George Mercer
Waltons New School of Music Faculty
Guitar • Bass • Ukulele • Music Technology • Introducing Guitar for Adults • Introducing Guitar for Children • Introducing Ukulele for Adults • Introducing Ukulele for Children • Outreach Programme
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.’
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.