String Instruments Tuition
Waltons New School of Music
‘An abundance of technique should not be a means to an end but a way to allow the heart to expand freely.’
– Pablo Casals
‘A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?’
– Albert Einstein
Available both in-school and online, the New School’s String Instruments Programme offers expert tuition in violin, viola, cello, double bass, Irish and Bluegrass fiddle, and Irish harp, for students of all ages and skill levels.
Instruments Taught
We offer expert tuition, both in-school and online, for students of all ages and skill levels (beginner to advanced) in:
- Violin (Classical • Jazz/Swing • Gypsy)
- Viola
- Cello
- Double Bass (Classical • Jazz)
- Fiddle (Irish • Bluegrass)
- Irish Harp
String instrument tuition can also include preparation for graded music examinations and performance or teaching diplomas, as well as Junior Cert. Music and Leaving Cert. Music practicals, and it counts as the ‘personal skill’ challenge area for Gaisce – The President’s Award. (For more information, see the Gaisce – The President’s Award tab on our Tuition Options page.)
Questions about our
string instruments tuition?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
Student Videos
Videos of some of our string instrument students.
In-School & Online Tuition
We offer both in-school tuition, which takes place in the New School, and online tuition, which takes place in your own home.
In-School Tuition
We have made a number of changes to the school, its equipment and our policies to make in-school tuition as safe as possible during the time of COVID-19. These include:
- Perspex screens in every classroom.
- Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary.
- Antiseptic dispensers available throughout the school.
- Cleaning and disinfection of both classroom instruments and furniture between lessons and classes.
- Regular cleaning of public spaces.
See our COVID-19 Safety Policy page for more information on what we have done, as well as the protocols we expect all in-school students and visitors to follow.
Online Tuition
Online tuition is taught by the same expert teachers as our in-school tuition and takes place where you are, anywhere in Ireland or around the world.
For online tuition, you will need:
- An instrument for tuition and practice (except for voice, theory, songwriting and music technology tuition).
- An internet-connected laptop, computer, tablet or smartphone. (A laptop or computer with webcam and microphone is recommended, as it will have the largest picture.)
- Ideally, internet speed at least 1.5Mb per second. (You can test your speed using Measurement Lab’s Speed Test.)
- Headphones or earbuds, if possible.¹
- Free Zoom software or app.²
- Waltons Music has Zoom headphones and microphones that are ideal for online music tuition and are available at 5% discounts for enrolled New School students. If you would like to obtain a discount, please contact Waltons with your instrument choice and include a scan or photo of your course payment receipt.
- If you haven’t learned music with Zoom before, please see our printable Zoom for Students information sheet for information on how to download and set up Zoom for music tuition.
See our Online Tuition page for more information on online tuition with the New School, as well as the instruments, subjects and courses we offer online.
Tuition Options
Our options for string instrument tuition, both in-school and online, include:
- Weekly private lessons, 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length.
- Weekly partner lessons and small group lessons, designed for students at the same level of proficiency who enrol together, and available as 30- 45- or 60-minute partner lessons, 45- or 60-minute small group lessons for 3 students and 60-minute small group lessons for 4 students. Online partner and small group lessons are possible both for students in the same location and for students in different locations.
- Single 1- or 2-hour Intensive Lessons.
- Three group courses for beginners – Introducing Violin for Adults, Introducing Violin for Children and Introducing Irish Fiddle. (See Group Courses for Beginners tab.)
See Tuition Options for more information on private, partner and small group lessons, and Enrolment • Fees for tuition fees and enrolment forms.
Group Courses for Beginners
We offer three acclaimed string instrument group courses for absolute beginners:
No previous music experience or the ability to read music is required to take part in these courses.
‘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.’
– S. Zhou
‘My daughter loved learning violin at the school, and the group environment has also helped her to develop her social skills. A stimulating and enjoyable course!’ [Introducing Violin for Children]
– M. Devaney
‘Truly amazed at how far I have gone in such a short period. At Christmas I couldn’t even hold a fiddle, but I was playing tunes by St. Patrick’s Day!’ [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
– P. Hogan
Other Courses
Beginning string instrument students should also consider taking Music Fundamentals, designed to supplement private tuition with the basics of music theory.
