Give Music for Christmas
Waltons New School of Music
Do you have a family member or friend who is musically inclined – or who would like to learn to play an instrument or sing for the first time? Consider a positive, meaningful and long-lasting gift – the gift of music – for Christmas.
With a faculty of sixty expert teachers and tuition in the widest range of instruments, subjects and genres of any music school in Ireland, as well as a range of instrumental, theory, musicianship, songwriting and music technology group courses, we have something to suit almost anyone, of any age or skill level, with an interest in music. And with both in-school and online tuition available, the recipient of your gift can be anywhere in Ireland or around the world.
Two gift options are available:
Gift Certificates
Gift Certificates can cover entire courses, a term or more of lessons (see the Instrumental • Vocal Departments section of our website for the full range of tuition we offer), or a single Intensive Lesson or Irish Music Taster. A Gift Certificate can be individually printed with the recipient’s name and posted to you or the recipient or sent to you or the recipient as a PDF for printing.
Gift Cards
Purchased for a particular value (minimum €25), electronic Gift Cards can be used by the recipient towards all lessons, courses and workshops taught at the New School, as well as towards instruments, accessories and books from Waltons Music.
If you would like to purchase a Gift Certificate or Gift Card from the New School and have us post it either to you or the recipient, the last postage day for Ireland is Wednesday, 22 December. If you would like us to email a printable Gift Certificate either to you or the recipient, or you would like to pick up a Gift Certificate from the school, the school office remains open until Thursday, 23 December.
See Gift Options for more information on Gift Certificates and Cards.
Buy a Gift Certificate or Card
Some Gift Ideas
We have listed some gift ideas – by price range – for you below. There are, of course, many more lessons, courses and workshops – taking place both in the school and online – offered by the New School. See our Tuition Catalogue for the full range of tuition available, and our Online Tuition page for more information about online tuition with the New School.
€53
One-Hour Intensive Lesson
Available both in-school and online, one-off Intensive Lessons are offered for a huge range of instruments (including voice/singing) and subjects taught at the school and are suitable for players/singers of all ages and skill levels. They can be an end in themselves and are also a great way for people to ‘try out’ tuition and instruments.
‘I’ve always wanted to play drums, but I didn’t know where to begin. I saw that Waltons offers one-off Intensive Lessons, took the plunge and haven’t looked back! The teacher was so helpful and encouraging that I decided to enrol for regular drum kit lessons and buy an electronic kit. I’m hugely enjoying the experience.’ – M. Butler
€59
One-Hour Irish Music Taster
Do you know someone (who could be anywhere in Ireland or around the world) with an interest in Irish music? Designed for absolute beginners (although our expert teachers can take intermediate and advanced players as well) and available both in-school and online, our renowned Irish Music Tasters include:
- Bodhrán Taster – introduces some essential playing techniques as well as the two most important rhythms of Irish music, reels an jigs.
- Tin Whistle Taster – introduces the essentials of playing this beautiful and expressive Irish instrument, as well as a selection of great Irish tunes.
- An Introduction to Irish Music – includes a fascinating historical survey of Irish traditional music, demonstrations of different Irish instruments and recordings of great traditional musicians.
We also offer Combined Tasters that can include one or more of these.
‘My Irish Music Taster was inspiring and a great way to learn about Irish music.’ – M. Bovun
€64
One-Hour Intensive Lesson for Two
A shared in-school or online Intensive Lesson can be a great experience for two people. Online Intensive Lesson participants don’t have to be in the same location – or even the same country.
‘I took an online singing intensive with my sister, and not only was it very enjoyable but we learned so much about how singing “works”. Thanks for a great experience!’
– P. Grady
€72
Irish Music Taster for Two
Our one-hour Irish Music Tasters can be taken not only from anywhere in Ireland but from anywhere in world, and they’re a great experience for two. We offer Bodhrán Tasters, Tin Whistle Tasters and An Introduction to Irish Music. Online Taster participants don’t have to be in the same location – or even the same country.
And although the fee above is for two people, our in-school Tasters can currently accommodate up to six participants, and our online Tasters can accommodate up to twenty.
