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 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.
Studying here was the highlight of my musical experience in Dublin. Both teachers are master musicians and exceptional music educators. Many thanks. Shalom, shalom. [Irish Music Tasters]
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!
A great teacher who offers excellent tuition catered around each individual student’s needs. One of the best. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
I have loved working at my own pace without any pressure or set songs I must learn. My [voice] teacher is incredibly understanding and wonderful to work with. It is refreshing to be taught by someone with a real passion for their skill.
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.
Very professional and friendly school with excellent teachers. I really enjoyed studying here.
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.
Excellent online tuition and fabulous tin whistle teacher. Harry’s huge background knowledge, passion for his craft, patience and approach to encouraging a learner like me to gain confidence and improve has inspired me to continue and become the best player I can be.
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]
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 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.
Great school with really great teachers, who have a lovely way with children. We would definitely recommend! [mother of Introducing Violin for Children student]
Thoroughly enjoyed the course [Musical Theatre Workshop]. Sinéad is a super teacher!
Excellent online course, great teacher, highly recommended. [Summer Music Technology Essentials]
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.
The relaxed way of teaching makes you feel at home on the [Songwriting Workshop] course and gives you the confidence to perform in front of your fellow classmates. I can’t believe I stood up in front of a room full of people and performed my own songs! It was an amazing experience.
What I most liked about my voice lessons was the teacher’s skills and open attitude towards the student as a unique individual, as well as her friendly and compassionate manner. This school really stands out for the positive and friendly attitude of all the people who work there, from the teachers to the people at reception, which creates a safe environment to learn and have some fun!
Luke Howard was the best part of the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course. He was energetic and enthusiastic about the everything. This made the course more exciting since it was online.
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 ukulele lessons are on Tuesday evenings, and however hard my day was, I always look forward to them and walk away with a smile. I particularly like the flexibility and patience of my teacher, as well as the relaxed atmosphere.
Excellent school. Excellent teachers and staff, who really give their time in the interest of students. Studying at Waltons has re-ignited my absolute passion for music.
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.
I liked the encouragement and guidance, the comradery with the group and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, as well as the great teacher, very knowledgeable and experienced, with great insight into songwriting and lots of tips. [Songwriting Workshop]
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.
Really enjoying learning bodhrán with such a great teacher. I just wish I’d discovered these online lessons sooner!
I’ve wanted to learn piano for many years, and I’m glad I was finally bold enough to try. My teacher was not only patient but provided an atmosphere that wasn’t at all daunting or intimidating. I loved it! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
I was delighted to hear that such a renowned music school was now offering online music tuition. I live in the west and had great difficulty finding a piano teacher near me who could teach my skill level. (I wanted to work on a performing diploma.) My piano lessons with Waltons so far have been great – everything I could have hoped for. I have a superb teacher who is both encouraging and very clear in her advice and instructions, and I’m confident that she’ll prepare me well for my diploma.
I’ve really enjoyed Paddy’s [5-string banjo] lessons. I like has laidback teaching style, and I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made over last two terms under Paddy’s tuition. Looking forward to continuing! I’ve also found online lessons to be particularly useful and productive. Travelling to Dublin for a lesson would not make sense. Very happy to recommend Waltons to anyone looking for music lessons.
I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
I always wanted to sing but thought I didn’t have a note in my head. With the help and patience of my [voice] teacher I now believe that I can and am loving it.
Our teacher made the technology very accessible, and he has an easy, pleasant teaching manner. [Introducing Music Technology]
I am a happy member of the Sing Your Heart Out Choir, [and] I would like to assert that Cathy McEvoy is an exceptional teacher, musician and human being. We are all very privileged to benefit from her amazing talent, patience and spirit. Our Thursday evenings are truly a delight and a wonderful learning experience.
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.
The [Trad Guitar Basics] course tutor is excellent and also very flexible. He knows how to bring someone up to speed if they fall behind in class. Very enjoyable as well as instructive.
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.
The teacher was very enthusiastic. His love for the music shone through! [Irish Music Tasters]
Paul has taught both of my sons drumming, and they look forward to it every week. My eldest son (14) is now the drummer in his school musical and in a band, and my younger son (12) is on the lookout for members for his own band. The experience has expanded their love of music, and they now spend their pocket money on records and have been to his gigs. Paul is an ideal music role model – chill, kind, funny, patient and talented.