Introducing Music Technology is a practical, hands-on online course designed to teach absolute beginners how a computer or laptop and free music production software can be used to produce professional-quality recordings at home.
‘This course [Music Fundamentals] is perfect for anyone with an interest in music. It starts with the very basics of theory and the information is made easy to understand. There is a good atmosphere in the class, being with people who share your passion for music.’
– I. Colgan
‘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
Ensembles • Sessions
Directed by David Burns, our String Ensemble provides an excellent opportunity for musicians of all backgrounds and ages (minimum 15) to come together to learn and play great music. This fun and relaxed ensemble introduces basic and intermediate techniques of ensemble playing and blending with others, while together exploring a wide range of music by Beethoven, Handel, Mozart, Schumann and others in an informal and non-competitive atmosphere. A gentle approach, encouraging guidance and ‘safety in numbers’ enable Ensemble members to achieve heights beyond their expectations. But more importantly, they experience the thrill of creating music together as a group!
The String Ensemble is open to violin, viola, cello and double bass students who have studied their instruments for at least a year and can read music (roughly Grade 2 standard).
Directed by David Mooney, we have a comprehensive Jazz Ensembles programme of interest to string instrument students who would like to explore jazz, including Jazz Ensemble I, for those with no previous jazz experience; Jazz Ensemble II, an intermediate ensemble; and Jazz Ensemble III, an advanced ensemble. Students of all instruments are welcome to join one one of our Jazz Ensembles.
Irish fiddle students may be interested in our Trad Slow Sessions, open to both New School and external students/players, which take place once a month on Friday evenings.
String Instrument Faculty
- Gabriele Braga • violin, Introducing Violin for Adults, Introducing Violin for Children
- David Burns • violin, Introducing Violin for Adults, String Ensemble
- Elena Elioutina • violin, viola, Introducing Violin for Children
- Enrien Lamcellari • cello (violoncello)
- Mihály Magyarics • violin, viola, Introducing Violin for Adults, Introducing Violin for Children
- Cathy McEvoy • bluegrass fiddle, Irish fiddle, violin
- David Mooney • double bass
- Oleg Ponomarev • classical, jazz/swing and Gypsy violin, viola
- Maja Rumianowska • double bass
- Gaia Sessa • Irish harp
- Rebecca Sutton • Irish fiddle, Introducing Irish Fiddle
New School Stage System
String instruments tuition at the New School is designed to work within our Stage System, a comprehensive methodology for assessing student progress, from absolute beginner to a professional qualification (diploma).
New School Stages, ten in all, are roughly equivalent to the ‘grades’ of graded music exams offered by widely recognised exam boards (ABRSM, RIAM, Trinity Guildhall, Rockschool, etc.) that progress from beginner to performing or teaching diploma level. Stages and their grade equivalents are:
- Stage 1 (1 term of lessons or an Introducing group course for beginners, equivalent to Preliminary Grade)
- Stage 2 (1 year of lessons, equivalent to Grade 1)
- Stage 3 (equivalent to Grade 2 or an intermediate group course)
- Stage 4 (equivalent to Grade 3)
- Stage 5 (equivalent to Grade 4)
- Stage 6 (equivalent to Grade 5)
- Stage 7 (equivalent to Grade 6)
- Stage 8 (equivalent to Grade 7)
- Stage 9 (equivalent to Grade 8)
- Stage 10 (equivalent to a Performing or Teaching Diploma)
Students who successfully complete a stage can be issued with a certificate of completion. Please let the school office know if you would like this certificate.
