Course Description

Designed for absolute beginners, Waltons New School of Music’s Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults course encourages the development of each student’s abilities in an atmosphere of relaxed concentration. Students learn the fundamentals of keyboard technique – as well as basic music theory, sight-reading and chordal accompaniment – while progressing through a varied and interesting repertoire that ranges from classical to pop. The course has introduced hundreds of adult beginners to the basics of playing piano.

After the course, students can continue their tuition at the school with our Improvers Piano/Keyboard for Adults course or with private or partner lessons (see ‘What happens after the course?’ tab).

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Requirements

For both the in-school and the online versions of this course, participants will need to have acoustic pianos, digital pianos or electronic keyboards to practise with at home (or for both classes and practice in the online version), as well as (for Classes 1, 2 and 3) copies of The Classic Piano Course, Book I, by Carol Barratt (Chester Music) or (for Classes 4 and 5) Adult Piano Adventures All-in-One Piano Course, Book 1 by Nancy and Randall Faber (Hal Leonard) before the course begins. A full-size (88-key) acoustic or digital piano is recommended (rather than an electronic keyboard), as both have ‘weighted’ keys. (See the Recommended Instruments tab on this page for a list of recommended digital pianos, two of which are available from Waltons Music at discounts for enrolled students.)

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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. Classes for the in-school version take place in the New School’s Piano Lab, where participants learn on individual digital pianos.

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 having acoustic pianos, digital pianos or electronic keyboards for both classes and practise, as well as the course book, 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 offers its Zoom ZUM-2PMP Podcasting Pack, ideal for online music tuition, at a 5% discount for currently enrolled New School students. If you would like to obtain this discount, please contact Waltons and include a scan or photo of your tuition 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 Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults for the summer version of this course.

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

Anna Hryniewicz

Anna is an award-winning pianist, visual artist and educator based in Dublin. Hailing from Poland, she began learning the piano at the age of six, while at the same time developing her interests in the visual arts, and graduated from the University of Czestochowa in Poland, where she specialised in Artistic Education. She also holds a Licentiate Diploma in Piano Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music. Anna continued her studies at the TU Dublin Conservatoire, where she obtained an MMus in Performance under the supervision of the renowned pianist and educator Pádhraic Ó Cuinneagáin. She was also first prize winner and a gold medalist for her full-length recital in the Lorcan Sherlock Competition. Anna first debuted as a pianist in Wroclaw, Poland, at venues such as the Club of Music and Literature, Radio Music Hall and the National Philharmonic in Wroclaw, where she gave acclaimed performances of contemporary music. In Ireland, she has been performing both as a soloist and as a chamber musician and exhibiting as a painter for the past 15 years, as well as teaching piano and voice, both in-person and online, to students of all ages and skill levels.

Daniel Smith

Dan has been a musician and music lover from an early age, beginning his piano studies at the age of eight. He has received both an ARIAM teaching diploma (scoring high marks in Harmony, Counterpoint, Form, History and Performance) and an LRIAM (Licentiate or advanced) teaching diploma, and he has taught piano, theory and musicianship to students of all ages and abilities both privately and at the New School for over a decade. He has also prepared numerous students, from Preliminary to Diploma, for exams with the ABRSM, RIAM and LCM examination boards. A multi-instrumentalist, Dan has played drums with his band Gypsies on the Autobahn for many years, touring extensively throughout Ireland and the UK; the band recently released their second album, Suspended. He has also worked extensively as both an accompanist and session player, improvising in a wide range of genres/styles for different groups.

Reviews • Testimonials

‘I would highly recommend this class – it far exceeded my expectations. And I’m so pleased that I decided to learn piano. It’s been such fun.’
– M. Bell

‘Personally I felt that, being older, I may have been left behind, but small classes give plenty of one-on-one time with the tutor.’
– P. Bissett

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Never having done any musical training, I can hardly believe all I have learned.’ 
– R. Butler

‘I would highly recommend this course as a great first step to learning piano/keyboard.’
– G. Byrne

‘The classes are well paced with a very hands-on approach; you feel you’re being properly guided along.’
– A. Corcoran

‘I have a cracking teacher and really enjoyed the course. I loved the logical way he took us through the basics and gave us heaps of encouragement and praise.’
– H. Daly

‘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.’
– L. Dowdall

‘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.’
– B. Duffy

‘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.’
– M. Fitzgerald

‘[V]ery well structured, with a patient and friendly teacher.’
– S. Flanagan

‘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 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.’
– S. Flynn

‘The very positive approach by the teacher was so encouraging!’
– D. Germaine

‘Nice environment with proper time given to all students in a group class.’
– K. Jason