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.
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.
We have a fantastic guitar teacher. His teaching style is so relaxed and as somebody who was an absolute beginner, I cannot believe how much I have learned in such a short space of time. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
I enjoyed the [Introducing Singing for Adults] course immensely and learned a lot. The teacher was excellent and I liked the whole welcoming set up in Waltons New School of Music.
Great foundation for a jazz beginner. The teacher has a very positive, open and encouraging approach. [Jazz Piano Basics]
I was very self-conscious about starting piano lessons as an adult beginner, but I am enjoying them so much. My teacher is so encouraging and supportive, and everything is well organised. My Monday music lesson is the highlight of my week.
Very clear and informative. A must for music students. A great teacher. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
My piano teacher is very understanding, patient and encouraging. These online lessons have been a great experience, and I should have done it years ago.
Thank you very much for the very informative, exciting and interesting three days for our students at your school! They really enjoyed playing the tin whistle and bodhrán and singing traditional Irish songs. Your teachers did a really good job, and the students learned a lot in a very short time. A fascinating new experience! [Irish Music Tasters]
The Musical Theatre Workshop is amazing. Sinéad is very competent and dedicated. She really knows what she’s doing and I learned a lot with her.
The teachers are obviously passionate, and this coupled with their musicianship and knowledge makes the learning an enjoyable and rewarding habit.
Loved the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course, and instructor was brilliant. He took me from picking up a banjo and not knowing a thing to having a really good grasp of the instrument.
I’ve been attending voice lessons with Sinéad Flynn for the last five years, and I have felt my confidence grow and my technique improve thanks to the effort both myself and Sinéad put in every week! It has been great to work towards the Scholarship Competition, as well as towards grade exams, in a relaxed and supportive environment, and I’ve really enjoyed the experience.
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.
The [Introducing Violin for Adults] course gave me a great introduction to a difficult instrument in a friendly, fun environment. It was challenging but thoroughly enjoyable, which I think should be credited to the patience and helpfulness of the teacher.
I always wanted to play the mandolin but never thought I could. Paddy is an excellent teacher, and his method of teaching has brought me way beyond my expectations.
I had no expectations going to my first [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class, but when it was over, I knew I was in the right place and was going to love it! Paddy is such an affable man, blessed with great patience, who made learning such a pleasure. The class was just so engrossing that the hour seemed to fly by. Prior to my tuition, I was a complete novice musically. And although I’m still very much in the embryonic stage of my musical journey, after my tuition with Paddy I feel that I’ve come such a long way already. I simply can’t stress enough how much enjoyment and knowledge I derive from my class every week.
I also love the ‘old school’ charm that the New School of Music offers – those brief interactions of curiosity and encouragement with students of other instruments, as we await our respective classes.
I am so glad I took this amazing course [Songwriting Workshop]. It far exceeded my expectations. Luan is an excellent teacher, and writing a song with her was a great and enjoyable experience. It is such a great opportunity being offered by Waltons. I believe that there are many people who would like to write a song and just need this guidance. Brilliant course.
Harry’s teaching methods are excellent, and I could see my own skills improving each week. Great atmosphere in the classroom. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
Great experience – highly recommend it. Excellent teacher and notes, very well explained and easy to understand. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
My violin teacher completely accommodated my ambition to progress quickly in learning the instrument, starting from absolutely no experience.
Our teacher laid out the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course content very well and made it so easy to understand. I have already recommended the course to other people and will definitely be back to continue with one on one lessons with her.
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!
John is a fantastic teacher. I have no musical talent, and I somehow came out of this 10-week course [Introducing Bodhrán] being able to play a few reels and jigs, and having really enjoyed the course.
Excellent teaching, and easy learning techniques. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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!
The Songwriting Workshop was transformative for me, taking a lifelong ambition at songwriting and – within a few weeks – transforming it into a weekly/daily practice rather than a vague aspiration. Luan Parle clearly understands the songwriting process intimately, but what is rare is her ability to convey that deep understanding to fledgling songwriters. She dived right into the process from day one, and it was very much “learning-by-doing”. This immediately alleviated my nerves and self-consciousness. She also broke down songwriting into easily digestible components (verse/bridge/chorus/middle eight) and then sent me away to try and write each ‘part’ between classes. The course was really exciting and rewarding – and it also managed to demystify songwriting and make it more realisable. Throughout, Luan’s approach was always one of positivity and optimism – searching out the best parts of my work. The course was also very good value.