See About Our Stage System for more information.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees for private, partner and small group lessons are listed in the Enrolment • Fees section of our website and depend on the length of lessons as well as the duration (number of terms) of enrolment:
- First Term (September-December) • First-Second Term • First-Third Term Fees
- First Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Second Term (January-March/April) • Second-Third Term Fees
- Second Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Third Term (March/April-June) Fees
- Third Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Summer Term (July-August) Fees
- Summer Term Late Enrolment Fees
- Intensive Lesson Fees
Group course fees are listed on individual group course pages.
Tuition Assistance
The New School is dedicated to providing high quality music education for a wide range of students, whatever their financial circumstances, and our Tuition Assistance programme is designed to help defray the cost of tuition with us. Although there are a limited number of Tuition Assistance awards each year, every effort will be made to assist students (or their parents) who, because of financial circumstances, would otherwise be unable to study with us. Tuition assistance awards are in the form of discounts of between 10% and 40% off the student’s fees and depend on the both student’s and the New School’s financial circumstances, as well as the type of tuition. See our Tuition Assistance Policy for more information or follow the link below to apply for tuition assistance.
Enrolment • Booking
Enrolment for string instrument tuition with Waltons New School of Music requires a completed enrolment form and, except for those students using payment plans, full payment of tuition fees. Intensive Lesson booking requires a completed booking form and deposit.
Lessons & Ensembles
First – Third Terms
Group Courses for Adults & Teens
First – Third Terms
Group Courses for Children
First – Third Terms
Lessons, Courses & Workshops
Summer Term
Intensive Lessons
Gift Certificates
Questions About
Enrolment & Booking?
Your Feedback
Have you learned – or are you learning – a string instrument with the New School? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about your experience.
We would also appreciate your Google review, which will help to spread the word about the quality of our tuition.
Tuning Your Instrument
Tuning your instrument – and keeping it in tune – is an essential first step to playing it. Below are some general recommendations, as well as two videos about violin tuning and a list of violin tuning apps. (Similar apps are also available for viola, cello and double bass.)
The Basics
Violins, violas and cellos are tuned in 5ths, and their strings, from lowest to highest, are as follows (including links to online note sounds):
Violin: G | D | A | E • Online Sounds
Viola: C | G | D | A • Online Tuner
Cello: C | G | D | A • Online Sounds
Viola strings are tuned a 5th below violin strings. That is, the first viola string is C, a 5th below the violin’s first string (G). And cello strings are tuned a full octave below viola strings.
Unlike violins, violas and cellos, double basses are tuned in 4ths, and are generally tuned as follows (although other tunings are also used).
Double Bass: E | A | D | G • Online Sounds
The top string of the double bass (G) is the same pitch as the cello’s second string.
Strings can be tuned with both pegs and fine tuners (if you have them). As their name suggests, fine tuners are used for tuning the string if it is off-pitch by a small interval of no more than half a tone or so. When the string is out of tune by more than half a tone, then the pegs are used to tune the note initially, with the fine tuner used afterwards to make sure the note is exactly in tune.
When tuning any string instrument, you should always tune from below the note, up. This prevents string breakages and systematises the process of tuning, so you eventually become more familiar with the sound of a perfect, in-tune string. When a fine tuner has been wound right down to the end of the screw, you will need to loosen the fine tuner near to the end of the screw before carefully tightening the tuning peg. This way, you prevent the string from being over-tightened.
When you are tuning, listen carefully to the string as it tightens towards the desired pitch. If the string sounds lower than the correct pitch, gently turn the fine tuner (or peg, if necessary) clockwise until it reaches the correct pitch. If the string sounds higher than the correct pitch, gently turn the tuner or peg anticlockwise.
It is advisable to start by tuning the highest string first and then work your way down. When you start to become more familiar with the sound of the notes of the different strings, you can try tuning the strings against each other. This is known as relative tuning.
