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
Harry’s teaching methods are excellent, and I could see my own skills improving each week. Great atmosphere in the classroom. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble with Melanie. She is a brilliant teacher and made the classes very enjoyable and educational. Her song choices were fantastic, and we learned to sing in some wonderful three-part harmonies. Many thanks!
I’ve learned so much from my teacher that I wasn’t able to learn from singing lessons elsewhere.
I’m into my 4th year of [guitar] tuition and have progressed way beyond my expectations – which I thought were ambitious. The environment in the school is serious in terms learning and progression, yet hugely developmental and enjoyable. My tutor is the consummate professional. He has a teaching style that is easy to engage with and breeds confidence and encouragement – all delivered with a subtle but effective eye towards delivery beyond expectations. I’ve never not looked forward to a class. That says it all for me!
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 don’t think anyone wanting to learn jazz piano could find a better teacher than Johnny Taylor.
Great [Introducing Ukulele for Adults] teacher. Never having played an instrument before, I didn’t have high expectations for this course, but years ago I fell in love with Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s ‘Over the Rainbow’ on ukulele and wanted to play it – and believe it or not, now I can!
I 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.
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!
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.
Very enthusiastic and able teacher. Go raibh maith agat! [Trad Guitar Basics]
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’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.
Excellent [voice] teacher. Excellent school. Thanks for giving me the confidence to get in touch with my real singing voice. Music is one of the greatest gifts we have been blessed with.
The teacher had an excellent knowledge of music and inspired me! Extremely good notes…easy to apprehend. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
David is calm and understanding teacher who is very good at explaining and imparting his knowledge of the violin. Would definitely recommend. And it’s convenient and easy to take online lessons on my laptop from home. I have had a very good experience with the school overall – great teachers and helpful staff in the school office.
Excellent school. Excellent teachers and staff, who really give their time in the interest of students. Studying at Waltons has re-ignited my absolute passion for music.
Inspiring tutor made every single [Jazz Vocal Workshop] class interesting, challenging but most of all fun and highly rewarding.
My [Introducing Singing for Adults] teacher is brilliant at explaining, giving hands-on tips and exercises to practice. She knows how to make people feel both more comfortable and braver, and she is always positive and encouraging.
Dave Mooney is an excellent bass guitar teacher who has made [my son] the musician he is today.
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.
The guitar teachers at Waltons School of Music are brilliant. I would recommend them to anyone. Shame the term is over.
I am hugely enjoying my piano lessons and really like my teacher’s approach. I have made great progress in the last year.
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, great teachers.
I’ve been taking online lessons, and Andrew, my guitar teacher, inspired to start playing again after 30 years. He’s a super teacher and sends me helpful notes straight after each lesson. I’ve been learning more and more difficult guitar pieces after my initial tentative lockdown attempt to restart lessons.
Excellent teaching, and easy learning techniques. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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!
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.
John Sweeney is a terrific tutor. He listens to my sons and builds up a great rapport that keeps them interested in the guitar.
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]
A very enjoyable course [Introducing Singing for Adults]. The teacher was very experienced and all participants improved hugely, even shrinking violets!
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.
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, Colin was 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!
Barbara Dagg is a brilliant piano teacher – patient, adaptive to the different needs of my three children and helping them to progress at their own pace. I also really appreciate that it has been possible to continue the lessons online, as we would be unable to travel to the school in person regularly. Online tuition is fantastic!
I honestly didn’t think I would get so much out of online singing lessons, but my teacher’s just brilliant and I have learned loads. I live much too far from Dublin to come to the school on a regular basis, so online tuition has been a great experience for me.
Waltons New School of Music and my excellent teacher gave me the opportunity both to learn and achieve something that I didn’t think was possible for me. Through combination of healthy challenge and empathetic guidance, I learnt and grew in ways that I didn’t think I would in such a short space of time. Thank you…. [Songwriting Workshop participant]
Loved the way you get to express yourself…. Sinéad gets the best out of you, and it is so much fun! [Musical Theatre Workshop]
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.
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
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]
My online singing lessons with the New School over the past few months have been a revelation! I know it can take people a bit of time to get used to online learning, but I have an excellent teacher who explained everything so clearly and listened to my singing so intently that I honestly prefer online lessons to in-person now. And the best part of it is that I have no commute!