I love the interactive nature of the [Musical Explorations (Ages 5-6)] course. My grandson loved the classes, was very happy to be there each Saturday and learned quite a lot. Jade has such a wonderful way with all her pupils – she makes them always so welcome and teaches them so much. A wonderful introduction to music! My grandson always comes out from his class in great form.
What I liked best about the course was the fast progress we made, the great atmosphere of the class and the teacher’s amazing instruction and passion for music. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
A wonderfully accessible way to learn music with expert teachers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Highly recommended. [Irish flute student]
This course [Introducing Bodhrán] was brilliant. I can now play Riverdance on the bodhrán! John was such an inspiring teacher, and his passion was infectious. I would highly recommend Waltons. Thank you.
Marta is an amazing [voice] teacher. I studied singing [in Dublin] and Paris when I was younger, and the standard of teaching from Marta is much higher than anything I received in the past. More, she brings the techniques that she learnt about in master classes from world-renowned singers such as Barbara Bonney. Marta is encouraging and positive, vocally and emotionally; I feel uplifted when I finish my lesson. It is such a blessing to have her as my teacher. I strongly recommend her.
Really enjoyed my time at this school. Friendly, professional, with excellent teachers and lovely office staff. Highly recommended.
I would recommend the [Introducing Music Technology] course to anyone who thinks learning how to use DAW software is beyond their reach. I can’t think of a better place to start. The course made it easy to understand a lot of technical terms and information with ample time to ask questions and get clarification, which is quite an achievement for an online course. We also had an excellent, patient and hands-on teacher.
Dav is a very talented [voice] teacher who is especially skilled in dealing with adult students.
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)
Inspiring tutor made every single [Jazz Vocal Workshop] class interesting, challenging but most of all fun and highly rewarding.
Great [piano] teacher, always ready to help, with incredible patience and very helpful suggestions.
With a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and excellent teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this online course. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
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.
Sinéad is amazing, and Waltons students are lucky to have her! I learned so much in such a short time, and it’s all thanks to her and her passion! [Musical Theatre Workshop]
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.
I was an experienced amateur singer before joining Waltons for singing lessons, but my voice would hurt me. Ana, my teacher, taught me to unlock power I didn’t know that I had in my voice in the space of a month. After six months, I now have much more power, control and comfort while singing, and I feel like I can still improve a lot more. I have found my own teacher and the school staff encouraging and helpful, particularly around more stressful times like concerts. I have already recommended the school to several people.
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!
I have an absolutely brilliant teacher. He is not only passionate about music but he is also a very talented drummer. I couldn’t ask for a better teacher, as he goes above and beyond in every class. I hesitated to enrol for drumming lessons at the beginning, as I wasn’t sure if this would be for me. Thanks to my teacher and his tremendous talent I discovered my new passion. Love every minute. 10/10
Sinhué is a wonderful teacher. He is so enthusiastic, and I have learned so much about the flute as well as how to play it. I have found the lessons very enjoyable.
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.
Andriy’s [piano lessons] are excellent. He doesn’t get frustrated with my mistakes, and he helps explain how to overcome sections that are proving difficult. He is also a pleasure to work with and successfully helped me prepare for and pass my very first music exam.
The school has a welcoming atmosphere and a very high standard of teaching that strives to meet the student’s personalised goals. Competitions, scholarships, etc. are great opportunities for students. [voice student]
My teacher is a gem. A kind person with a deep understanding of music, who knows how to teach it. [voice student]
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.
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 a mature student with limited time to play an instrument, and Waltons have been great…. I’ve had a talented and very encouraging teacher, I’m so glad I took up violin, and I plan to continue. Thanks!
Hugh is a great drum kit teacher, and I always enjoy the lessons. He’s very patient and always makes them interesting. Great set-up as well. Thanks for everything.
A great course [Introducing Harmonica]. The teacher was very passionate about it, and I think all the students thoroughly enjoyed it. I did!
Excellent teaching skills, very good interpersonal skills – and also very patient! It has been a pleasure to attend [guitar] lessons with John.
Thanks to all in the New School for arranging such professional tuition with such experienced staff.
