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
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’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]
Dav, my teacher, has been so helpful in helping me to understand my voice. Learning to sing well is a process, but I see good results already. A very big thank you that the school is here and that you’ve given me an opportunity to learn with a professional and to satisfy my desire to sing.
I 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!
Cathy is a great teacher [and] exposes me to interesting music material while quite dramatically improving my fiddle playing from a technical standpoint. [Irish and bluegrass fiddle student]
I 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.
What I like most about my low whistle lessons with Harry are his patience, his friendliness, his proficiency with the instrument, his knowledge of traditional Irish music and his keenness to impart that knowledge. [online student]
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.
The teacher explained everything clearly and efficiently [and] made the complicated works easier to grasp. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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’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 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.
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.
If you are looking to learn a new instrument, or how to sing, I couldn’t recommend Waltons New School of Music enough. It’s centrally located so is easy to get to, and the teachers are experts in their fields. The classes are taught in a relaxed environment, and they will no doubt leave you confident and competent in your chosen discipline. [Introducing Singing for Adults student]
Dave Mooney is an excellent bass guitar teacher who has made [my son] the musician he is today.
My [violin] teacher…is passionate about teaching and loves to help her students progress. I have learned so much since I started and am now a much better player.
Top class vocal teaching that is specifically tailored to each student.
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]
Love my [Irish harp] teacher. She is great, and I’d recommend her to anyone who wants to learn the harp.
Jennifer is a thoughtful and skilled voice teacher who tailors our lessons perfectly to meet my needs. My experience with the school over the last two years has been excellent, and I have learned far more than I had expected to.
A wonderful music school with a broad range of courses, excellent teachers and a friendly approach. I would be happy to recommend the New School to anyone. [Irish harp student]
From my point of view the teaching at the school is top class.
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the singing/voice classes [Summer Singing for Adults] I have taken with Fiadh Rua Gregg: the mix of exercises, technical knowledge and skills, learning new songs, and the experience of singing with other people. I also enjoyed listening to and learning from other people in the group. I have learned so much about my voice, and I really value this learning – considering how much I use my voice in my work.
The whole experience has been deeply enriching. I appreciated how Fiadh pitched and paced each class with a blend of tasks that provided a challenge while also offering a sense of achievement. While I attended all classes online, I felt very much part of a group, and this was due to Fiadh’s skill as a teacher, as she created such an encouraging, facilitative and supportive atmosphere. I had wanted to take singing/voice classes for years, and I’m so glad I did!
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.
Ableton Live Basics is a great course to get started with Ableton Live, and it has given me the confidence to make my own music. The course was set at just the right pace, and every class covered something new without being overwhelming. The teacher’s friendly and relaxed attitude made the whole experience really enjoyable.
My teacher was so engaged and tailored the lessons to my wants and needs. [Irish banjo student]
I really appreciate the energy that the teacher brings to the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] classes, which are always really enjoyable. Also, for an intro level course, we have really progressed quickly. We always got personal feedback despite it being a group class, which I greatly appreciate.
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.
Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature! [Sight Singing Made Easy]
I 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.
Great experience – highly recommend it. Excellent teacher and notes, very well explained and easy to understand. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
My children have been taking online lessons with Barbara Dagg, who is an outstanding piano teacher with the experience and patience to inspire even the most challenging of children. She tried different techniques and ways of teaching to find something that worked well for both of my children. For my oldest, she was supportive and understanding as she went into her first pre-exam and gave her confidence. For my youngest, she tried different ways of working with her to find something that stuck. They have both progressed tremendously in the last year and enjoy playing. We have had a great experience with the school, and I have already recommended it to other families.
Brilliant teacher. Really enjoyed the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course!
This course [Songwriting Workshop] gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.
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!
All together I would give the [Introducing Guitar for Teens] course out of 10 – great teacher, great staff, great facilities – Waltons has it all.
Great course [Songwriting Workshop]. Really enjoyed having someone walk me through a scary new thing, with great skill and experience.