I’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.
Really enjoyed my time at this school. Friendly, professional, with excellent teachers and lovely office staff. Highly recommended.
The teacher does a brilliant job with the [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)] course. Each child is listened to and well looked after, whether the classes are in the school or online. My son loves the course and has learned lots of new things. He looks forward to every Saturday.
Great fun, great teacher, great group and a great skill learned! [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
The relaxed way of teaching makes you feel at home on the [Songwriting Workshop] course and gives you the confidence to perform in front of your fellow classmates. I can’t believe I stood up in front of a room full of people and performed my own songs! It was an amazing experience.
Sinéad Flynn is the best teacher I have ever had, for any discipline. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone interested in exploring their voice as an instrument. Sinéad is an exceptional teacher, very knowledgeable and encouraging, with a wonderful disposition. Also, the school staff are great, and the location is excellent.
The online classes were very enjoyable. There was a lovely atmosphere, and everyone felt at ease. The teacher was excellent, always ready to help and had a lovely way of encouraging her students. And there was no pressure put on any student to be perfect. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Clear and confident [clarinet] teacher.
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)]
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].
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 have a cracking teacher and really enjoyed the [Summer Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course. I loved the logical way he took us through the basics and gave us heaps of encouragement and praise.
Harry is a great teacher, with a passion for Irish music that is infectious. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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.
My son has learned guitar with Gary 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.
My banjo teacher is both patient and encouraging, and the lessons are very informative. I’m very happy with my online lessons and plan to continue.
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.
I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
My personal experience is that Waltons New School of Music has a long tradition of fostering musical talent in its students, and my tutors have continued that tradition with respect, flexibility, skill and creativity. I really enjoy working with Adam, my Irish harp teacher, and he has helped me develop my own skills and style at my own pace.
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]
I had an excellent piano teacher for my Intensive Lesson – very clear, organised, friendly and patient! Doing a lesson with him was a pleasure, and I plan to continue my piano/keyboard studies here. I highly recommend the school for its excellent teachers, very helpful administrative staff, user friendly website and convenient and accessible location!
Michael’s style of teaching is very informative as he provided a history of different musical styles, which helped [us understand] what is possible on the instrument. [Introducing Harmonica] was a great introduction to the harmonica for someone who is picking it up as a hobby while also providing enough content for someone starting with the instrument seriously.
Gabriele is such a friendly and helpful [violin] teacher. [My daughter] felt really comfortable with him as he made the lessons so enjoyable.
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.
Excellent [violin] teacher with great insight into what I needed. The school has nice friendly atmosphere and high-quality lessons.
I’ve really enjoyed learning a new instrument and new songs, as well as the group camaraderie. The teacher is very patient! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
I have really enjoyed [Introducing Violin for Adults] at the school, especially the outstanding teaching skills, kindness and patience of the instructor. I have to say that choosing this course was a very good decision.
The instructor is extremely knowledgeable but also patient and approachable. Highly recommended. [Music Fundamentals]
Very professional and friendly school with excellent teachers. I really enjoyed studying here.
Peter is a great clarinet teacher, who is always trying to make you think about what you are studying in new ways. As a result, my online lessons are very engaging. He has an amazing knowledge of both the history and theory of music and combines these eloquently to help you think through what you are studying. The result is that you discover new music which encourages you to practice, and you never know – maybe someday you could play this? You guys are lucky to have such a great teacher. I look forward to my lesson every week!
The [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course is professionally taught, with the targets outlined and explained at beginning of the course. And our tutor Paddy keeps the classes both interesting and varied.
I find Dav’s [voice] lessons to be excellent and fun. My voice has improved greatly, and her relaxed style makes the lessons very enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Learning the fiddle was a really positive and worthwhile experience. The tuition was pitched perfectly for beginners, and Rebecca is an exceptional teacher. Thank you. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
My daughter has a great [violin] teacher! I was hesitant at first to sign her up for online lessons, as I could not picture how music lessons might be held online. However, the lessons are fantastic! The teacher notices even small things and has done an excellent job in teaching and motivating my daughter to improve.
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.
A great course [Introducing Harmonica]. The teacher was very passionate about it, and I think all the students thoroughly enjoyed it. I did!
