Course Description

Designed for absolute beginners and one of the Waltons New School of Music’s most popular courses, Introducing Guitar for Adults offers a comprehensive, enjoyable and stimulating introduction to the acoustic guitar and what it can do. Students begin with basic left- and right-hand technique, and classes then progress through a varied and interesting repertoire – including folk, pop and rock songs – while students develop a range of guitar skills. The Guitar for Adults course has given hundreds of adult beginners an impressive grasp of guitar fundamentals.

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Requirements

All course participants will need to have either steel-string acoustic guitars or nylon-string ‘classical’ guitars for classes and practise, as well as having their guitars in tune before classes begin. (See the Recommended Instruments tab on this page for a list of recommended guitars, two of which are available at discounts from Waltons Music for course participants, and the Tuning Your Guitar tab for information on tuning guitars.)

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Enrol in this course.

ENROL NOW

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Questions about the course?

CONTACT US

or call us on (01) 478 1884.

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Have you enrolled in this course?

Download our Introductory Handout
for tips on how to get the most from it.

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In-School & Online Tuition

We offer two versions of this course, in-school, which takes place in the New School, and online, which takes place in your own home.

In-School Version

Although the COVID-19 pandemic is thankfully behind us, the disease remains a threat. So with the health and safety of both students and staff at the New School in mind, we have retained some of the equipment and policies we put in place during the pandemic to make in-school tuition safe. See our COVID-19 Safety Policy page for more information.

Online Version

In addition to guitars, online course participants will need:

• An internet-connected laptop, computer, tablet or smartphone. (A laptop or computer with webcam and microphone is recommended, as it will have the largest picture.)
• Ideally, internet speed at least 1.5Mb per second. (You can test your speed using Measurement Lab’s Speed Test.)
• Headphones or earbuds, if possible.¹
• Free Zoom software or app.²

1. Waltons Music has Zoom headphones and microphones that are ideal for online music tuition and are available at 5% discounts for students enrolled in the course. If you would like to obtain a discount, please contact Waltons with your instrument choice and include a scan or photo of your course payment receipt.
2. If you haven’t learned music with Zoom before, please see our printable Zoom for Students information sheet for information on how to download and set up Zoom for music tuition.

Before the course begins, the teacher will email you a Zoom meeting invitation that includes a meeting ID and password to join the first class.

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This course covers Stage 1 of the New School’s ten-stage system of student progress and assessment, which culminates in a teaching or performing qualification (Stage 10) should the student progress that far. Participants who successfully complete the course can be issued with a certificate of completion of Stage 1. If you are taking the course, please let the school office know if you would like this certificate. See About Our Stage System for more information.

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See Summer Guitar for Adults
for the summer version of this course.

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Introducing Guitar for Adults is one of the New School’s group courses for adult beginners. We also offer private guitar lessons in a range of genres for students of all ages and skill levels (see Guitar • Bass • Ukulele Tuition for more information), as well as an Introducing Guitar for Teens course and an Introducing Guitar for Children course for children aged 6-8.

Techniques Covered

A video demonstration of some techniques covered in the course:

George Mercer

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 graduation, 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. In addition to this course, he teaches our Introducing Guitar for Children, Introducing Ukulele for Adults and Introducing Ukulele for Children courses.

Gary Norman

Gary started to learn the guitar as a young child and soon began to explore bass guitar and ukulele as well. He began playing live with bands and vocalists in his early teenage years, enjoying everything from pub residencies to Aviva Stadium events, and playing a wide range of genres and guitar styles, including rock, pop, folk, metal, reggae, blues and jazz. Alongside cover gigs, Gary began writing his own music, and he was a finalist in RTÉ 2FM’s New Irish Music competition while still in secondary school; since then he has worked on a number of national and international projects. Writing and recording music developed Gary’s early interest in production, and he pursued this by studying at Ballyfermot College of Further Education, where he earned a diploma in music technology while working as a live sound engineer and recording EPs for local acts. He went on to study Music and English at University College Dublin, where he received a BA degree with First Class Honours. As well taking numerous advanced modules in tonality and musicianship during his time in college, he also studied Non-Western music and joined the National Concert Hall Gamelan Ensemble, with which he has performed at Electric Picnic, the National Concert Hall and Leeds University, as well as touring Indonesia, the birthplace of gamelan music. Gary is an experienced teacher of guitar, bass and ukulele, both privately and in groups; he also performs regularly with a number of bands and vocalists, and is currently recording an album with the progressive rock act Myth. In addition to this course, he teaches guitar and ukulele classes for our Outreach Programme and Music at Work Programme.