I would highly recommend Harry Long to anyone wanting to take up tin whistle. He is a patient and encouraging tutor. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
The [Introducing Violin for Children] course exceeded my expectations. The teacher was kind and engaging. I was impressed that music theory was included from the first lesson so the students could begin to read the music they played. My son could see his own progress over the 10 weeks, and we look forward to continuing his tuition here.
I recently took the Introducing Bodhrán course and I loved it! John was a great teacher and created a really fun atmosphere in the class. He has a lot of knowledge of music in general. Looking forward to continuing with the bodhrán. Very good value for money too!
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.
I asked Waltons New School of Music if they could help through their Music at Work programme with a corporate meeting using bodhráns to demonstrate the power of rhythm in a business context. The process was a real pleasure, and everyone I dealt with was knowledgeable and helpful. The session itself was facilitated by Éamonn Galldubh. Ahead of time, Éamonn quickly understood what we wanted to achieve and worked collaboratively on ideas to make the session a success. On the day he quickly established both his credibility and a rapport with the audience. He was a fantastic teacher, had just the right balance of humour, understood perfectly the messages we wanted to incorporate and worked seamlessly with the team without any rehearsal.
The session was a resounding success and exceeded my expectations; our team not only got the messages but had so much fun to boot. Waltons handled all the logistics, and I would recommend them to anyone considering a similar event. A first class service. [Irish Music Tasters]
I’m back home from Dublin. It was a most pleasant stay, but the high point of it was my bodhrán lesson. I have this personality disorder that manifests itself in collecting instruments and trying to learn them, mostly on my own. Being able to take even just one lesson with a real expert (and a most able teacher), is invaluable. Hope I’ll be back soon! [Irish Music Tasters]
My son’s [piano] teacher has a great approach and teaching skills for all levels. Would not change her in a million years. Concerts which are held in the school are fantastic preparation for stage or exams.
The very positive approach by the teacher was so encouraging! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
We chose Waltons as one of the few music schools that offers bass guitar lessons, and the school has a very welcoming culture and great teachers. [My son] is very happy with his lessons and is keen to continue.
I like the structured approach and empathetic teacher with the ability to identify and help areas of weakness. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Absolutely delighted with the singing lessons I’m getting from the amazing and highly talented Marta Burns 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!
My [guitar] teacher is engaging and has broad and deep musical and technical knowledge that has improved my playing considerably.
Paddy is an excellent banjo teacher and quite an amazing banjo player. The classes were very enjoyable and instructive. [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
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.
Éamonn is a great [tin whistle] teacher. He cherishes what I already am capable of and knows exactly what to teach me to make me progress every week.
This course [Sight Singing Made Easy] is a great way to learn sight singing with an excellent teacher. I’ve sung with a few choirs over the years, but I always had to learn the music either by ear or with recordings. What a pleasure it is now to just pick up a written song or piece of music and sing it!
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)]
I don’t think anyone wanting to learn jazz piano could find a better teacher than Johnny Taylor.
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]
Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature! [Sight Singing Made Easy]
Really super lessons, both in person and online. Studying voice musical theatre with Sinéad Flynn has been such an enriching experience. She has a lovely manner, very encouraging and still critical and pushing me to improve. I have learnt so much in the past 18 months, and the lessons have done wonders for my confidence. I’m even taking exams in my forties!
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.
Excellent course. Eoin makes what some would consider a dry subject both interesting and engaging. And being able to read music has opened up a whole new world for me! [Music Fundamentals]
I was nervous learning an instrument like the guitar for the first time as an adult, but our teacher made us all feel at ease and the pace of the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] lessons suited our learning development. I can’t wait to come back!
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!
What I like most about my low whistle lessons with Harry are his patience, his friendliness, his proficiency with the instrument, his knowledge of traditional Irish music and his keenness to impart that knowledge. [online student]
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!
A fantastic teacher who combines huge enthusiasm for his subject with huge knowledge (and patience!). An excellent course. [Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics]
Clear and informative – and of course the teacher is great! [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
I have an excellent acoustic guitar teacher, and I could notice real improvement as we progressed through these online sessions. I would recommend the school for its competitive prices, good schedule availability and great teachers.
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.
Paul instilled in my son a great interest in playing drums. What started as an attempt to make a boy with too much free time a bit busier has turned into a full-fledged hobby for him. What I like best about the school are its great teachers and personnel, convenient location and great communication with parents and students.
