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 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 started taking online guitar lessons with Waltons during the lockdown in May, and I have to say it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. In fact, I found online lessons so effective and convenient that I’m continuing with them this year as well. I have an excellent teacher who really cares about his students’ progress, and I’m hugely enjoying the experience of learning guitar.
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.
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 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]
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.
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 have an excellent [classical guitar] teacher, and I admire his musicality, his talent, his wide-ranging taste and his skills. He is an excellent judge of the right pace for progression and diversification of repertoire, and he’s generous with his many practical and very helpful suggestions on technique and the best use of practice sessions. I have enjoyed my lessons with him enormously, and I feel I’ve made huge progress since I started with him. The atmosphere of my lessons is relaxed yet focused on the music. It has worked really well for me.
Éamonn, my bodhrán teacher, is excellent at teaching music. He is calm, friendly and a really nice person. Thank you for your help!
From my point of view the teaching at the school is top class.
Loved the way you get to express yourself…. Sinéad gets the best out of you, and it is so much fun! [Musical Theatre Workshop]
Really enjoyed my time at this school. Friendly, professional, with excellent teachers and lovely office staff. Highly recommended.
A very enjoyable course [Introducing Singing for Adults]. The teacher was very experienced and all participants improved hugely, even shrinking violets!
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.
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!
Dave is an amazing teacher – the best I’ve ever had. He is extremely patient and passionate about what he is doing, and he is really good at motivating people. [Jazz Ensemble II student]
Our [Introducing Irish Fiddle] teacher was really supportive and enthusiastic from the start, and her love for music was contagious! I really enjoyed learning from her and I will definitely continue taking lessons from Waltons.
My son is really enjoying his piano lessons at Waltons and is very impressed with his teacher. He is encouraged in a positive manner.
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.
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’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.
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.
The teacher’s easy manner gave me the courage to have a go even if I wasn’t getting things right. By my own reckoning I have made huge progress since I began the [Sight Singing Made Easy] 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.
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]
The [Introducing Singing for Adults] course is a truly uplifting and fantastic experience. We have an amazing teacher who has great patience and brings humour to our classes, so that we’re always relaxed.
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 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’m writing about the wonderful Tin Whistle Taster my family recently had at the New School. I can’t recommend the experience highly enough. Two adults and two children were kept entertained and engaged, and we learned so much not only about tin whistle playing but about Irish music in general in a short space of time. Éamonn is clearly not only a great musician but also a gifted, natural teacher – someone who can connect with people of all ages. We’ll definitely be back for a Bodhrán Taster the next time we visit Ireland! [Irish Music Tasters]
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.
Excellent teacher. Excellent revision. [Leaving Cert. Music Pre-Exam Revision Workshop]
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!
The best singing teacher I have ever had – have learned so much.
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.
The [Introducing Bodhrán] course was amazing, and I can’t believe how much I’ve learned in such a short time. We have a fantastic teacher, knowledgeable and happy to introduce us to different types and flavours of music. He was very encouraging, and all in all it was a great experience.
The teacher was very friendly and professional. We were very happy with our 5-year-old son attending the [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)] class and look forward to him joining again in September.
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
Great intro course. Great teacher, staff and location. Great experience! [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
I have been studying singing with Waltons for three years now, and I have found it to be such a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. My voice has really improved, and both the teaching standard and professionalism of the school are very high. My teacher Sinéad Flynn has been particularly helpful to me, and I really enjoy my lessons!
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
Very clear and informative. A must for music students. A great teacher. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I would highly recommend the Making Music course for 3–4-year-olds. It’s a truly brilliant course, wonderfully active and engaging, and it really benefitted my son’s listening skills and enthusiasm for singing and dancing. It’s lovely that there is no need for any knowledge of music or instruments for it and that the teacher combines her knowledge of music and teaching superbly well.
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 cannot thank you enough. My cello teacher always goes above and beyond in my lessons. And the office staff are knowledgeable, warm and friendly. It’s a lovely place to be a student.