Great course [Songwriting Workshop]. Really enjoyed having someone walk me through a scary new thing, with great skill and experience.
Excellent teaching skills, very good interpersonal skills – and also very patient! It has been a pleasure to attend [guitar] lessons with John.
Great school. Very good, caring teachers make learning enjoyable.
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.
A very positive experience and great teaching. [Introducing World Drumming]
The teacher was very easy to understand and was willing to answer any questions. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I have wanted to do a music technology course for years but the opportunity didn’t come up until I saw that Waltons were offering an online version of their Introducing Music Technology course. Signing up was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. My zero experience in recording music was no problem because it is tailored for beginners, and looking back on how much I learned in such a short space of time is incredible! The teacher is very friendly, helpful, and explains things in a clear and concise way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the subject!
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.
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.
What I liked best about the [Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics] course was its interactive nature. the enthusiasm displayed by our teacher John Sweeney and the opportunity to witness a pure professional. And the encouragement and support provided by the school staff has taken the fear out of taking on a music course and added to the enjoyment and confidence to take on more.
Andriy’s [piano lessons] are excellent. He doesn’t get frustrated with my mistakes, and he helps explain how to overcome sections that are proving difficult. He is also a pleasure to work with and successfully helped me prepare for and pass my very first music exam.
Marta is an amazing voice teacher. Kind and encouraging, she has helped me to grow as a singer both in technique and in confidence. She has also helped me to complete Grades 4 through 6 of my classical singing exams, and I have received distinctions each time.
Great teacher with lots of good tips and helpful notes. [Leaving Cert. Music Pre-Exam Revision Workshop]
Great teacher, full of knowledge, who made the [Introducing Bodhrán] classes fun and incorporated extra teaching tools to go above and beyond.
Really enjoyed the Songwriting Workshop! In this difficult time when we can’t go places, music is the best remedy. The teacher delivered very hands-on classes that got me writing a few songs within a few weeks! Thank you. 😀
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
I have the best [guitar] teacher in the world!
Pia 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]
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.
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 found the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] classes so enjoyable, and I looked forward to our group lesson every week. The teacher was excellent, with a relaxed and kind approach which helped settle any nerves. I’m so glad I decided to give it a go and will definitely continue with lessons.
The welcoming and friendly atmosphere and wonderful staff and teachers at Waltons make it such a special place to be a part of. I started my singing lessons with the fantastic Sinéad Flynn nine months ago and have loved every lesson since. Whether you’re a beginning a new instrument or an experienced musician, I could not recommend Waltons more!
I’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.
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]
Really enjoyed the [Trad Guitar Basics] course and John – he is a wealth of knowledge!
Relaxed but progressive atmosphere. Excellent tuition. Professional teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
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!
The wonderful teacher, very supportive and patient, made for a very enjoyable experience. There was a lovely sense of camaraderie in the group learning and playing together. [Flute Ensemble]
The teacher really contributed to my learning development and knowledge of music. [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
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. Colin was great. He clearly knows his stuff and is very easy going, approachable, encouraging and genuinely interested in making sure everyone was getting something from the classes.
I thoroughly enjoyed my Intensive Lesson with Dav. I honestly thought I was incapable of singing, and she changed my mind on that!
The Introducing Bodhrán course is a really good intro into trad music, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who’s thinking about it. John is an amazing teacher, great at explaining things!
I have a great piano teacher, very patient and very encouraging. The lessons are well organised, and it is very easy to enrol. I especially like that you offer online tuition. Thanks to my teacher and everyone else at the school!
Fantastic [Trad Guitar Basics] teacher with stellar enthusiasm.
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.
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]
Very enjoyable course [Introducing Music Technology], with all details well explained by a knowledgeable and friendly teacher.
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
The school has a welcoming atmosphere and a very high standard of teaching that strives to meet the student’s personalised goals. Competitions, scholarships, etc. are great opportunities for students. [voice student]
I learned so much…. The teacher was excellent with a wide knowledge of the field. [Introducing Music Technology]
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]
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.
Professional, friendly and fun. Learned a lot about singing [with a] very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
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.
Introducing Irish Fiddle was a really enjoyable course. All of the tunes I learned were broken down and made easy to learn and pick up. The teacher was extremely helpful, accommodating and approachable, and this gave me the confidence in going on to learn the fiddle.