‘Excellent tuition. Very enjoyable, and makes difficult learning very easy. Highly recommended.’
– L. Johnson

‘I had always been fond of the piano but had no training, theoretical or practical. The course 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!’
– M. Keane

‘Did not think learning piano could be so easy and fun!’
– D. Lafon

‘I’ve wanted to play piano for years, and thanks to Waltons now I can!’
– P. McCooey

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the course and can’t wait to continue and fulfil my lifelong dream of playing the piano! And I couldn’t recommend my teacher highly enough. He is fantastic – so clear, thorough and patient, and an excellent communicator.’
– R. McDermott

‘I was surprised at my ability to progress in quite a short period of time.’
– A. McGrath

‘Gentle patience, with individual attention coupled with a welcoming smile, made this class a joy.’
– J. McNamara

‘I’ve wanted to learn piano for many years, and I’m glad I was finally bold enough to try. My teacher was not only patient but provided an atmosphere that wasn’t at all daunting or intimidating. I loved it!’
– N. Milne

‘The teacher was great, and very patient!’
– S. O’Connell

‘A great way to start an instrument and start learning it in a way that suits your own needs.’
– T. O’Neill

‘I loved the improvers group piano class. There is a good mix of content, between learning recognisable pieces and some theory included which helps make sense of it all. It’s a great way to unwind after work and enjoy learning a new skill at the same time. I would happily recommend this class to anyone who wants to keep up learning the piano after the [Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults] class. Our teacher makes it easy to learn in a non-pressurised environment. Thoroughly enjoyed the class!’
– R. Sen

‘Great induction course. The teacher was relatable, approachable and knew what he was talking about.’
– S. Shannon

‘I found the classes so enjoyable, and I looked forward to our group lesson every week. The teacher was excellent, with a relaxed and kind approach which helped settle any nerves. I’m so glad I decided to give it a go and will definitely continue with lessons.’
– K. Smuts

‘Exceeds expectations. Didn’t think we would get so much individual time.’
– S. Stack

‘The online classes were very enjoyable. There was a lovely atmosphere, and everyone felt at ease. The teacher was excellent, always ready to help and had a lovely way of encouraging her students. And there was no pressure put on any student to be perfect.’
– M. Sweeney

‘If you are an adult and have always wanted to learn piano, this introductory group course is an ideal place to start.’
– H. Weir

‘Friendly environment that lets you progress at your own pace.’
– P. Yang

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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 Second Term
Class Schedules

CLASS 1
10 weeks, 20 January – 14 April 2025
(No classes on 3 February, 17 February & 17 March
– Bank Holiday Mondays & Mid-Term Break)
Mondays 6.30 – 7.30 pm
Teacher: Dan Smith
Class Type: In-School

CLASS 2
10 weeks, 28 January – 8 April 2025
(No class on 18 February – Mid-Term Break)
Tuesdays 8 – 9 pm
Teacher: Dan Smith
Class Type: In-School

CLASS 3
10 weeks, 30 January – 10 April 2025
(No class on 20 February – Mid-Term Break)
Thursdays 12.30 – 1.30 pm
Teacher: Dan Smith
Class Type: In-School

CLASS 4
10 weeks, 30 January – 10 April 2025
(No class on 20 February – Mid-Term Break)
Thursdays 6.15 – 7.15 pm
Teacher: Anna Hryniewicz
Class Type: In-School

CLASS 5
10 weeks, 30 January – 10 April 2025
(No class on 20 February – Mid-Term Break)
Thursdays 7.30 – 8.30 pm
Teacher: Anna Hryniewicz
Class Type: In-School

Tuition Fees

Classes: 1, 2, 4 & 5: €220
Class 3: €200 *

* The lunchtime version of this course is offered at a 10% discount.

Enrolment

Enrolment for this course requires a completed Enrolment Form and full payment of the tuition fee. Places in each class 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

If students don’t already have instruments to practice with at home, the following reasonably-priced ‘starter’ digital pianos – all available from Waltons Music – are recommended for this course:

• Nux WK310 Digital Piano Bundle • Economy:
  Piano + Piano Stool + Headphones • €633
• Nux WK310 Digital Piano Bundle • Plus:
  Piano + Adjustable Piano Bench + Headphones • €662
• Yamaha YDP145 Digital Piano Bundle • Black:
  Piano + Adjustable Piano Bench + Headphones • €966
• Yamaha YDP145 Digital Piano Bundle • Rosewood:
  Piano + Adjustable Piano Bench + Headphones • €966

Nux Digital Pianos 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, as well as the product number, 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.