My [piano] teacher is so enthusiastic, encouraging and knowledgeable.
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!
The best singing teacher I have ever had – have learned so much.
Experience with my [drum kit] teacher has been fantastic. He’s a great teacher with lots of patience – encouraging and really passionate.
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 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!
Paddy made every [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class an interesting one. He is a superb teacher.
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]
The Introducing Bodhrán course was great! John is an excellent teacher and he is really passionate about music. I enjoyed the classes and also discovered some Irish trad music while learning. Highly recommend it. Thanks!
I have loved working at my own pace without any pressure or set songs I must learn. My [voice] teacher is incredibly understanding and wonderful to work with. It is refreshing to be taught by someone with a real passion for their skill.
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 is a really nice guy and a brilliant guitarist and teacher. To learn guitar from someone with such mastery of an instrument is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. He tailors the lessons to what you’re interested in, which is another plus.
I’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.
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.
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
There is a really pleasant atmosphere. The teachers are always available and proactive, as well as the people who work at reception.
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.
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.
Very friendly and professional school, with great staff.
I love the atmosphere that Siobhán creates for my voice lessons and how encouraging she is. I always feel so good walking out of lessons with her, even if I felt the opposite going in! I can see my improvement each week as well, which has been so motivating.
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]
I am very happy with my voice lessons at Waltons. I have an amazing teacher, very encouraging and patient, who makes the work fun. I will be continuing my lessons here for as long as I can afford it!
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.
Thank you very much for the very informative, exciting and interesting three days for our students at your school! They really enjoyed playing the tin whistle and bodhrán and singing traditional Irish songs. Your teachers did a really good job, and the students learned a lot in a very short time. A fascinating new experience! [Irish Music Tasters]
The [Introducing Violin for Adults] course gave me a great introduction to a difficult instrument in a friendly, fun environment. It was challenging but thoroughly enjoyable, which I think should be credited to the patience and helpfulness of the teacher.
My [violin] tutor is amazingly patient and always provided me with so many alternative ways to approach a difficult section within a piece I was practicing for my exam. The feedback always started with the positive! What I especially about taking online lessons was not having to factor in the travel time. And regarding the school, I was made to feel part of a community, whether calling into the office or emailing. Everyone in the office and on the faculty is so supportive.
Our teacher made the technology very accessible, and he has an easy, pleasant teaching manner. [Creative Music Production]
A fantastic tutor. Waltons should be proud to have him. [Intensive Lessons]
The tuition is first rate…fantastic tutor, with excellent ability in both playing and teaching. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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 have a great flute teacher who explains everything very clearly.
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.
A great course [Introducing Harmonica]. The teacher was very passionate about it, and I think all the students thoroughly enjoyed it. I did!
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]
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]
A very positive experience and great teaching. [Introducing World Drumming]
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.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Intensive Lesson with Dav. I honestly thought I was incapable of singing, and she changed my mind on that!
The lesson was very good and the teacher was great, encouraging and relaxed. [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.
Excellent teaching skills, very good interpersonal skills – and also very patient! It has been a pleasure to attend [guitar] lessons with John.
Melanie is a very talented teacher, and her [Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble] classes are a joy. She has a natural flair for communicating her extensive knowledge of jazz and swing music with infectious enthusiasm and fun. There was a lovely dynamic in our group, and we all learned to sing great songs with impressive rhythm and harmony.
A wonderfully accessible way to learn music with expert teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Highly recommended. [Irish flute student]
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]
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!
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.
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.
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!
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 son takes drum kit lessons at the New School, and his teacher uses a variety of teaching techniques to make the lessons both interesting and enjoyable. The school has a great location and facilities for teaching.
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 love the interactive nature of the [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)] course. My grandson loved the classes, was very happy to be there each Saturday and learned quite a lot. Jade has such a wonderful way with all her pupils – she makes them always so welcome and teaches them so much. A wonderful introduction to music! My grandson always comes out from his class in great form.