Cathy is a fantastic and supportive instructor. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it! [Sing Your Heart Out Choir]
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.
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
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!
I decided to take the [Ableton Live Basics] course because I had Ableton Live Lite software that came bundled with some gear I’d bought, and I had no idea how to use it. The course far exceeded my expectations. I’d imagined a course that would give me a couple of tips for using Ableton Live more effectively, but our teacher provided us with so much more. I now realise why Ableton Live is such a popular software – and I now have a very good idea of what it can do!
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]
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 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.
I approached the school with a certain goal in mind – to undertake the LCME exams – so my ukulele lessons were tailored for this purpose, which was brilliant. John is a great teacher; he is very patient, knowledgeable and generous with his time, and he provides good advice on how to approach the pieces. I’ve learnt more about music theory, the fretboard and improved my playing skills in the past year than I have in many years playing in ukulele sessions and bands.
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.
My violin lessons with Oleg are endlessly entertaining! He always makes the lesson fun and applicable to my abilities. What’s more, he focuses on the technical aspects of violin playing as well as the musicality; many other teachers do not.
I recently started learning bass guitar in the school and couldn’t be happier. David Mooney is a great teacher, and I’m really enjoying my lessons. I appreciate his vast music knowledge and experience, his flexibility and his passion for teaching and for the instrument he teaches – passion that he is really able to transfer to students. We explore many music genres and techniques in my lessons, and at the same time I’m learning improvisation, which I really love because it gives space to creativity. If you want to learn bass guitar, I would definitely recommend lessons here. The school is a guarantee for music lovers. If I only could, I’d take everything they offer!
Great foundation for a jazz beginner. The teacher has a very positive, open and encouraging approach. [Jazz Piano Basics]
I have been taken singing [Intensive Lessons] for the past three years. Early on, I decided not to stick to one teacher so I could benefit from different approaches, and the standard of teaching from all the teachers I’ve had has been uniformly excellent.
A fantastic course and a gifted, caring teacher. My daughter really enjoyed learning piano with other children, and the teacher was so encouraging that no child felt left behind. This course and approach is worlds away from the way I learned piano, and I’m so happy that my daughter wants to continue! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children]
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.
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.
The teacher is great at providing a fun environment for learning. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
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!
I have been learning jazz piano at the New School for the past three years. Johnny Taylor is a fabulous musician. He has a great understanding of melody and harmony and a superb talent in sharing and explaining his knowledge. He can also recognise what talent I have and build on it. His criticism is always precise and is followed by remedies to improve. He is a natural instructor – not an easy profession. I was a pilot with Aer Lingus for 30 years and came across many skilled pilots, but only a few had the ability to pass on their skills as instructors – something Johnny Taylor has in spades. As well as playing the piano a little better, my understanding has increased tenfold, and I am enjoying the piano and the instruction immensely.
Amazing classes with incredible teachers. Don’t be afraid and think you can’t sing. This school will show you how everyone can be a singer and truly be happy after every single class. [Introduction to Song Performance student]
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.
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.
Great [piano] teacher, always ready to help, with incredible patience and very helpful suggestions.
Great teachers and a great environment. I have improved my musical abilities a lot thanks to the school. [voice student]
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.
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.
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]
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]
Excellent [violin] teacher with great insight into what I needed. The school has nice friendly atmosphere and high-quality lessons.
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.
My fiddle teacher is really helpful and encouraging. I always leave my lessons feeling more confident about my playing. Thanks!
My son has made great progress with the saxophone while studying here. While he has worked hard himself, much of this is down to the teacher, who has been both patient and motivating.
I 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.
Our [Introducing Violin for Adults] teacher was very friendly, calm and patient. She took everything step by step and made sure we understood. A very good teacher!
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
Dave is an extremely good teacher; he is very skilled at explaining concepts in a way that is conducive to my understanding. He is also very dedicated, puts a lot of effort into the lessons and clearly has great expertise with which to teach music theory and the bass in a very intuitive way. Overall, the standard of teaching was extremely high, and I gained a very strong understanding of both theory and my instrument very quickly. More generally, the school was very helpful in organising lessons, and the facilities and staff are both excellent.