Violin Tuning Videos
Here are two videos demonstrating some of the basics of violin tuning:
Violin Tuning Apps
Master Violin Tuner
Android Only:
Pano Tuner
Android:
iOS:
Tuner-gStrings
Android Only:
Tuner Lite
Android:
iOS:
Martin A. Walton Memorial Scholarships
Running since 1995 and taking place in late May / early June each year, the New School’s annual Martin A. Walton Memorial Scholarship Competition offers the most generous scholarship opportunities of any music school in Ireland. The Competition awards full-year tuition scholarships in three categories:
- Young Student of the Year (students aged 18 and under)
- Mature Student of the Year (students aged 19 and over)
- Most Promising Beginner (students who came to the school as beginners on their instruments)
New School Ensemble Prize
This prize is awarded for the best performance in our Scholarship Competition by an instrumental, vocal or mixed ensemble/group made up of two or more students, as well as for progress over the school year.
Songwriting • Composition Prize
This prize is is awarded for the most creative original composition or song for solo instrument, voice or ensemble, performed by the composer/songwriter alone or with a group.
See Scholarships • Prizes for more information.
Grade Exam Syllabi
Links to downloadable string instruments syllabi (pdf format) with different exam boards:
- Associated Board – Violin
- Associated Board – Viola
- Associated Board – Cello
- Associated Board – Double Bass
- London College of Music – Violin
- London College of Music – Viola
- London College of Music – Cello
- London College of Music – Double Bass
- Royal Irish Academy of Music – All Instruments
- Trinity College London – All Instruments
Friday Casual Concerts
Our Friday Casual Concerts are a great opportunity for students of all instruments (and all musical styles) to play in public, in a relaxed and supportive setting, before friends, family and other students. These brief concerts, which take place around once a month on Friday evenings at 7 pm in the school, allow individual students and ensembles to perform in public, show off their skills and learn how to cope with nerves. They are also highly recommended for students preparing for exams.
End-of-Year Student Concert
Our End-of-Year Student Concerts take place in the National Concert Hall’s John Field Room in June and showcase some of our best students and ensembles, of all ages and in all musical styles, as well as scholarship and prize winners in our Scholarship Competition. Performers are selected by their teachers and the school administration.
See School Concerts for more information.
Student Benefits
Currently-enrolled students (and parents of students) are entitled to several useful benefits, including:
- Discounts on Waltons World Masters Series events
- Discounts from Waltons Music
- Discounts on ensembles, sessions and music theory courses
- Discounts on practice facilities
- Discounts on city-centre parking
See Student Benefits for more information.
Outreach Workshop
Our Sounds Irish workshop is designed to open participants’ ears to the rich tapestry that is our music, our history, and our heritage. The workshop features dynamic live demonstrations and allows participants to develop their musical awareness through the hands-on exploration (using both fiddles and bodhráns) of the forms, rhythms and instruments of Irish traditional music. See Outreach Workshops for more information on the workshops we offer.
Outreach Courses
Our Outreach Programme offers a range of curricular and extra-curricular music courses for primary schools, post-primary schools and youth centres. We offer a Violin and Irish Fiddle courses for absolute beginners as part of the programme. See Outreach Music Courses for more information.
Music at Work Programme
Music at Work is a unique programme that provides convenient and affordable music courses in Dublin-area workplaces. We offer a Violin and Irish Fiddle courses for absolute beginners as part of the programme. See Music at Work Programme for more information.
What is the string (or violin) 'family'?
The string or violin family consists of four instruments that are played with a bow or plucked:
The violin is the highest pitched member of the family, which also includes the viola, cello and double bass. The violin has four strings, each tuned a ‘fifth’ apart: G, D, A and E (lowest to highest). Music for violin is written in the treble clef.
The viola is the second highest pitched member of the family. It has four strings tuned a fifth lower than the violin, to the notes C, G, D and A. Music for the viola is written in the alto clef and sometimes in the treble clef as well. Violas vary in size, although they are always larger and tuned lower than violins.
The cello (or violoncello) is also shaped liked a violin but is much larger. Supported by an end pin which is placed on the floor, the cello is placed between the knees of the musician and played with a large bow. Its four strings are tuned an octave lower than the viola’s, to C, G, D and A. Music for the cello is written in the bass clef.