I liked the encouragement and guidance, the comradery with the group and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, as well as the great teacher, very knowledgeable and experienced, with great insight into songwriting and lots of tips. [Songwriting Workshop]
I had Grade 8 piano (and had been teaching for years) but thought it was high time to get a teaching diploma and ‘proper’ qualification, so I decided to take private lessons with Waltons New School of Music. My piano teacher was excellent – friendly, supportive and thorough – and after a solid year of study (and a lot of practice!) I passed the diploma exam (Associated Board) with distinction. Thank you Waltons!
I am a happy member of the Sing Your Heart Out Choir, [and] I would like to assert that Cathy McEvoy is an exceptional teacher, musician and human being. We are all very privileged to benefit from her amazing talent, patience and spirit. Our Thursday evenings are truly a delight and a wonderful learning experience.
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.
I came back to guitar lessons in middle age and have found that I can pick up my skills and still learn to a high level, with a collaborative and supportive teacher. He really tunes into what music I like to play, understands what skills I need to work on and gives me very good guidance for practising. It has been most beneficial and enjoyable.
Great foundation for a jazz beginner. The teacher has a very positive, open and encouraging approach. [Jazz Piano Basics]
I have a very friendly and understanding voice teacher. I learned a lot from the lessons, and she has a wealth of knowledge. She approached the lessons with ease, and I felt comfortable singing with her. I looked forward to my lessons every week and I would highly recommend her to other students who wish to pursue voice/singing lessons. I also like that there are both online and in-person tuition options. I found it difficult to find online singing lessons, and it was very beneficial for me as I do not live in the greater Dublin area and I am on the move a lot. Waltons New School of Music offers a great range of subjects and a large variety of instruments to learn. The enrolment process was straightforward, and their communication regarding enrolment and finalising lessons was very quick and efficient.
I’ve 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.
I can’t recommend [tin whistle] lessons with Harry enough, he is so knowledgeable about the instrument and its history, and it is great to hear him play. His teaching style works really well, and I enjoyed the challenges he set for me. He went at my pace, and I felt confident playing despite not having played the tin whistle in years. I can’t wait for the next term!
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 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.
Great [piano] teacher, always ready to help, with incredible patience and very helpful suggestions.
My teacher is professional, committed to teaching guitar in a fun environment, and he takes a personal interest in his pupils, ensuring that they make steady progress. He is a real gent.
Daniel is a great piano teacher. He is dedicated and very patient, particularly with younger students like my 6-year-old daughter. We’re thrilled with her progress, and she loves the piano lessons. I also like the availability of online lessons at home for younger children. I would highly recommend anyone, beginner or advanced, to take lessons with Waltons New School of Music.
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]
Anna is a fantastic piano teacher. In general, the school has excellent teachers, and the classrooms are well equipped.
Good atmosphere, enthusiastic and supportive teacher, and small class size. This course [Trad Guitar Basics] helped me take another important step towards becoming a better guitar player.
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
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.
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.
Relaxed but progressive atmosphere. Excellent tuition. Professional teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
Great atmosphere, and the [Introducing World Drumming] classes were taught clearly and with enthusiasm. Brian is a great teacher, very patient and professional.
I enjoyed the [Introducing Singing for Adults] course immensely and learned a lot. The teacher was excellent and I liked the whole welcoming set up in Waltons New School of Music.
Learning the fiddle was a really positive and worthwhile experience. The tuition was pitched perfectly for beginners, and the teacher is exceptional. Thank you. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
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 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]
What I liked best about the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] course was the fast progress we made, the great atmosphere of the class and the teacher’s amazing instruction and passion for music.
Gabriele is such a friendly and helpful [violin] teacher. [My daughter] felt really comfortable with him as he made the lessons so enjoyable.
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!
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.
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.
I can’t speak too highly of Waltons New School of Music and of Paddy Kiernan’s tuition for the banjo. I love what I am learning and go away from each [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class more motivated to learn.