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.
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]
Very enthusiastic teacher and great breadth of genres taught. Really enjoyable – didn’t miss a class! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
My son is on his second term of piano lessons and he absolutely adores it, loves the teacher, and I have to say I can’t speak highly enough of all staff too.
Brilliant school and wonderful, attentive and adaptive [voice] tuition from my teacher, herself a fantastic vocalist! Loved my lessons, will be back for more, and would highly recommend the place to anyone looking to improve their abilities and confidence in music.
I really appreciate the energy that Rebecca brings to her [Introducing Irish Fiddle] classes, which are always really enjoyable. Also, for an intro level course, we have really progressed quickly. She is always providing us with personal feedback despite it being a group class, which I greatly appreciate.
My child benefited from individual attention from an excellent teacher in a small group. [Introducing Violin for Children]
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]
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)]
Johnny Taylor is exceptional. As a former classical piano teacher to diploma level, I can safely say he is the best teacher I have come across, and I consider myself very fortunate to have done so. [jazz piano student]
My daughter attended Waltons for the introductory guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Children] and has continued with an improvers course for almost two years. She really enjoys it. Her teacher is great – very calm, encouraging and patient, and he doesn’t talk down to them. Every week I see progress and her personal pride in playing a little more accurately and fluidly each time. The atmosphere in the building from all staff is one of professionalism, kindness and welcome.
Really enjoyed the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course, delivered online. Colin is a very good teacher, calm and relaxed but pushes us at the right times too. He engages very well with us as students and is 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 to any adult learners looking to start playing the guitar.
Brilliant teacher. Really enjoyed the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course!
I only started recently, and as a mature student I was a bit apprehensive about going back to music after many many years – but both Andriy, my piano teacher, and Cathy, my fiddle teacher, made me feel at ease, and from week one I have just enjoyed it! Everyone in the school is so friendly and helpful – from the people in the office giving me information on courses and taking time to help me with any queries I had, to the teachers, who are brilliant. I would definitely recommend Waltons – a very welcoming place for students of all ages. Great location. Great teachers. Great staff. A positive experience from the very start!
My teacher Gary 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.
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 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 informant. 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 lesson so enjoyable. You can see from him 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 that is interested in taking up an instrument as I feel that you’re in good hands, you’re getting value for your money (they even have a discount for parking your car in Dury Street Carpark) and you will ultimately come out of there a far better musician than when you went in.
Colin Power is a very good 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.
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.
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.
A pleasure to spend an hour doing something different with a genuinely passionate musician and totally nice bloke. [Irish Music Tasters]
Dedicated and excellent choir director/tutor. [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
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]
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]
Every week at my [guitar] lessons is a new and positive experience. I appreciate my teacher’s expertise greatly and feel lucky for the opportunity to continue learning from him. Waltons New School of Music is very professional and has a friendly, welcoming environment.
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!
I had no music background, but the teacher was very helpful and made it very enjoyable. I really enjoyed the [Introducing Violin for Adults] classes. Thanks!
My [guitar] teacher is engaging and has broad and deep musical and technical knowledge that has improved my playing considerably.
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.
Michael is a really enthusiastic and capable teacher. I enjoyed both his humour and his teaching methods. He’s very patient and encouraging. [Introducing Harmonica]
The teacher is great at providing a fun environment for learning. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
Rebecca is such a supportive and encouraging Irish fiddle tutor. She has endless patience and instantly puts me at ease. I could not rate her highly enough – a total credit to the school.
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.
I’ve been enjoying my piano lessons very much and have learned so much over the past few months since I started to learn the piano. Luke is a brilliant teacher, is very good at explaining new concepts so that I can understand them as a beginner, is super patient and encouraging and makes the lessons fun and challenging.
The teacher…is lovely, very caring, a natural educator. [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)]
My 7-year-old could not get enough of the [Introducing Violin for Children] classes. She never wanted to miss her class, where she learnt how to play the violin and made friends.
The results [of my voice lessons] have far exceeded my expectations, and I discovered parts of my voice that I didn’t know existed. Sinéad is a wonderful teacher and a fabulous person, and our lessons have been fun as well as productive. The school itself has very helpful staff, great tuition and a lovely friendly atmosphere.
