Group Courses
for Beginners
Waltons New School of Music
‘Music is essentially useless, as life is.’
– George Santayana
The New School offers both in-school and online Introducing group courses that provide foundation tuition for absolute beginners in a wide range of instruments, as well as singing. Each term’s Introducing courses start from scratch. Continuation ‘Improvers’ courses can generally be scheduled in the following term for students who have completed them. Taught by experts in their fields, our Introducing courses have taught thousands of beginners how to play an instrument or learn to sing.
We offer both in-school and online versions of some of these courses. In-school courses take place at the New School. (See our Location page for details.) Online courses take place where you are, anywhere in Ireland or around the world.
The pages in this section of our website include all of the New School’s current Introducing courses. Please click on the images below to access them.
Relaxed but progressive atmosphere. Excellent tuition. Professional teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
What I liked best about the course was the fast progress we made, the great atmosphere of the class and Rebecca’s amazing teaching and passion for music. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
I was trying to play guitar for a year, but YouTube didn’t help. With this course [Introducing Guitar for Adults], now I can play and understand what’s going on.
I really appreciate the energy that Rebecca brings to her [Introducing Irish Fiddle] classes, which are always really enjoyable. Also, for an intro level course, we have really progressed quickly. She is always providing us with personal feedback despite it being a group class, which I greatly appreciate.
Great classes [Introducing World Drumming] and even better teacher – very knowledgeable and gives attention to everyone in the group.
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!
To be honest, I was surprised at how much my daughter enjoyed this course [Introducing Violin for Children] and actually wanted to practise! I look forward to seeing her continued progress with the violin.
Excellent teacher. Excellent tuition. Friendly and encouraging. The Introducing Violin for Adults course content was perfectly pitched for a violin beginner. I enjoyed it immensely.
A fantastic introduction to the piano. We aren’t a musical family, and I really wanted to give my daughter the opportunity to learn an instrument that I didn’t have as a child. I’m so glad I did, as she’s hugely enjoying this course and has learned so much. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children]
I would highly recommend this class [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] – it far exceeded my expectations. And I’m so pleased that I decided to learn piano. It’s been such fun.
My child loved the [Introducing Guitar for Teens] class and the teacher. She’s learned a lot.
Personally I felt that, being older, I may have been left behind, but small [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] classes give plenty of one-on-one time with the tutor.
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]
The [Introducing Tin Whistle] classes are the highlight of my week. I tried other instruments but always gave up, never found one that I could enjoy as much as I do the tin whistle. So much of it is thanks to Harry, who is a brilliant, expert teacher, finding the perfect pace to develop and always encouraging the group
Nice small group, excellent interaction in the Zoom classes. I’ve learned a lot over the 5 weeks. [Summer Guitar for Adults]
Our [Introducing Irish Fiddle] teacher was really supportive and enthusiastic from the start, and her love for music was contagious! I really enjoyed learning from her and I will definitely continue taking lessons from Waltons.
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]
The tuition was excellent. I learned a lot in a positive and pleasant way. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
Really enjoyed this online course [Introducing Guitar for Adults]. It was an hour escape every week, and I loved the group dynamic!
A great music course for kids. [My daughter] has grown in confidence because of it and can’t wait to play the songs she’s learned for her friends. [Introducing Ukulele for Children]
A very nice introduction to the basics of singing. You learn how to sing great songs step-by-step, without having to be able to read music. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
Fantastic course! [Introducing Guitar for Teens] John is such a great guitar player and teacher, and he really inspired me to learn guitar. I can play a few songs now, and I’m definitely going to continue learning.
I really enjoyed this course [Introducing Irish Fiddle]. In such a short space of time I feel I have learned loads, and I look forward to improving.
I thoroughly enjoyed the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course. Never having done any musical training, I can hardly believe all I have learned.
I would highly recommend this course [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] as a great first step to learning piano/keyboard.
My daughter attended Waltons for the introductory guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Children] and has continued with an improvers course for almost two years. She really enjoys it. Her teacher is great – very calm, encouraging and patient, and he doesn’t talk down to them. Every week I see progress and her personal pride in playing a little more accurately and fluidly each time. The atmosphere in the building from all staff is one of professionalism, kindness and welcome.
The group classes are a great way for mature beginners to take the plunge in learning a new instrument. Good value for money too. [Introducing and Improvers Irish Fiddle student]
A great teacher who offers excellent tuition catered around each individual student’s needs. One of the best. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
A very accessible beginner’s guitar course [Introducing Guitar for Adults]. The teacher was excellent, with great enthusiasm and expertise. I’ve taken two courses so far (Guitar and Bodhrán) and both have been excellent.