I would highly recommend Harry Long to anyone wanting to take up tin whistle. He is a patient and encouraging tutor. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
I’ve been attending voice lessons with Sinéad Flynn for the last five years, and I have felt my confidence grow and my technique improve thanks to the effort both myself and Sinéad put in every week! It has been great to work towards the Scholarship Competition, as well as towards grade exams, in a relaxed and supportive environment, and I’ve really enjoyed the experience.
Great classes [Introducing World Drumming] and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.
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 have been attending Waltons New School of Music for the past year, and it’s safe to say that I have run out of superlatives when it comes to the place. My own personal experience has been truly amazing from day one.
Firstly, you meet the people in the office, who couldn’t be more welcoming, helpful, and patiently informative. They do what I believe is a tough job very, very well.
I am learning traditional guitar with John Sweeney, and I’d like to take this opportunity to tell anyone thinking about joining up or getting started that this man has a gift, and I have to thank him on a regular basis for not keeping this wonderful gift to himself. He is unbelievably patient, is superbly knowledgeable about music and is just so down to earth and makes the lessons so enjoyable. You can see that he clearly loves his job, as he gets the same joy that the student does when things start to come together.
I also attend the Trad Slow Sessions on Friday evenings, and these too are excellent.
I would highly recommend Waltons New School of Music to anyone who is interested in taking up an instrument, as I feel that you’re in good hands, you’re getting value for your money and you will ultimately come out of there a far better musician than when you went in.
We have a fantastic guitar teacher. His teaching style is so relaxed and as somebody who was an absolute beginner, I cannot believe how much I have learned in such a short space of time. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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.
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]
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.
Paddy is an excellent, adaptable [banjo] teacher who helped me to achieve my goals.
Luke is a great [piano] teacher who nurtured and expanded [my daughter’s] musical abilities. We were very pleased with the tuition she received at Waltons New School of Music. The school administration also takes a real interest in matching your child to the most suitable teacher for what it is that you and your child are hoping to achieve from the lessons.
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
Michael made learning fun and very accessible (i.e. you don’t have to be ‘gifted’ to learn to play). He explains techniques well and is very positive. [Introducing Harmonica]
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.
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!
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
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 was nervous learning an instrument like the guitar for the first time as an adult, but our teacher made us all feel at ease and the pace of the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] lessons suited our learning development. I can’t wait to come back!
My daughter looks forward to her [Introducing Guitar for Children] class each week. She learned so quickly how to read music. The teacher is very good with kids.
Sinéad is amazing, and Waltons students are lucky to have her! I learned so much in such a short time, and it’s all thanks to her and her passion! [Musical Theatre Workshop]
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.
Great structure to this online course and easy to follow notes. Our teacher was excellent, and he gave everyone a chance to play, ask questions, etc. He went above and beyond in providing chords for songs we might like to learn, MP3 recordings for all classes and most of all, enthusiasm! [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
I always wanted to sing but thought I didn’t have a note in my head. With the help and patience of my [voice] teacher I now believe that I can and am loving it.
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.
This course [Musical Theatre Workshop] is excellent for developing both acting and singing skills in fun, relaxed and creative atmosphere. Sinéad is dedicated, enthusiastic and open to letting the class develop their performance. I hope to take the course again next year, as it has given me the confidence to perform and audition for my local musical society.
Great teacher, with great patience, who tries to get the best from my son at every [drum kit] lesson, while making it fun.
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.
Great induction course. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] The teacher was relatable, approachable and knew what he was talking about.
Excellent teacher. Excellent tuition. Friendly and encouraging. The Introducing Violin for Adults course content was perfectly pitched for a violin beginner. I enjoyed it immensely.
Very well taught! Notes are easy to understand, and it definitely boosts your confidence towards the exam. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I loved the class [Musical Theatre Workshop]. The teacher is brilliant, and I feel much more confident about my singing and acting. Also the class is great fun.