Michael’s style of teaching is very informative as he provided a history of different musical styles, which helped [us understand] what is possible on the instrument. [Introducing Harmonica] was a great introduction to the harmonica for someone who is picking it up as a hobby while also providing enough content for someone starting with the instrument seriously.
I honestly didn’t think I would get so much out of online singing lessons, but my teacher’s just brilliant and I have learned loads. I live much too far from Dublin to come to the school on a regular basis, so online tuition has been a great experience for me.
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.
Sinéad is an excellent teacher. She has improved my singing beyond recognition and has done so with passion, ensuring that I could expand my range and learn the techniques of good singing. Sinéad ensures that my Intensive Lessons are enjoyable and fun, but she also makes sure you do your homework! It has been an extremely positive experience for me.
I found the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] classes so enjoyable, and I looked forward to our group lesson every week. The teacher was excellent, with a relaxed and kind approach which helped settle any nerves. I’m so glad I decided to give it a go and will definitely continue with lessons.
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]
My daughter looks forward to her [Introducing Guitar for Children] class each week. She learned so quickly how to read music. The teacher is very good with kids.
We have been here for three years now, and our kids are very happy in Waltons and with their teachers. The teaching at Waltons is a professional combination of enjoyment and tuition. As a result, both my children have been inspired by their teachers to practice their instruments. Playing guitar or drums is not a chore anymore but has become a passion for them.
The results [of my voice lessons] have far exceeded my expectations, and I discovered parts of my voice that I didn’t know existed. Sinéad is a wonderful teacher and a fabulous person, and our lessons have been fun as well as productive. The school itself has very helpful staff, great tuition and a lovely friendly atmosphere.
Great [voice] teacher. I have developed so much in the past year [and] have learned so much technique. We get through a lot in a 30-minute lesson; it’s very productive.
I’m into my 4th year of [guitar] tuition and have progressed way beyond my expectations – which I thought were ambitious. The environment in the school is serious in terms learning and progression, yet hugely developmental and enjoyable. My tutor is the consummate professional. He has a teaching style that is easy to engage with and breeds confidence and encouragement – all delivered with a subtle but effective eye towards delivery beyond expectations. I’ve never not looked forward to a class. That says it all for me!
The teacher was very easy to understand and was willing to answer any questions. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
My teacher was so engaged and tailored the lessons to my wants and needs. [Irish banjo student]
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]
Very enjoyable course [Introducing Music Technology], with all details well explained by a knowledgeable and friendly teacher.
Éamonn, my bodhrán teacher, is excellent at teaching music. He is calm, friendly and a really nice person. Thank you for your help!
The online summer courses are a great opportunity, and the teaching is of a high standard. [jazz violin student]
Dave is an excellent (and patient) electric bass teacher, and I always look forward to our lessons. If you’re a late starter (or restarter) like me, don’t be intimidated – give it a go!
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.
Great [voice] teacher, very friendly as well. She put a lot of effort into finding new ways to improve my singing.
A silver lining of this pandemic was that lessons moved online, and even though I had moved to Kerry I could continue learning to sing with Sinéad Flynn. She is a fabulous teacher and a huge asset to the New School. I would highly recommend to any aspiring singers or performers to sign up for lessons with Sinéad and the New School. [voice student]
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.
The teacher had an excellent knowledge of music and inspired me! Extremely good notes…easy to apprehend. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Johnny is not only a highly skilled pianist but as a teacher well able to communicate the essentials and tailor the tuition to my needs. The level of his tuition is way above other tutors I’ve experienced. I also feel that the school staff are very approachable and easy to deal with. [jazz piano student]
Have been to the Jazz Vocal Workshop at Waltons as well as one-on-one singing lessons. Teachers are personable, friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, so too are the admin staff. I would highly recommend the school and will be signing up again soon for more intensive singing lessons!
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.
Very well taught! Notes are easy to understand, and it definitely boosts your confidence towards the exam. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
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!