Excellent teaching, and easy learning techniques. [Introducing Tin Whistle]
Great fun, amazing teacher, loved every class! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
Fiddle is a tough instrument to start as a beginner, and this course [Introducing Irish Fiddle] shows that it’s actually quite manageable! The teacher is really nice and helpful and patient.
All together I would give the [Introducing Guitar for Teens] course out of 10 – great teacher, great staff, great facilities – Waltons has it all.
I felt my basic guitar skills improved considerably over the online improvers Guitar for Adults course. Plenty of challenging and interesting songs to work on to continue to improve. Colin was great. He clearly knows his stuff and is very easy going, approachable, encouraging and genuinely interested in making sure everyone was getting something from the classes.
Would highly recommend this course [Introducing Guitar for Adults] to anyone starting out on the guitar.
I absolutely loved learning to play the harmonica. Michael McInerney’s love for the harmonica is infectious! [Introducing Harmonica]
Really enjoyable course and fantastic teacher. I was delighted that it was available online, as I live in Kerry – a bit too far to commute! [Introducing Ukulele for Adults]
Learning the fiddle was a really positive and worthwhile experience. The tuition was pitched perfectly for beginners, and Rebecca is an exceptional teacher. Thank you. [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
I have been trying to play guitar for years. After a ten-week [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course I really feel I have some chance now!
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]
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.
I have a cracking teacher and really enjoyed the [Summer Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course. I loved the logical way he took us through the basics and gave us heaps of encouragement and praise.
A perfect course [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] 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!
I would absolutely recommend the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course. I joined with no banjo skills and left with being able to play a couple of songs and use the skills taught to me in the class to continue practising and learning new songs by myself.
An excellent online course [Introducing Guitar for Adults]. I can finally feel confident in the basics and had great fun along the way!
Colin is 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 Colin to so many family members and friends. Well worth doing this online course. Thanks Colin!
An incredible player and inspiring teacher! [Introducing World Drumming]
My daughter loved learning violin at the school, and the group environment has also helped her to develop her social skills. A stimulating and enjoyable course! [Introducing Violin for Children]
This course [Introducing Singing for Adults] is a great introduction and confidence builder. Before you realise it you’re singing in front of people and loving it!
I had been looking for a course like this [Introducing World Drumming] and am so glad I found it. Exceeded my expectations.
If you’re an adult it’s never too late to learn an instrument. Best adult class I’ve gone to. I will be doing another course here soon. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
Professional, friendly and fun. Learned a lot about singing [with a] very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teacher. [Introducing Singing for Adults]
This beginners online course was brilliant. It explained the basics in reading music and playing the piano in a simple and understandable way. I believe I have a new life skill that I really enjoy. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
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]
Really enjoyed the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] course, delivered online. Colin is a very good teacher, calm and relaxed but pushes us at the right times too. He engages very well with us as students and is very encouraging. I was starting from scratch, and by the end of the course I was able to play through several songs from start to finish – albeit not expertly – and that, for me, was a great result. Would highly recommend this to any adult learners looking to start playing the guitar.
I enjoyed the [Introducing Singing for Adults] course thoroughly and learned a lot. I would definitely recommend this course and Waltons New School of Music to anybody thinking of taking up singing lessons. The atmosphere is friendly and professional, I personally learned a lot and have decided to sign up for further lessons.
Very enthusiastic teacher and great breadth of genres taught. Really enjoyable – didn’t miss a class! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
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.
Great way to get started with the guitar! [I have] a very thorough and patient instructor, with good choice of content for the [Introducing Guitar for Adults] classes. I have found that my playing has improved greatly.
My [Introducing Singing for Adults] teacher is brilliant at explaining, giving hands-on tips and exercises to practice. She knows how to make people feel both more comfortable and braver, and she is always positive and encouraging.
I really enjoyed the [Introducing Singing for Adults] course and gained confidence in my singing abilities as well as learning new techniques, and I had fun singing songs I would not normally have considered ‘suitable’ for me.
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.
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!
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.
Great school with really great teachers, who have a lovely way with children. We would definitely recommend! [mother of Introducing Violin for Children student]
Great fun. Relaxed atmosphere. Learned loads! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
This course [Introducing Violin for Adults] is great! My class has a relaxed, non-competitive atmosphere that is a pleasure to be part of, and I’ve learned loads.