Colin Power

Colin has been an active professional musician, guitarist and audio engineer for the last fifteen years. His performance experience extends to theatrical productions, music festivals, radio performances and recording sessions. He has also produced audio and engineered recording sessions for a wide range of artists and projects. After receiving a Diploma in Multimedia Engineering from the Waterford College of Further Education and an Honours BA in Commercial Modern Music from BIMM Dublin, Colin further validated his range of skills and competencies by completing an MPhil in Music and Media Technologies at Trinity College, Dublin. He has taught guitar, ukulele and music technology to a range of students privately, in music schools and for Music Generation. He currently teaches guitar, ukulele and music technology with the New School, as well as our Introducing Ukulele for Adults, Introducing Music Technology, Summer Music Technology Essentials and Ableton Live Basics courses, the Music Technology for Teens workshop, Leaving Cert. Music Technology workshop, guitar and ukulele courses for our Outreach Programme and guitar and ukulele courses for our Music at Work Programme.

John Sweeney

John comes from a musical family and has been studying, playing and teaching guitar, as well as bodhrán, tin whistle and a range of Irish traditional instruments, for over thirty years. He works in many different styles, including blues, rock, jazz, traditional and flamenco, and he has performed and recorded with a number of Irish groups, gigging extensively throughout Ireland, Canada, the UK, the US and Spain. He began teaching in 1988 at the Scarborough School of Guitar in Toronto, Canada, where he also studied composition and flatpick technique. He has also studied flamenco guitar with Miguel Escudero Lopez in Seville, Spain and traditional music at St. Enda’s Folk Park & Museum, and he continues to develop techniques in a range of guitar styles. John was the only guitar player selected by the renowned vocal innovator and improviser Bobby McFerrin to perform with him in the National Concert Hall for Bobby McFerrin Meets Ireland (2013), a unique collaboration for the Waltons World Masters Series between Bobby and a small, select group of Irish performers – chosen to represent the creativity, tradition and spirit of Ireland and selected through an Ireland-wide audition process. He has taught at the New School since 2003 and also teaches our Introducing Guitar for Teens, Introducing Bodhrán, Acoustic Blues Guitar Basics and Trad Guitar Basics courses, as well as guitar and bodhrán courses for our Outreach Programme and Music at Work Programme.

Reviews • Testimonials

‘I was trying to play guitar for a year, but YouTube didn’t help. With this course, now I can play and understand what’s going on.’
– Z. Alhawashim

‘Really enjoyed this online course. It was an hour escape every week, and I loved the group dynamic!’
– S. Brien

‘A very accessible beginner’s guitar course. The teacher was excellent, with great enthusiasm and expertise. I’ve taken two courses so far (Guitar and Bodhrán) and both have been excellent.’
– E. Carroll

‘Would highly recommend this course to anyone starting out on the guitar.’
– N. Clarke

‘I have been trying to play guitar for years. After a ten-week course I really feel I have some chance now!’
– G. Collie

‘Anyone can learn the guitar. All you need is a willingness to learn and a professional teacher from Waltons New School of Music.’
– S. Collins

‘Colin is an excellent teacher. Huge preparation and effort goes into each class, 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!’
– L. Dennis

‘I’m delighted I made the decision to start learning guitar. The instructor is really helpful, and the classes are fun and enjoyable.’
– E. Duffy

‘Really enjoyed the course, delivered online. 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.’
– F. Dunne

‘Great way to get started with the guitar! [I have] a very thorough and patient instructor, with good choice of content for the classes. I have found that my playing has improved greatly.’
– T. Elomari

‘I tried learning guitar on my own over the years and then didn’t pick up the guitar for two years. This class has been perfect for me, with encouraging, good-humoured teaching. I’m enjoying learning!’
– S. Gavin

‘Well taught, very entertaining, great music, nice friendly group.’
– M. Goggins

‘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.’
– J. Goodall

‘The course 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.’
– A. Howe

‘Each class brings me closer to a possible dream realised.’
– M. Kerrigan

‘I tried learning online and got nowhere. Already, after the course, I can play a few songs. Will definitely recommend it.’
– M. Kumar

‘I found the course very enjoyable and very much looked forward to my hour class every week. My teacher created a very relaxed and fun learning environment and managed to include enough variation for me to have a good understanding of guitar playing. Will be continuing classes in the next term.’
– C. McCauley

‘I would highly recommend the course to anyone who always wanted to learn the guitar, especially those who think they are “too late” or are afraid of the instrument.’
– J. McNally

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to anyone.’
– E. Mernagh

‘I never thought I would be able to read chords and actually play something in such a short time.’
– K. Mifsud

‘With a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and excellent teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed this online course.’
– P. Moloney

‘[This] online course was very good and allowed me to take the first steps towards playing guitar. The teacher was knowledgeable, covered a good range of topics, was very clear in explaining them and taught us good songs. He was also accessible and always available to support us with any questions we had.’
– S. Novais