The teacher explained everything clearly and efficiently [and] made the complicated works easier to grasp. [Leaving Cert. Music Easter Revision Course]
Excellent teacher and class environment in which to (re)learn singing! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
I thoroughly enjoyed The Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop with Melanie O’Reilly. I found the content very interesting and informative, and I’m continuously putting it into practice in my writing. Melanie is a brilliant teacher, enjoyable and fun to listen to. She has so much knowledge and experience, and the course has helped me to get a grasp on how to go about writing a song with a structure. It was also a lovely way of meeting people with similar interests, and we still keep in touch. I would highly recommend the course.
I really enjoy working with my [voice] teacher – she is wonderful. I very much like the atmosphere at Waltons, as do my family. I look forward to next term and to improving my voice and technique.
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.
John Sweeney is a terrific tutor. He listens to my sons and builds up a great rapport that keeps them interested in the guitar.
Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble with Melanie. She is a brilliant teacher and made the classes very enjoyable and educational. Her song choices were fantastic, and we learned to sing in some wonderful three-part harmonies. Many thanks!
Great teacher with lots of good tips and helpful notes. [Leaving Cert. Music Pre-Exam Revision Workshop]
Barbara Dagg is a brilliant piano teacher – patient, adaptive to the different needs of my three children and helping them to progress at their own pace. I also really appreciate that it has been possible to continue the lessons online, as we would be unable to travel to the school in person regularly. Online tuition is fantastic!
I have a lovely fiddle teacher, who takes her time and is patient. She is very knowledgeable and teaches in a challenging but understandable way.
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.
The teachers here are the best I’ve ever come across. I have been in the school for seven years, and it has never let me down.
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]
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.
Barbara is a wonderful [piano] teacher! I was also very impressed with how quickly the school adapted to online lessons and was so happy that Barbara was able to continue to give our daughter lessons. Very impressive!
My 7-year-old could not get enough of the [Introducing Violin for Children] classes. She never wanted to miss her class, where she learnt how to play the violin and made friends.
Harry is a great teacher, with a passion for Irish music that is infectious. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
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.
I can’t recommend [tin whistle] lessons with Harry enough, he is so knowledgeable about the instrument and its history, and it is great to hear him play. His teaching style works really well, and I enjoyed the challenges he set for me. He went at my pace, and I felt confident playing despite not having played the tin whistle in years. I can’t wait for the next term!
My daughter has been taking violin lessons in the school for over a year now, and both her and my experience has been fantastic. From the quality of time her teachers have given her, to the promptness and informed interactions with the office staff, I couldn’t recommend Waltons New School of Music highly enough.
Great classes [Introducing World Drumming] and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.
Paddy is an excellent teacher. He is very easy to understand and explains things thoroughly. I enjoyed the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course and learned so much that I will be booking ahead for the next 3 terms.
The teacher really contributed to my learning development and knowledge of music. [Leaving Cert. Music Two-Year Course]
Luke has incredible depth as a jazz piano teacher and is very encouraging. I would recommend the New School for its great teachers, great location and being part of a community of real musicians.
I’m taking singing lessons, and I really like my teacher’s approach of going with the ‘natural’ voice. I also like that the school is inclusive of ‘mature’ students. And finally, as I’m not able to travel into town for lessons, online lessons give me the opportunity to continue.
Overall, this a very welcoming school, accepting of beginners of all ages without compromising high musical standards and the pursuit of excellence.
Great location, friendly staff…excellent [double bass] teacher and good opening hours.
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.
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!
Great fun, great teacher, great group and a great skill learned! [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
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]
Very well explained by an interested and enthusiastic teacher. [Introducing Music Technology]
Sarah is an incredible teacher. She’s always very prepared, structured and patient. I’ve restarted piano lessons as an adult after a 20-year hiatus, and she’s the best teacher I could have had for this process. I’m always looking forward to our lessons together!
Sinéad created a great, welcoming and supportive musical environment. The songs we worked on varied between comfortable and challenging for me to sing, and that was a great part of the experience. [voice student]
The Introducing Bodhrán course was great! John is an excellent teacher and he is really passionate about music. I enjoyed the classes and also discovered some Irish trad music while learning. Highly recommend it. Thanks!
Our teachers are listed in alphabetical order by surname. You can also filter teachers by department or area.
Click on an image or name to access a biography.
- All Faculty
- Drums • Percussion
- Ensembles
- Guitar • Bass • Ukulele
- Irish Music Tasters
- Jazz
- Leaving Certificate Music
- Music at Work Programme
- Music Technology
- 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
Jade Roche
