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.
There is a really pleasant atmosphere. The teachers are always available and proactive, as well as the people who work at reception.
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]
I asked Waltons New School of Music if they could help through their Music at Work programme with a corporate meeting using bodhráns to demonstrate the power of rhythm in a business context. The process was a real pleasure, and everyone I dealt with was knowledgeable and helpful. The session itself was facilitated by Éamonn Galldubh. Ahead of time, Éamonn quickly understood what we wanted to achieve and worked collaboratively on ideas to make the session a success. On the day he quickly established both his credibility and a rapport with the audience. He was a fantastic teacher, had just the right balance of humour, understood perfectly the messages we wanted to incorporate and worked seamlessly with the team without any rehearsal.
The session was a resounding success and exceeded my expectations; our team not only got the messages but had so much fun to boot. Waltons handled all the logistics, and I would recommend them to anyone considering a similar event. A first class service. [Irish Music Tasters]
John is a fantastic teacher. I have no musical talent, and I somehow came out of this 10-week course [Introducing Bodhrán] being able to play a few reels and jigs, and having really enjoyed the course.
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.
My daughter started learning piano without any interest, and now, after two years, she is still learning and wants to keep learning, thanks to God and the teachers in your school.
Our teachers are listed in alphabetical order by surname. You can also filter teachers by department or area.
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- All Faculty
- Drums • Percussion
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- Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting
- Trad Summer School
- Traditional • Folk • World Instruments
- Voice (Singing)
- Wind Instruments
Lenka Dobai
Ana Dundovic
Aoife Dunne
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Melanie O’Reilly
Isabella Remkes
Jade Roche