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.
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.
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.
John Sweeney is a terrific tutor. He listens to my sons and builds up a great rapport that keeps them interested in the guitar.
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.
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]
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.
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]
Very well taught! Notes are easy to understand, and it definitely boosts your confidence towards the exam. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I have 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.
John is a master of many styles of guitar playing – Irish traditional, flamenco, jazz, rock, you name it – and his enthusiasm for all kinds of music is infectious. This series of classes [Trad Guitar Basics] was very informative and fun to attend, and it gave me the basis for practice and improvement over the coming months. I enjoyed them greatly.
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.
Thank you Waltons New School of Music for providing a course I had been looking around for and for delivering on its promises. Superb tutor! [Creative Music Production]
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 like the super friendly staff (both office and teachers), great location and ability to adapt individual tuition to your own pace and time commitments.
The teachers are obviously passionate, and this coupled with their musicianship and knowledge makes the learning an enjoyable and rewarding habit.
Great fun, amazing teacher, loved every class! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
The online summer courses are a great opportunity, and the teaching is of a high standard. [jazz violin student]
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!
Relaxed and friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, great teachers.
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.
Sinéad Flynn is a fantastic [voice] teacher. Her vast knowledge of the musical theatre repertoire helps you choose pieces that suit your voice and helps you to make the most of your potential as a singer.
The teacher was very easy to understand and was willing to answer any questions. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Melanie is very experienced teacher/songwriter, and she was very generous about sharing her knowledge. She was also very supportive and gave everyone on the course plenty of time and support with their individual creative projects. Really enjoyed the [Art & Craft of Songwriting] workshop!
The tuition is first rate…fantastic tutor, with excellent ability in both playing and teaching. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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!
Michael McInerney, the [Introducing Harmonica] teacher, was very enthusiastic and passionate about the harmonica and teaching others. What I liked most was the detailed explanations given by the teacher and the music he assigned us to practice.
A very patient teacher. She moves the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] class at just the right pace to push you forward, but she doesn’t leave anyone behind.
A pleasure to spend an hour doing something different with a genuinely passionate musician and totally nice bloke. [Irish Music Tasters]
A fantastic opportunity to go over the course with a lecturer who really knows his stuff. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
I always look forward to my tin whistle classes in Waltons New School of Music. The teacher’s enthusiasm and depth of knowledge are so infectious – you come away learning far more than you would in a typical class. [Introducing Tin Whistle student]
I have an excellent piano teacher – she is very patient, friendly and encouraging at all times. She also has the brilliant ability to break down the more complex aspects of a piece into simpler parts, which makes it easier to understand and learn them. She has a great technical knowledge of the piano and music theory as well.
I was delighted that my concert flute teacher set very good challenges for me and that my online lessons were so enjoyable.
All the fundamentals were covered, which gave us the best foundations for learning how to play the violin correctly. Terrific teacher, and the atmosphere of the [Introducing Violin for Adults] classes was always great and positive. I had fun at every class. Thank you.
The teacher had an excellent knowledge of music and inspired me! Extremely good notes…easy to apprehend. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Dave Mooney is an excellent bass guitar teacher who has made [my son] the musician he is today.
Dav, my teacher, has been so helpful in helping me to understand my voice. Learning to sing well is a process, but I see good results already. A very big thank you that the school is here and that you’ve given me an opportunity to learn with a professional and to satisfy my desire to sing.
The teacher’s approach to teaching the tin whistle is brilliant. He started gently (which I needed) and brought everyone along. There’s also a mix of Irish music appreciation that works for me. I’d recommend this class [Introducing Tin Whistle] for anyone interested in learning to play traditional music.
The teacher…is lovely, very caring, a natural educator. [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)]
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!
Very good course and atmosphere…. [My son] loved the teacher, different instruments and other children. Interaction helped him to ‘come out of his shell’. [Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)]
The [Introducing 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.
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.
