Course Description

Designed for absolute beginners, this summer version of 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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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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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 pianos.

For both versions, 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 copies of The Classic Piano Course, Book I, by Carol Barratt (Chester Music, available from Waltons or any good music shop) 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 for a list of recommended digital pianos, two of which are available from Waltons Music at discounts for enrolled students.)

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In-School Version

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 safe during the time of COVID-19. These include:

• Perspex screens in every classroom.
• Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary.
• Antiseptic dispensers available throughout the school.
• 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.

Finally, should government directives require the school to physically close temporarily, all in-school tuition will move online for the duration of the closure and there will be no interruption of tuition.

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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 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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Have you enrolled in this course?

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

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Summer Introducing Piano/Keyboard for Adults is one of the New School’s group courses. 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.

Liza studied both piano and music theory at the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama, obtaining her ALCM and GNEIM diplomas. She went on to teach at the Rathdown School for seven years, as well as continuing her musical studies with voice lessons, before coming to the New School. She has performed widely both as a jazz singer (with her own Trio and Quartet as well as numerous other musicians) and pianist (specialising in music of the 1930s and 40s, from George Gershwin to Cole Porter) at numerous Irish and Italian venues, including The Button Factory, The Bleu Note and Le Basement Jazz Club, among others. She has been teaching piano and keyboard at the New School, to students at all skill levels, for over two decades.

Luke Howard

Luke was born into a musical family in Dublin and began studying both classical piano and violin at an early age. He developed an interest in writing his own music early on, and he taught himself how to play the guitar as a teenager. After completing his grades at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Luke’s interest in improvisation led him to DCU where he received an honours degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music Performance. During his studies there, he was offered a scholarship to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. Luke has performed at festivals and jazz clubs at home and abroad in cities such as Berlin, London, Prague and Haifa. He is very active in the Irish music scene and has recently performed with artists such as Haiku, Jake Curran, Loah, Parallel Society and the Conor Guilfoyle Octet. Luke has worked across many different musical fields, including composing a live electronic score for the play Carmen Disruption, which ran in the Samuel Beckett Theatre, and he was involved in the production and recording of the score for the film Twice Upon a Time. He is actively pursuing his keen interest in composing, recording and producing original music and is comfortable performing and teaching in many different styles.

Aoife Kavanagh

Aoife grew up surrounded by music, taking piano and music theory lessons, singing in choirs and playing percussion with the Carlow Youth Orchestra. She went on to earn a BA degree in Music and German at Maynooth University and a Masters degree in Music Composition at Trinity College Dublin. She also spent an Erasmus year studying musicology at the University of Vienna and piano at the University of Music and Performing Arts (MDW) in Austria. Aoife began teaching during her undergraduate degree and taught piano, music theory and pre-instrumental classes privately and at several music schools in Dublin and Carlow before coming to the New School. As well as performing and teaching, Aoife also works as a composer and sound designer. She has written for instrumental soloists, ensembles and choirs, and she has also been active across a range of music disciplines, including theatre, dance and film. Her theatre credits include Mark O’Rowe’s adaptation of Ibsen’s Ghosts (Landmark Productions and the Abbey Theatre), The Long Christmas Dinner (Abbey Theatre), Tom Moran is a Big Fat Disgusting Filthy Liar (Dublin Fringe) and The Saviour (Dublin Theatre Festival). And her dance credits include The Glasshouse (Ballet Ireland), The Galaxy of Occupations and Man Down (Róisín Whelan Dance) and NASC (Infinite Parts Aerial Dance). Aoife was one of two awardees of the Contemporary Music Centre’s Emerging Composer Scheme 2022-23, and her work has been funded by the Ars Council, Carlow County Council and Artlinks. She uses her varied musical experiences and background to provide her students with a well-rounded music education, and she hopes to instil her passion for music in all of her students, no matter what their ages or abilities. For more information on Aoife’s work as a composer and sound designer, see aoifekavanaghmusic.com.

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

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

‘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

‘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

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

‘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

2025 Summer Term
Course Schedules & Fees

To be confirmed.

Please contact us (providing your name) if you would like to be notified when our 2025 courses are confirmed and we start accepting enrolments.

Enrolment

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

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.