The double bass (also known as the string bass, bass viol, or contrabass) is the largest and lowest pitched string instrument of the family. It is usually played standing up and generally tuned in fourths – E, A, D, G – making it different from all other modern string instruments. Music for the double bass is also written in the bass clef.
What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle?
Actually, there isn’t one. The words ‘violin’ and ‘fiddle’ are etymologically related, both derived from the Latin vitulari (‘to rejoice’) or Vitula, the Roman goddess of victory or jubilation. Although both words are used for the same instrument, the techniques used by traditional fiddlers are considerably different to those used by classical violinist, which are generally more standardised. A traditional fiddler might choose to hold his/her instrument like a classical player (tucked under the chin), but this is not essential as most traditional music can be played in the first position. Traditional players, therefore, might hold the fiddle against the upper arm, chest, shoulders or even the waist. Bowing styles and holds vary greatly in different regions or between individual players.
At what age should string instrument lessons begin?
For a child, between six and eight is a comfortable range, a bit earlier for girls than boys, as they usually mature more quickly. This is the age range of our Introducing Violin for Children group course. Occasionally younger children can do well, particularly with violin, and we have had a few four- or five-year-old students who have done quite well with their lessons.
Are there different size violins available for children?
Violins are generally available in the following sizes: 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 4/4 (full size). Children in their early teens are usually big enough to play a full size violin. Sizing is extremely important. Playing a too-big instrument is painful and an exercise in frustration that makes it virtually impossible for a student to develop good technique and tone. If your child seems to be ‘between’ sizes, go with the smaller size to ensure your child’s success. Good advice is crucial for fitting the right size for the child, and they should be present when purchasing the instrument.
What should I consider in choosing an instrument?
String instruments have a greater price range than virtually any other musical instruments. You can still buy a decent starter violin, bow and case for €100-€200, while Stradivarius and Guarneri instruments are worth several million euro. The first question to ask is whether you want to buy a factory-made or a hand-made instrument. Factory-made violins are reasonably-priced and fairly consistent in quality. Parents starting children on violin or fiddle should consider that quarter- or half-sized instruments will have to be exchanged for larger instruments as the child grows; for this reason, cheaper, factory-made violins are often the best choice. With hand-made instruments, quality (and price!) are often more subjective, and it is best to ask your teacher or an advanced player to try out an instrument before you decide to buy it.
How can I help my child to progress more quickly?
Supporting your child’s musical development can seem daunting, especially if you haven’t played an instrument before yourself. But children have a natural desire to please, and the best way to help them progress quickly is simply to take an interest. Practice can be a lonely occupation, and children thrive on company. So sit with your child while he/she practices, and listen, comment and encourage. See also our Practice Tips page for more suggestions.
Can an adult learn to play a string instrument?
Yes! We have taught string instruments to hundreds of adults, from beginner to advanced. Results won’t come overnight, and instrumental study requires application and practice – but that’s no reason not to start. And there is a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction to be had in learning a musical instrument. The New School also has two group courses specially designed for adult beginners, Introducing Violin for Adults and Introducing Irish Fiddle. We also have an Adult String Ensemble designed specifically for adult students.
What else do I need besides an instrument and bow?
The following materials are recommended:
- A good shoulder rest for violins and violas (Wolf are recommended)
- Rosin (provides the bow hair with friction in order to produce a sound)
- An electronic tuner or pitch pipe to help tune the instrument
- A music stand
- A spare set of strings
- A microfiber cloth, for cleaning rosin from instruments
- Method books/other printed materials (recommended by your teacher)c
- A ‘lesson notebook’ for homework assignments and teacher comments
Do I / does my child need to practise every day?
Practice is an essential element of music learning, and spreading practice over the course of a week is far more effective than cramming it into the day or two before your next lesson. (When Pablo Casals, one of the greatest cellists in history, was asked, at the age of 80, why he still practised every day, he replied, ‘Because I think I am making progress.’) If it simply isn’t practical to practise every day, try to aim for five days per week. See our Practice Tips page for some suggestions on how to practice productively.