Sinéad Flynn is a wonderful singer and vocal teacher who teaches with much heart and passion, always pushing me to improve and to find more layers in the songs. The Friday casual concerts are very enjoyable, and everyone is so supportive of each other. When you enter Waltons, there is a lovely welcoming vibe, and the office staff are all extremely friendly and helpful. (voice student)
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]
Very enjoyable course [Creative Music Production], with all details well explained by a knowledgeable and friendly teacher.
My guitar teacher is both very fun and enthusiastic, and he teaches incredibly well – knowing how to tailor his lessons to his students’ needs. I would also recommend the school because of its friendly admin staff, who always reply quickly, and its great location. [electric guitar student]
I don’t think anyone wanting to learn jazz piano could find a better teacher than Johnny Taylor.
Great classes [Introducing World Drumming] and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.
The group classes are a great way for mature beginners to take the plunge in learning a new instrument. Good value for money too. [Introducing and Improvers Irish Fiddle student]
The 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]
Anyone can learn the guitar. All you need is a willingness to learn and a professional teacher from Waltons New School of Music. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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!
Well organised [piano] lessons with a fantastic, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable teacher. And the school provides lots of opportunities to learn different instruments.
The [Introducing Irish Fiddle] teacher was excellent, very encouraging and with endless patience.
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!
The teacher really contributed to my learning development and knowledge of music. [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
Very professional and friendly school with excellent teachers. I really enjoyed studying here.
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!
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.
The online [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course was very good and allowed me to take the first steps towards playing guitar. The teacher was knowledgeable, covered a good range of topics, was very clear in explaining them and taught us good songs. He was also accessible and always available to support us with any questions we had.
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]
Great [Introducing Harmonica] teacher – enthusiastic, good-humoured and very helpful.
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.
My daughter really enjoys her drum lessons and is learning a lot of new concepts. Her teacher is friendly and professional, and his encouragement has been very motivating. Communications from the school have always been clear.
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 really enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and our teacher’s enthusiasm and dedication to teaching us how to play. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
Anna is a fantastic piano teacher. In general, the school has excellent teachers, and the classrooms are well equipped.
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.
Everything was taught in a very relaxed manner, and the [Introducing Irish Fiddle] course had a really lovely and enjoyable atmosphere. Adam is extremely patient and thorough, and I was absolutely delighted that he was our teacher.
I love my voice teacher. She’s really friendly and thoughtful, and I enjoy studying with her so much!
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 really enjoyed my [violin] lessons. I had a teacher who really understood how adults learn, and she gave me great confidence.
A very accessible beginner’s guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Adults]. The teacher was excellent, with great enthusiasm and expertise. I’ve taken two courses so far (Guitar and Bodhrán) and both have been excellent.
This has been a most enjoyable and fulfilling learning experience. My [guitar] teacher is a classy, professional but very much down-to-earth guy. He puts you at ease and is hugely encouraging and supportive. On my first visit I was a little tentative on arrival. His style is to engage and listen, and I immediately felt comfortable and assured. Since then I’ve genuinely enjoyed every minute of these sessions. Don’t think I can say that about too many experiences of anything I’ve been involved with over the years!
My singing teacher is very professional and knowledgeable and tailored my lessons to suit my needs. She is also easy to build a rapport with.
Very enthusiastic teacher and great breadth of genres taught. Really enjoyable – didn’t miss a class! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
We have an excellent teacher. Huge preparation and effort goes into each class [of the Introducing Guitar for Adults course], and he worked with the class to see which songs we would like to learn. We came away with party pieces to play, but also a technical understanding of the instrument, reading music, and different techniques. I have recommended him to so many family members and friends. Well worth doing this online course. Thanks!
I’m delighted I made the decision to start learning guitar. The instructor is really helpful, and the classes are fun and enjoyable. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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.
There is a really pleasant atmosphere. The teachers are always available and proactive, as well as the people who work at reception.
Top class vocal teaching that is specifically tailored to each student.
You really develop an appreciation of the Irish tradition and culture. The teacher was great. [Irish Music Tasters]
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.