Dave is an amazing teacher – the best I’ve ever had. He is extremely patient and passionate about what he is doing, and he is really good at motivating people. [Jazz Ensemble II student]
Sinéad was brilliant. She brought out the best in me, and I am much more confident now about my voice. I loved everything about the [Musical Theatre Workshop] course. Fun, laughter, confidence building.
From my point of view the teaching at the school is top class.
Excellent school, excellent teachers, I would highly recommend. We had Dave Mooney for bass this year and he was great. Patient, kind and a great teacher.
Gary 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]
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.
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.
Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher. [Songwriting Workshop]
Great experience – highly recommend it. Excellent teacher and notes, very well explained and easy to understand. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Paddy made every [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class an interesting one. He is a superb teacher.
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.
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.
I would recommend the [Introducing Music Technology] course to anyone who thinks learning how to use DAW software is beyond their reach. I can’t think of a better place to start. The course made it easy to understand a lot of technical terms and information with ample time to ask questions and get clarification, which is quite an achievement for an online course. Colin is an excellent, patient and hands-on teacher.
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!
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.
Sinéad is a wonderful teacher. Every week she has encouraged me with her positive feedback, and I have gained a lot of confidence about my singing since starting lessons with her. I would recommend Sinéad and Waltons New School of Music to anyone who enjoys music. I also like the fact that the school accommodates both online and face-to-face tuition, and it’s both very central in town and easy to access by public transport. Finally, I have booked rooms in the school to practice my singing outside of lessons – which is an excellent facility.
A fantastic opportunity to go over the course with a lecturer who really knows his stuff. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Sinéad is a fantastic [voice] teacher. She’s super attuned and knows how to put her students at ease, creating a space for them to take risks and explore their musicality and voice. She’s also incredibly encouraging and engages with the person in front of her in a holistic, empathic, super-experienced and grounded way. And she paces the level of challenge really well. In general, I’ve had such a positive experience in the school; all the staff are lovely and extremely helpful, balancing warmth and professionalism. A beating heart of music education in Dublin’s city centre.
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!
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’m finding [Introducing Violin for Adults] very enjoyable and not at all intimidating. The teacher makes us feel at ease as we learn the violin.
I 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]
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.
A great [voice] teacher…really encouraging and patient. She has really helped me to regain the confidence in singing that I thought I had lost.
I 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.
My daughter thoroughly enjoys each [guitar] lesson. In just a short space of time she has developed confidence in playing her guitar and a desire to improve and learn more. This is purely attributable to the fantastic tuition from her teacher. Thank you!
My violin lessons with Oleg are endlessly entertaining! He always makes the lesson fun and applicable to my abilities. What’s more, he focuses on the technical aspects of violin playing as well as the musicality; many other teachers do not.
John was very passionate about music and made me love playing the guitar. [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!
My concertina lessons are great. Learning music for the first time as an adult is very scary, but my teacher had the greatest patience and taught me many tunes. I progressed a lot, and that’s all her merit. She is a very knowledgeable and skilled musician, but she’s also a great teacher. It is very difficult to find both things in the same person.
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]
Studying Irish fiddle here has been a most enjoyable learning experience, with nice tunes and a great teacher. This has been an ideal opportunity to learn Irish fiddle.
I’m absolutely delighted that I signed up for the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] course, which is at the perfect level for a group of adult beginners. Rebecca is a fantastic teacher with an approachable and accessible teaching style, and she communicates so well with our group. There is a lovely rapport in the class. Overall, the New School has a great atmosphere and is a great environment for learning music. The staff and teachers are so professional and accommodating. I would definitely recommend it to a friend!
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
- Ensembles
- Guitar • Bass • Ukulele
- Irish Music Tasters
- Jazz
- Leaving Certificate Music
- Music at Work Programme
- Music Technology
- Outreach Programme
- Piano • Keyboard
- Pre-Instrumental (Early Years) Music
- String Instruments
- Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting
- Traditional • Folk • World Instruments
- Voice (Singing)
- Wind Instruments
Lenka Dobai
Ana Dundovic
Sinéad Flynn
Grace Galligan
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Joan O’Malley
Melanie O’Reilly
Jade Roche
