Announcing the Inaugural Waltons Trad Summer School
Waltons New School of Music
We are delighted to announce the inaugural Waltons Trad Summer School, the first Dublin-based Irish music summer school!
Dates
Monday, 13 July – Saturday, 18 July 2026
Immerse yourself in six days of learning, playing and celebrating traditional Irish music. Enjoy daily tuition, repertoire building and sessions, as well as a diverse range of creative workshops, all led by some of Ireland’s leading trad musicians and teachers.
Traditional Irish music is, at its heart, a living cultural practice that connects people and fosters shared experience and meaning. Our Summer School will have a collaborative, community-driven atmosphere, all within an intimate setting in the heart of Dublin City.
What Makes Our Summer School Different?
- All in One Location
The entire programme takes place at Waltons New School of Music, conveniently located in Dublin city centre. (See our Location page for details.) - Small and Personal
As a smaller, more intimate summer school, we allow for greater individual attention and a supportive and enjoyable learning environment. * - All Instruments and Skill Levels Are Welcome
Participants who play instruments not normally associated with Irish traditional music are welcome. The Summer School also caters for all skill levels, from near beginner to advanced. (Participants should have at least one year’s playing experience.) And we welcome both adults and young people (15+). - A Fully Immersive Experience
Participants receive at least 4½ hours of expert tuition each day, along with daily 90-minute supervised slow or medium paced sessions. Optional nightly visits to traditional pub sessions around Dublin City offer further opportunities to listen, learn, play and connect. - Creative and Insightful Workshops
Participants can select from our range of daily 90-minute workshops, all designed to broaden and deepen your understanding and appreciation of Irish music. Topics include developing rhythmic awareness, arranging and accompanying Irish music, learning how to ornament and personalise tunes, exploring the art of slow airs, constructing tune sets, and even composing your own music. - Guest Artist Masterclass and Concert
Each year’s Summer School will have a different Guest Artist, a renowned Irish musician who will teach a daytime masterclass and perform an intimate evening concert for participants. We are delighted to welcome songwriter, sean-nós singer and multi-instrumentalist Eoghan Ó Ceannabháin as our first Trad Summer School Guest Artist.
* Participants will also have the opportunity to book one or more private (one-to-one) or partner (two-student) lessons with members of the Summer School’s expert teaching faculty during the week.
Questions About
the Summer School?
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.