Very professional and friendly school with excellent teachers. I really enjoyed studying here.
Loved the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course, and instructor was brilliant. He took me from picking up a banjo and not knowing a thing to having a really good grasp of the instrument.
Thoroughly enjoyed the course [Musical Theatre Workshop]. Sinéad is a super teacher!
My ukulele lessons are on Tuesday evenings, and however hard my day was, I always look forward to them and walk away with a smile. I particularly like the flexibility and patience of my teacher, as well as the relaxed atmosphere.
Great [Introducing Harmonica] teacher – enthusiastic, good-humoured and very helpful.
Michael McInerney has the blues running through his veins. I didn’t really expect much from the [Introducing Harmonica] course, but it’s so good I keep signing up for more terms of harmonica playing. Great fun too!
Great way to get started with the guitar! [I have] a very thorough and patient instructor, with good choice of content for the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] classes. I have found that my playing has improved greatly.
My piano teacher is very understanding, patient and encouraging. These online lessons have been a great experience, and I should have done it years ago.
Marta is a wonderful teacher. After taking [voice] lessons with her, my daughter’s attitude towards singing completely changed. She has gained confidence in singing and now has a real love for it.
A very enjoyable course [Introducing Singing for Adults]. The teacher was very experienced and all participants improved hugely, even shrinking violets!
I like the super friendly staff (both office and teachers), great location and ability to adapt individual tuition to your own pace and time commitments.
I’ve gained so much since I’ve taken [Musical Theatre Workshop] classes here. My confidence has grown immensely, and I’ve come on as both a singer and performer. Sinéad is an amazing teacher who has pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me so that I can reach my full potential and be the best performer that I can possibly be.
My Irish harp teacher’s method is truly excellent. From precise and efficient playing techniques to ways of making the music richer, she impresses me every time. As an international student, I also found the environment at the school incredibly welcoming. The teachers are very patient and explain everything clearly, making it a perfect place for anyone to learn music, regardless of their background!
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]
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.
Gabriele is a very professional and responsible violin teacher. The service at the school is excellent, and the reception is always very friendly.
Well organised [piano] lessons with a fantastic, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable teacher. And the school provides lots of opportunities to learn different instruments.
Really enjoying learning bodhrán with such a great teacher. I just wish I’d discovered these online lessons sooner!
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.
Great location, friendly staff…excellent [double bass] teacher and good opening hours.
I am in my mid 30s and wanted to begin learning piano. At Waltons New School of Music they have matched me with a really fantastic teacher who understands where I’m at and is working with me at a pace that challenges me and also understands my abilities. The staff in the school are always helpful and friendly, and there is a really great atmosphere in the place. It’s a great place to learn an instrument, and I highly recommend it!
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 [violin] teacher with great insight into what I needed. The school has nice friendly atmosphere and high-quality lessons.
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.
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].
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!
Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher. [Songwriting Workshop]
My daughter has a wonderful violin teacher here. She certainly has the knowledge and expertise, but most importantly she knows how to work with children and motivate them to stick with it. We’ll be back.
I wish that I’d heard about Intensive Lessons sooner! They really are perfect for me. I take my piano seriously, and I want lessons that will challenge and develop me. But my work hours are too irregular for weekly lessons. So Intensive Lessons are the perfect solution and allow me to take lessons only when I’m available. I also have an excellent teacher, who understands my strengths and weaknesses and has really developed my musical understanding. And regarding flexibility, I’ve even taken a couple of online Intensives when I was out of the country, and these were great as well. So if you’re like me, don’t hesitate!
Excellent course. Eoin makes what some would consider a dry subject both interesting and engaging. And being able to read music has opened up a whole new world for me! [Music Fundamentals]
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]
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
- Trad Summer School
- Traditional • Folk • World Instruments
- Voice (Singing)
- Wind Instruments
Lenka Dobai
Ana Dundovic
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Marta Natoniewska
Melanie O’Reilly
Isabella Remkes
Jade Roche