‘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!’ – M. Hughes
€150
10-Week Music for Me
Course for Children
Designed for children aged 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6, our acclaimed Music for Me courses provide a unique introduction to music and music-making, all in a nurturing and creative environment. We offer the following courses in our Second Term (January – April 2022):
Making Music (Ages 3-4)
Musical Adventures (Ages 4-5)
Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)
‘The [Making Music] class has been very beneficial for our child, who went from being extremely shy at the start to fully participating and enjoying the class each week. It has been the perfect balance of learning and fun.’ – S. Ayers Lewis
‘[A] great teacher, very good with kids. My two children (4 and 5 years old) were in her class, taking their first steps in music. After only few weeks, they were soaking up music basics without even realising it, while having real fun.’ [Musical Adventures] – S. Cesvre
‘[My daughter] really enjoyed coming to her [Musical Explorations] class. It was the highlight of her week, and we would listen to the songs she had learnt all through the week. It was great to see her grow confident amongst the other children. The teacher was great with the kids and always brought a smile to [my daughter’s] face. Thanks again for your help!’ – S. McKenzie
€150
10-Week Online Introduction
to Music Theory
Do you know someone who would like to be able to read music? While playing by ear can be enjoyable, the ability to read music opens doors to a much richer musical landscape – and learning to do it needn’t be intimidating. Both enjoyable and student-friendly, our Music Fundamentals I course introduces all the essentials of reading and writing musical notation, as well as elementary musical grammar, in just 10 weeks.
‘Having played by ear for years, I was surprised at how easy it was, with a good teacher, to get to grips with reading music.’ – S. Manning
€180 – €200
10-Week Instrumental or Singing
Course for Beginners
Do you know someone who has always wanted to learn an instrument or to sing? Taught by some of the best musicians and teachers in Ireland, our Introducing courses are designed for absolute beginners (no previous musical experience or ability to read music is required), available for both adults and children, and provide excellent foundation tuition in several popular instruments, as well as singing (voice). We offer the following courses in our Second Term (January – April 2022):
IS: In-School
OL: Online
5-String Banjo IS
Bodhrán IS
Guitar for Adults IS or OL
Guitar for Children IS
Guitar for Teens IS
Harmonica OL
Irish Fiddle IS or OL
Piano/Keyboard for Adults IS or OL
Piano/Keyboard for Children IS
Singing for Adults OL
Tin Whistle OL
Ukulele for Adults IS or OL
Ukulele for Children IS
Violin for Adults IS or OL
Violin for Children IS
World Drumming IS
‘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.’ – M. O’Keeffe
‘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.’ – R. McAdams
‘I was nervous learning an instrument like the guitar for the first time as an adult, but our [Introducing Guitar for Adults] teacher made us all feel at ease and the pace of the lessons suited our learning development. I can’t wait to come back!’ – D. Ffrench
‘My son loves the course and looks forward to each week’s class. He really enjoys practicing his pieces and songs and playing them for family members. Thank you for offering such a great course!’ [Introducing Guitar for Children] – S. Bakunin
‘All together I would give the course 10 out of 10 – great teacher, great staff, great facilities – Waltons has it all.’ [Introducing Guitar for Teens] – L. Clancy
‘This is a well-designed course 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.’ [Introducing Harmonica] – J. Steegmueller
‘I didn’t expect to be able to play seven tunes after only ten weeks. This was a fantastic introductory course that covered the basics perfectly.’ [Introducing Irish Fiddle] – M. McGoldrick
‘A perfect course for beginners. I’ve already recommended it to a friend and she’s starting next term. I highly recommend Waltons for anybody who always wanted to learn to play an instrument but never had a chance. It’s never too late, and once you start you won’t regret it!’ [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] – V. de Almeida
‘A great introduction to the piano for children. [My daughter] loved the class and came home each week eager to demonstrate all she had learned.’ [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children] – G. Flynn
‘A great course for everybody who loves singing! It will help you understand the basics of singing technique, boost your confidence and allow you to meet fantastic people. Highly recommended!’ [Introducing Singing for Adults] – J. Kaletka
‘I really enjoyed learning step-by-step from a master of the instrument, in a relaxed atmosphere.’ [Introducing Tin Whistle] – G. McManus
‘I loved every minute of it. Had no idea that I would actually be able to play songs on the ukulele after just a few weeks!’ [Introducing Ukulele for Adults] – S. Thompson
‘The [Introducing Violin for Adults] course is great! My class has a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere that is a pleasure to be part of, and I’ve learned loads’ – E. Finnegan
‘I was surprised not only at how much [my daughter] learned in the [Introducing Violin for Children] course, but how much she enjoyed it! Highly recommended.’ – A. Thomas
‘Great [Introducing World Drumming] classes and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.’ – M. Baca
€200
6-Week Online Songwriting Workshop
Do you know someone who is new to songwriting and would like to take his/her music beyond the shower, or someone who has already written songs but would like to have a better grounding in the basics? Our Songwriting Workshop, taught by an acclaimed songwriter, will help participants to develop their creative ideas – in any musical style – and turn them into finished songs.
