String Ensemble
Waltons New School of Music
Ages 15 to Adult
‘If you’re learning a string instrument and haven’t been in an ensemble like this, then all I can say is go for it! You won’t be disappointed.’
– M. Quigley
‘The String Ensemble at Waltons is not only a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned about your instrument but a lot of fun as well!’
– J. Sheehy
This fun and relaxed ensemble introduces basic and intermediate techniques of ensemble playing and blending with others, while exploring a wide range of music together in an informal and non-competitive atmosphere.
Ensemble Description
The New School’s 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 our String 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 a string instrument for at least a year and can read music (roughly Grade 2 standard).
David Burns, the String Ensemble Director, is happy to speak with prospective participants who would like to join the Ensemble.
Questions about this ensemble?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
Fee Discount
Students concurrently enrolled for private or group tuition at the New School receive a 20% discount off the fee for this ensemble.
Safety & COVID-19
The health and safety of both students and staff at the New School is of the utmost importance to us, and we have made a number of changes to the school, its equipment and our policies to make in-school tuition (tuition taking place on the New School premises) safe during the time of COVID-19. These include:
- Perspex screens in every classroom.
- Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary.
- 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.
David Burns
A native of Dublin, David was born into a musical family and began his violin studies at the Loreto Nelson School of String Playing before going on to study with the late David Lillis, winning numerous awards as a violinist in Dublin’s Feis Maitiú. David is in great demand as a teacher and clinician and has organised and run teacher-training seminars for St. Patrick’s Teacher Training College, the Post-Primary Music Teachers Association and the Music Association of Ireland. He is also widely known for his workshops, which he has given at schools and youth centres throughout the country, as well as for his work with the special needs community, including Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland and St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital, among others. He has also taught at the University of Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Irish Fest in the US, and he was Musical Director of the Darndale New Life Strings for three years. In addition to teaching with the New School and for our Outreach Programme, David is also the Co-Founder of Music 4 Everyone Ireland, a partnership dedicated to supporting the welfare, well-being and development of young people through music.
2023-2024 Ensemble Schedule
Our String Ensemble is not currently offered. Please contact us (providing your name) if you would like to be notified when it becomes available again.
2023-2024 Ensemble Fees
Our String Ensemble is not currently offered. Please contact us (providing your name) if you would like to be notified when it becomes available again.
Enrolment
Enrolment in the String Ensemble requires a completed Enrolment Form and full payment of the ensemble fee or payment plan arrangement, if applicable. Places are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment.
Late Enrolment
New members can join the Ensemble, subject to places being available, up to two weeks after it starts each term. Tuition fees for late-enrolling students are pro-rated and depend on the number of classes remaining in the term or year. See the following pages for more information:
First Term Late Enrolment Fees
Second Term Late Enrolment Fees
Third Term Late Enrolment Fees
Purchasing an ensemble enrolment as a gift?
Please complete a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
Questions about the String Ensemble?
or call us on (01) 478 1884.
a comprehensive music centre in the heart of Dublin.