Give Music for Christmas
Waltons New School of Music
Do you have a friend or family member 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 everything from a single Intensive Lesson or Irish Music Taster to entire courses or a term or more of lessons. (See our Tuition Catalogue for the full range of music tuition we offer.) A Gift Certificate can be individually printed with the recipient’s name and posted to you or the recipient or emailed to you or the recipient as a PDF to print yourself.
Gift Cards
Purchased for a particular value (minimum €25), electronic Gift Cards can be used by the recipient towards any form of music tuition offered by the New School, as well as for the use of our Practice • Rehearsal Facilities or 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 it to arrive in time for Christmas is Wednesday, 21 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 Friday, 23 December.
See our Gift Options page 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, from lowest to highest – 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.
€55
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. Intensive Lessons are ideal for people who can’t take lessons on the same day and time each week 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
€64 – €69.50
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 have been running for over two decades and include:
- Bodhrán Taster – introduces the essentials of playing the ‘heartbeat’ of Irish music as well as two of its most important rhythms, reels and jigs. Bodhráns are provided for the in-school version of this Taster.
- Tin Whistle Taster – introduces the essentials of playing this beautiful and expressive Irish instrument, as well as a selection of great Irish tunes. Tin whistles are provided for the in-school version of this Taster.
- 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 two or more of these.
‘My Irish Music Taster was inspiring and a great way to learn about Irish music.’
– M. Bovun
‘A fabulous instructor! So knowledgeable about the tin whistle as well as the history of Ireland and its music and instruments.’
– K. Davi
€68
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
€76 – €87
Irish Music Taster for Two
Our one-hour Irish Music Tasters are a great experience for two people to share. 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.
Although the fees above are for two people, our Irish Music Tasters can accommodate more participants.
‘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
€160
10-Week Music for Me
Course for Children
Designed for children aged 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6, our acclaimed Music for Me early years music courses provide unique introductions to music and music-making for young people, all in a nurturing and creative environment. We offer the following courses, all of which take place in the New School on Saturdays, in our Second Term (January – April 2023):
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
€160
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. Our online Music Fundamentals I course introduces all the essentials of reading and writing musical notation, as well as elementary musical grammar, in just ten 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
€190 – €210
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 2023):
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
Irish Fiddle IS or OL
Piano/Keyboard for Adults IS or OL
Piano/Keyboard for Children IS
Singing for Adults IS
Tin Whistle IS or OL
Ukulele for Adults IS or OL
Ukulele for Children IS
Violin for Adults IS
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 [Introducing Guitar for Children] 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!’
– S. Bakunin
‘All together I would give the [Introducing Guitar for Teens] course 10 out of 10 – great teacher, great staff, great facilities – Waltons has it all.’
– L. Clancy
‘I didn’t expect to be able to play seven tunes after only ten weeks. [Introducing Irish Fiddle] was a fantastic introductory course that covered the basics perfectly.’
– M. McGoldrick
‘[Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] is 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!’
– V. de Almeida
‘[Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children] is 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.’
– G. Flynn
‘[Introducing Singing for Adults] is 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!’
– 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 [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]. Had no idea that I would actually be able to play songs on the ukulele after just a few weeks!’
– 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
€195 – €215
A Term of Ensemble Tuition
New School ensemble and choir members, under the direction of dedicated and experienced teachers/coaches, enjoy the unique pleasures of group music-making through weekly rehearsals and regular performances of a varied repertoire. We aim not only to make some great music, rehearsed to public performance standard, but to have a lot of fun in doing so! We offer five ensembles in our Second Term (January – April 2023):
Jazz Ensembles I, II & III
Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble
Sing Your Heart Out Choir
‘Great introduction to playing in an ensemble!’ [Jazz Ensemble I]
– B. Byrne
‘I liked everything about [Jazz Ensemble II]. The relaxed atmosphere was conducive to learning. But most of all, Dave is a great teacher and his dedication shows.’
– M. Murphy
‘[Jazz Ensemble III] is both challenging and a lot of fun, and the teacher is excellent.
– S. Walsh
‘Melanie’s Sing & Swing Jazz Vocal Ensemble inspires confidence even in the most hesitant singer. I learned lots about the jazz/swing era and its music at this class – and all in a relaxed atmosphere. Very enjoyable.’
– M. Bourke
‘Fun, challenging…with lots of good singing. The [Sing Your Heart Out Choir] has improved my confidence, and I’m always in a good mood when the class is over. Cathy great!’
– S. Macken
€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 and performer, 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
€210
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’ve 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 and extremely helpful, and he explains things in a clear and concise way. I would highly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in the subject!’
– A. Hickey
€210
10-Week Online Introduction
to Ableton Live
Do you have either Ableton Live or Ableton Live Lite, which comes bundled with a range of music technology hardware? Our Ableton Live Basics course provides an essential introduction to one of the fastest, most fluid and most flexible DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) available.
‘I decided to take this course because I had Ableton Live Lite software that came bundled with some gear I’d bought, and I had no idea how to use it. The course far exceded my expectations. I’d imagined a course that would give me a couple of tips for using Ableton Live more effectively, but Colin provided us with so much more. I now realise why Ableton Live is such a popular software – and I now know what it can do!’
– M. Cleary
€210 – €325
10-Week Intermediate Course
Do you know someone with previous guitar, piano or singing experience? 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 four intermediate courses (all in-school) in our Second Term (January – April 2023):
Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics
Jazz Piano Basics
Musical Theatre Workshop
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
‘I’ve gained so much since I’ve taken this course. My confidence has grown immensely, and I’ve come on as a singer and performer. Sinéad is an amazing teacher who has pushed me out of my comfort zone and believed in me so that I can reach my full potential and be the best performer I can possibly be.’ [Musical Theatre Workshop]
– A. Dardis
‘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
€335
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 of tuition available.)
The fee above is for 30-minute lessons in our 12-week Second Term (January – April 2023), but lessons in our 10-week Third Term (April – June 2023), 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.’
– A. Dawson [parent of guitar student]
‘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
€420
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 can be in the same or different locations – or even different countries.
The fee above is for 30-minute partner lessons in our 12-week Second Term (January – April 2023), but lessons in our 10-week Third Term (April – June 2023), as well as 45- and 60-minute partner 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.