‘This course gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. It helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.’ – A. Bradley
€200
10-Week Online Introduction
to Music Technology
Do you know someone who is interested in home recording or music production? Introducing Music Technology is a fascinating, inexpensive and hands‐on course designed to teach beginners how a computer/laptop and free music production software can be used to produce professional quality recordings at home.
‘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!’ – A. Hickey
€200
10-Week Intermediate Course
Do you know someone who is interested with previous guitar or piano experience who would like to explore a new music genre? Under the expert guidance of our experienced teachers, the New School’s intermediate courses are designed both to complement regular music study and to focus on specialised styles or genres. We offer three intermediate courses in our Second Term (all courses in-school):
Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics
Jazz Piano Basics
Trad Guitar Basics
‘An excellent introduction to playing the blues. I now really understand the form and how it works, and my playing has improved immensely.’ [Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics] – F. Dunne
‘Having had only “classical” training in the past, I have learned so much from this course. The approach to teaching jazz is both friendly and effective.’ [Jazz Piano Basics] – B. Moran
‘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 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.’ [Trad Guitar Basics] – M. Holmes
€325
12-Week Term of Private Lessons
We offer both in-school and online private (one-to-one) music lessons six days a week and in a huge range of instruments (including voice/singing) and subjects. (See our Tuition Catalogue for the full range available.)
The fee above is for 30-minute lessons in our 12-week Second Term (January – March 2021), but 10-week Third Term (April – June 2021) lessons, as well as 45- and 60-minute lessons in either term, are also available.
Second Term Tuition Fees
Third Term Tuition Fees
‘My son is learning the piano and learning how to read music. In the last year and a half, he has gone from strength to strength and is currently on Grade 3. I would recommend Waltons New School of Music to any parent for their children and also to anyone who fancies the idea of learning an instrument. 10/10’ – S. Birkett Nolan
‘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.’ – C.M. Condon
‘Waltons provide tuition that is far superior to anything else I have experienced. I feel that my daughter (who is 11) has been made to feel very comfortable with her own abilities and is challenged to improve. Most of all, she seems to enjoy music, to be getting an appreciation of it. We are not at all a musical family, but she is showing an interest which is being fostered in a very natural way.’ [parent of guitar student] – A. Dawson
‘I benefited an extraordinary amount from the [saxophone] tuition I received here. I have improved significantly due to the time I’ve had here and feel more confident in my abilities through these lessons.’ – K. McDonnell
INSTRUMENTAL • VOCAL DEPARTMENTS
€400
12-Week Term of Partner Lessons
Shared partner lessons for two people at the same skill level are an enjoyable and satisfying way to explore music together. Effective partner lessons have consisted of two friends, siblings, partners, husband and wife, parent and child, or even grandparent and grandchild. Participants in online partner lessons don’t have to be the same location – or even the same country.
The fee above is for 30-minute partner lessons in our 12-week Second Term (January – April 2022), but 9-week Third Term (April – June 2022) lessons, as well as 45- and 60-minute lessons in either term, are also available.
Second Term Tuition Fees
Third Term Tuition Fees
INSTRUMENTAL • VOCAL DEPARTMENTS
Buy a Gift Certificate or Card
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.