My [drum kit] teacher made it very easy to learn the drums, as he broke each skill down into its elements. Also, the drum kit here is fantastic.
I would highly recommend Harry Long to anyone wanting to take up tin whistle. He is a patient and encouraging tutor. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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]
Radha really enjoys her piano lessons each week and has learned so much this year. She especially likes how Dan mixes up the lessons with a variety of styles – classical pieces, modern music, and even songwriting. His positive and encouraging approach keeps her motivated, and it’s great to see how much she’s grown in skill and confidence. We’re really grateful for the balance of structure and creativity Dan brings to the lessons. I think it’s helping to develop a genuine love of music in her, which is so nice to see.
Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher. [Songwriting Workshop]
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!
I highly recommend Waltons New School of Music. I come from a conservatory background, and the level of tuition is as good. My concert flute teacher is very professional and passionate about music and teaching. He has brought me to another level with very advanced pieces, while adapting to my learning rhythm and providing the best advice.
The guitar teachers at Waltons School of Music are brilliant. I would recommend them to anyone. Shame the term is over.
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]
A fantastic teacher who combines huge enthusiasm for his subject with huge knowledge (and patience!). An excellent course. [Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics]
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]
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 am hugely enjoying my piano lessons and really like my teacher’s approach. I have made great progress in the last year.
Very enthusiastic and able teacher. Go raibh maith agat! [Trad Guitar Basics]
Relaxed but progressive atmosphere. Excellent tuition. Professional teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
I have been learning flute and piano at the school for the past two years. I really enjoy coming to lessons, and the staff at the school are very friendly and approachable. My teachers are great, and their inspiration has motivated me to continue…. The school is also very accessible by any means of transport. I have recommended it to many of my friends.
Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and it completely exceeded any expectations that I had. The teacher’s experience and encouragement meant that we each left more confident in ourselves and in our abilities to create music.
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!
Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher. [Creative Music Production]
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.
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.
I am only sorry that I did not find out about the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course sooner at age 61. Better late than never. Paddy is a fantastic teacher, and the course so far is a blast!
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.
Marta has been teaching me classical voice for the past three years at the New School, and the progress I have made under her guidance has been truly remarkable. Her deep expertise, structured approach, and genuine passion for music have had a significant impact on my development as a musician. Thanks to Marta’s dedication and effective teaching methods, I have consistently achieved high grades in advanced singing music exams. She combines technical rigor with encouragement, making each lesson both productive and inspiring. Marta’s personal teaching style and commitment to excellence sets her apart as a teacher. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking a skilled and nurturing classical voice instructor.
My daughter attended Waltons for the introductory guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Children] and has continued with an improvers course for almost two years. She really enjoys it. Her teacher is great – very calm, encouraging and patient, and he doesn’t talk down to them. Every week I see progress and her personal pride in playing a little more accurately and fluidly each time. The atmosphere in the building from all staff is one of professionalism, kindness and welcome.
I really 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.
John Sweeney is an excellent, inspirational tin whistle teacher. I have learned so much from him, and he has instilled in me a love of music, which I am so grateful for. I would recommend John to anyone interested in learning the tin whistle.
Our online Tin Whistle Taster was super fun and engaging, and a great way to engage with the team. A really unique experience and such an interactive way to learn more about Ireland and traditional Irish music. Harry and Éamonn were really great teachers – patient, passionate and masters of their music!
Our teachers are listed in alphabetical order by surname. You can also filter teachers by department or area.
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- All Faculty
- Drums • Percussion
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- Guitar • Bass • Ukulele
- Irish Music Tasters
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- Leaving Certificate Music
- Music at Work Programme
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- Outreach Programme
- Piano • Keyboard
- Pre-Instrumental (Early Years) Music
- String Instruments
- Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting
- Traditional • Folk • World Instruments
- Voice (Singing)
- Wind Instruments
Lenka Dobai
Ana Dundovic
Aoife Dunne
Siobhán Kavanagh
Jennifer McMahon
Melanie O’Reilly
Isabella Remkes
Jade Roche
