Creative Music Production
A Group Course for Beginners
Ages 16 – Adult
Next course starts 22 January 2026.
‘Excellent course, great teacher, highly recommended.’
– G. McCaffrey
‘I learned so much…. The teacher was excellent with a wide knowledge of the field.’
– P. Scully
Course Description
This practical, hands-on course is designed for musicians, songwriters and creators who want to record and develop their songs and compositions with Pro Tools Intro, a free version of the renowned DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) used by recording artists, producers and sound engineers worldwide. Whether you’re layering acoustic recordings, arranging virtual instruments, or experimenting with sound design, this course will help you to enhance your creative process and take your songs and compositions to the next level. You’ll learn how to use the DAW to arrange and process your music, highlighting techniques such as audio editing, VST integration and sound manipulation, as well as introducing you to the basics of recording solo acoustic instruments.
The course emphasises the creative side of music production, guiding you through the process of developing ideas and shaping your pieces or songs into fully realized compositions. You will learn to arrange your work with new instruments and sounds, edit your acoustic recordings for maximum impact and apply creative effects to develop a unique sound. You will also have the opportunity for individual experimentation, group feedback and collaborative discussions, helping you both to refine your skills and to discover your signature style.
We’ll also explore a variety of approaches to composition and songwriting using music technology, from arranging existing material to creating new layers of sound and texture, ensuring that you feel confident in producing music in any genre or style. By the end of the course, you’ll have a self-produced track, ready to showcase in your portfolio, that demonstrates your ability to transform simple ideas into polished, professional compositions.
Participants in this course will need to have their own laptops with Pro Tools Intro installed. (See Course Requirements tab.) Knowledge of music technology and the ability to read music are not necessary.
Learning Outcomes
- Gain hands-on experience using a renowned DAW for creative music production.
- Learn core production skills including audio editing, arrangement, mixing, EQing and programming.
- Experiment with composing, songwriting and producing in different genres and styles.
- Complete a finished track that reflects your own musical ideas.
- Receive feedback and guidance from an expert in the field throughout the course.
Enrol in this course.
Questions about the course?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
This course covers Stage 1 of the New School’s ten-stage system of student progress and assessment, which culminates in a teaching or performing qualification (Stage 10) should the student progress that far. Participants who successfully complete the course can be issued with a certificate of completion of Stage 1. If you are taking the course, please let the school office know if you would like this certificate. See About Our Stage System for more information.
Creative Music Production is one of the New School’s group courses. We also offer both ongoing private lessons and single Intensive Lessons in a wide range of music technology subjects. See Music Technology Tuition for more information.
George Mercer
George’s love for music in all its forms stemmed from listening to his family’s large CD collection, which inspired him to begin writing his own music and playing in different bands as a teenager. He went on to study music at Dundalk IT, where he specialised in composition and developed his performance skills in a range of genres, including popular, Irish traditional and classical. After his graduation with a BA degree in applied music, he focused on writing and performing music with his own Indie-Electronic group, My Tribe Your Tribe, touring and playing in festivals around the country, including Electric Picnic, Body and Soul and Other Voices. George has also performed extensively as a session musician for other artists (Maud in Cahoots, Cillian King Band, Emma Langford, Sirmione), touring New York, Russia and in theatre settings and venues throughout Ireland. In 2014, he joined the Dublin Alt-Pop group, Maud in Cahoots, in the presentation of the music theatre piece, Well Rested Terrorist, at the Tiger Fringe Festival, in which the live band rearranged new versions of their music to interweave with the show’s experimental choreography. He is also a keen DJ and music producer, releasing music and performing under his electronic moniker, Sylvian. George has extensive teaching experience, both in music schools and privately, and he is passionate about instilling in his students the confidence and openness to explore their own musical voices in an encouraging, patient and relaxed learning environment.
‘I have seen the confidence and sense of fulfilment students develop when they are given the chance to engage in regular music lessons. It has been a privilege to witness the impact of music on their personal growth and development, not to mention how much genuine creativity can emerge when students are patiently encouraged to tap into it. I strive to meet each student at his/her own individual level, as well as to provide all of my students with the necessary resources to cultivate their own unique relationships with music.’
Course Requirements
Participants in this course will need to have a laptop with these minimum system requirements and software:
- Operating System (Windows): Windows 10 or 11
- Operating System (macOS): Latest versions of macOS Tahoe 26.0.x, macOS Sequoia 15.7.x, macOS Sonoma 14.7.x, or Ventura 13.7.x
- RAM: 16GB
- Disk Space: 15GB
- Headphones or earbuds (‘over ear’ headphones are best for working with audio)
- Pro Tools Intro *
* Go to the Pro Tools Intro web page and follow the instructions to download the software before the course begins.
Reviews • Testimonials
‘Very enjoyable course, with all details well explained by a knowledgeable and friendly teacher.’
– B. Clancy
‘Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher.’
– J. Eaton
‘Essential for anyone interested in recording music at home.’
– D. Fox
‘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!’
– K. Hartnett
‘Excellent course, great teacher, highly recommended.’
– G. McCaffrey
‘A great course. Would definitely recommend it. I learned so much…’
– J. McDonald
‘Great course. Software well explained [and] no other school teaches music technology at this price.’
– J. O’Neill
‘I learned so much…. The teacher was excellent with a wide knowledge of the field.’
– P. Scully
Have you taken – or are you taking – this course? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about it.
2025-2026 Second Term
Course Schedule & Fee
10 weeks, 22 January – 26 March 2026
Thursdays 6.30 – 7.30 pm
Course type: In-School
Tuition Fee: €220
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed Enrolment Form and full payment of the course fee. Places are limited to eight and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. A number of our group courses fill in advance of their start dates, and early enrolment is recommended.
Purchasing this course as a gift?
Please complete a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
Questions about the course?