Really enjoyable piano for beginners course. I feel like I learnt a lot in ten weeks. Aoife was great, a really patient and encouraging teacher. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
This course [Introducing Violin for Adults] has opened up new horizons for me. I never thought I could learn a musical instrument, and so far Waltons New School of Music has allowed me to dream that it is possible, no matter what age I am.
I found the [Introducing Bodhrán] course great, as I had never played before and was not at all familiar with the instrument. We were eased into playing comfortably.
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. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Children]
My only knowledge of music was as a subject I had taken for my Junior Cert. 50 years ago! The adult piano online beginners’ classes [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] with Aoife were great. She is a lovely person and is very good at explaining and encouraging. This is a new hobby for me, and although I am slow to learn I really enjoy the lessons and the practice.
All the fundamentals were covered, which gave us the best foundations for learning how to play the violin correctly. Terrific teacher, and the atmosphere of the [Introducing Violin for Adults] classes was always great and positive. I had fun at every class. Thank you.
I’m finding [Introducing Violin for Adults] very enjoyable and not at all intimidating. The teacher makes us feel at ease as we learn the violin.
I am only sorry that I did not find out about the [Introducing 5-String Banjo] course sooner at age 61. Better late than never. Paddy is a fantastic teacher, and the course so far is a blast!
I tried learning guitar on my own over the years and then didn’t pick up the guitar for two years. This class [Introducing Guitar for Adults] has been perfect for me, with encouraging, good-humoured teaching. I’m enjoying learning!
The very positive approach by the teacher was so encouraging! [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the singing/voice classes [Summer Singing for Adults] I have taken with Fiadh Rua Gregg: the mix of exercises, technical knowledge and skills, learning new songs, and the experience of singing with other people. I also enjoyed listening to and learning from other people in the group. I have learned so much about my voice, and I really value this learning – considering how much I use my voice in my work.
The whole experience has been deeply enriching. I appreciated how Fiadh pitched and paced each class with a blend of tasks that provided a challenge while also offering a sense of achievement. While I attended all classes online, I felt very much part of a group, and this was due to Fiadh’s skill as a teacher, as she created such an encouraging, facilitative and supportive atmosphere. I had wanted to take singing/voice classes for years, and I’m so glad I did!
A very positive experience and great teaching. [Introducing World Drumming]
Even though I am an older person, I felt totally included in all the classes and would encourage anyone who wishes to learn to play an instrument to give it a try. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
John was very passionate about music and made me love playing the guitar. [Introducing Guitar for Adults]
Paddy made every [Introducing 5-String Banjo] class an interesting one. He is a superb teacher.
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.
John is a great teacher who found many ways to describe the techniques required. This resourcefulness was so helpful to our understanding. [Introducing Bodhrán]
Everyone should take Introducing 5-String Banjo. It’s my new favourite thing to do, and it’s really fun to learn at the same time.
Excellent teacher and class environment in which to (re)learn singing! [Introducing Singing for Adults]
Truly amazed at how far I have gone in such a short period. At Christmas I couldn’t even hold a fiddle, but I was playing tunes by St. Patrick’s Day! [Introducing Irish Fiddle]
Excellent teacher. I had so much fun learning to play guitar in a fun and relaxed environment. I will definitely come back. [Introducing Guitar for Teens]
The [Introducing Guitar for Adults] tutor is excellent, patient and easy to understand. He makes the class very enjoyable. I also really like the friendly atmosphere in the school. All of the staff are very helpful and professional.
Great intro course. Great teacher, staff and location. Great experience! [Introducing 5-String Banjo]
Great atmosphere, and the [Introducing World Drumming] classes were taught clearly and with enthusiasm. Brian is a great teacher, very patient and professional.
Excellent tuition. Very enjoyable and makes difficult learning very easy. Highly recommended. [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults]
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.
A great course [Introducing Singing for Adults] 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!
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.
Introducing 5-String Banjo was an excellent starter course. Our tutor Paddy was very patient and paced the lessons very well.
I had always been fond of the piano but had no training, theoretical or practical. The [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] course I took introduced me to both, and with what I learned I’ve have been able to continue my tuition independently. Aoife was a lovely teacher, patient and thorough, and she made the course very enjoyable, user friendly and easy to understand. I’m happy to say I still use the tools she provided in my practice today. A great online course, and good value as well!