What are your teaching methods?
Our teachers generally use a ‘traditional’ approach, which means they generally incorporate note-reading, musicianship, and technique (instrument-specific skills) into each lesson or class, but several also incorporate other methodologies (i.e. the ‘Suzuki Method’) into their teaching. Our teachers’ methods are not set in stone. We believe that each student learns best when approached as having unique strengths, weaknesses and learning styles, and each lesson is tailored to the individual student.
What's the point of lessons, when I can use a book or YouTube videos?
A music teacher can observe your technique and progress in real-time and give you immediate feedback, specifically tailored to your needs and goals. You will be reassured by getting reinforcement for things you do well and constructive advice for areas that need improvement. Questions and difficulties can be dealt with as they arise, so you do not develop bad habits that may be hard to correct later.
While there are many materials and aids available to help you ‘teach yourself’, determining where to begin and what path to follow is not so simple. A good teacher will evaluate your skill level and provide sound guidance to keep you on track and focused on topics most appropriate for your development and personal objectives.
Can you prepare me / my child for grade or practical examinations?
Yes. Although we don’t require students to take grade examinations, we recognise that they are an excellent way to measure students’ progress, recognise their achievements and act as a very useful motivational tool. So string instrument tuition can certainly include preparation for grade exams. (See the Grade Exam Syllabi tab above for links to the syllabi of different exam boards.) Our teachers can also prepare students for Junior Cert. Music and Leaving Cert. Music practical exams.
Since I'm left-handed, can I learn to play and have a violin fitted in the opposite way?
We do not recommend refitting an instrument in this way (in other words, with the G string to the right, and holding the bow with the left hand). Playing the violin (or any string instrument) is not a single-handed activity, and it requires advanced skill and dexterity in both hands – so it certainly isn’t a disadvantage to play a ‘right-handed’ violin as a left-handed person. If that isn’t reason enough, the literature is not designed for a ‘left-handed’ set-up, and the problems of adjustment when reaching higher positions seem overwhelming when you consider what the configuration would have to be. In addition, ensemble playing requires consistent bowings, and even consistency with respect to fingerings for uniformity of phrasing – not to mention that someone playing in an ensemble with a left-handed set-up would end up poking other players in the eye with a bow!
What is the purpose of practising scales?
For a complete beginner, scales help build finger dexterity by giving you something to play that you can work on without being slowed down by reading. They also teach you what notes are found in each key, which makes reading music go more smoothly as you’ll cease having to read each note one at a time and start to see patterns within the key.
Do I / does my child need to practise every day?
Practice is an essential element of music learning, and spreading practice over the course of a week is far more effective than cramming it into the day or two before your next lesson. (When Pablo Casals, one of the greatest cellists in history, was asked, at the age of 80, why he still practised every day, he replied, ‘Because I think I am making progress.’) If it simply isn’t practical to practise every day, try to aim for five days per week. See our Practice Tips page for some suggestions on how to practice productively.
How can I develop good sight reading skills?
Sight reading is learned by doing, and it takes practice! Being a good sight reader requires a combination of two elements:
- Learning as much music theory, music history and related subjects as possible.
- Practical experience in sight reading. This is acquired by joining as many formal or informal groups as one can locate, and also regularly attending to new music in the home practice.
Four things to keep in mind:
- At the beginning of every piece of music, there are three areas to examine initially: the clef, the key signature and the time signature.
- There may also be a term (or terms)describing how the music should be played. In classical music these terms are usual Italian. For example: Andante (‘walking’ at a moderate pace), Largo (slow and dignified) and Presto (very fast). There may also be abbreviate terms under the music that describe how soft or loud it should be played: p (piano, soft), pp (pianissimo, very soft), f (forte, loud), ff (fortissimo, very loud).
- One should also have some general idea about the style or period.
- Glance through the piece if you have time and look at the form and chord structures. Determine, at a minimum, whether it is in a major or minor key, and note any development or recapitulation materials.