‘A comprehensive introduction to the instrument.’
– E. Ó Caollaí

‘Brilliant teacher. Really enjoyed the course!’
– D. O’Connor

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of learning and developing a new skill. This was further enhanced by the enthusiasm, motivation and continual encouragement and support of the teacher.’
– M. O’Reilly

‘Great interaction between the teacher and each individual student. Great fun too!’
– B. Rahman

‘Great structure to this online course and easy to follow notes. Our teacher was excellent, and he gave everyone a chance to play, ask questions, etc. He went above and beyond in providing chords for songs we might like to learn, MP3 recordings for all classes and most of all, enthusiasm!’
– L. Ryan

‘The relaxed atmosphere made the course really enjoyable, which made the lessons a lot easier and helped me to progress quicker than I ever expected.’
– G. Treacy

‘Great, knowledgeable teacher. This beginner guitar class helped me go from not knowing one end of a guitar from the other to actually being able to play a song!’
– A. Veale

‘The tuition is first rate…fantastic tutor, with excellent ability in both playing and teaching.’
– G. White

‘John is a great teacher, and I enjoyed every minute of my guitar course and my practice at home. Your experienced and passionate teachers, welcoming and helpful staff and wide range of classes make you the best music school in Dublin. I have recommended you to all of my friends.’
– S. Ziapour

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Have you taken – or are you taking – this course? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about it.

FEEDBACK

2024-2025 First Term
Course Schedule & Fee

10 weeks, 28 January – 8 April 2025
(No class on 18 February – Mid-Term Break)
Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.30 pm
Teacher: John Sweeney
Class Type: In-School

Tuition Fee: €220

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed Enrolment Form and full payment of the tuition fee. Places in the course are limited to eight and are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Many of our group courses fill in advance of their start dates, and early enrolment is recommended.

ENROL NOW

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Purchasing this course as a gift?
Please complete a Gift Certificate Booking Form.

BOOK NOW

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Questions about the course?

CONTACT US

or call us on (01) 478 1884.

Recommended Instruments

Most participants taking this course will use steel-string acoustic guitars. There are many of these available, but the following instruments – all available from Waltons Music – are recommended for their quality and affordability:

• SX SD104 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar • €99.99
• SX SD204 Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar • €135
• Fender CD60S Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar • €199
• Takamine GD20-NS Dreadnought Guitar • €320
• CNB Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar Gigbag • €43.99

The two SX guitars can be purchased from Waltons Music at 5% discounts for students enrolled in the course. If you would like to obtain a discount, please contact Waltons with your instrument choice and include a scan or photo of your course payment receipt.

CONTACT WALTONS

What happens after the course?

Two weeks before the end of each Introducing course, participants will be given options for continuing their tuition with the New School if they would like to do so. Although an ‘improvers’ or continuation course cannot be scheduled on the same day/time as the Introducing course, one can be arranged if enough course participants would like to continue and the teacher has timetable availability or there is timetable availability with another teacher. Participants can also continue their tuition with private (one-to-one) lessons or ‘partner’ lessons with another class member. (See Tuition Options – Private • Partner • Small Group Lessons.) We are happy to discuss these options with you.

Tuning Your Guitar

Tuning your guitar – and keeping it in tune – is an essential first step to playing it. Here are some simple instructions for tuning your guitar, as well as guitar tuning apps.

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Strings

The strings of a guitar, from thickest/lowest to thinnest/highest, are:

• E, the sixth, thickest and lowest sounding string
• A, the fifth string
• D, the fourth string
• G, the third string
• B, the second string
• E, the first, thinnest and highest sounding string

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Tuning

• The E string. Tune the bottom E string as accurately as you can. Chances are it’s already in tune; being the thickest string it is less likely to ‘detune’ itself than any of the others. If you have another instrument such as a piano or keyboard, you can tune it to the second E below middle C. If you have no device or instrument handy, just try to get it as accurate as possible; what really counts when you are playing is that the guitar is in tune with itself.
• The A string. Place the first finger of your left hand (or right hand if you’re playing a left-handed guitar) just behind the fifth fret on the bottom E string. That’s an A note. Keep your finger on that fret. Now pick the fifth and sixth strings in turn, gently adjusting the fifth string tuning peg until the two notes are the same.
• The D string. Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the A string. That’s a D note. Tune the fourth string (the D note) to that.
• The G string. Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the D string. That’s a G note. Tune your G string to that.
• The B string. Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fourth fret. Note that the B string is the only one that comes from a different position, the fourth fret; the rest are from the fifth fret.
• The E string. Place the first finger of your left hand just behind the fifth fret on the B string. That’s an E note.

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Tuning Apps

There are a number of free smartphone guitar tuning apps available. Here are two of the most popular:

GuitarTuna

Android:

iOS:

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Fender Tune

Android:

iOS:

A wide range of clip-on electronic tuners, which are inexpensive and easy to use, are also available.