Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting Tuition

Waltons New School of Music

Theory • Musicianship
Songwriting Tuition

Waltons New School of Music

‘Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the secret places of the soul.’
– Plato

Available both in-school and online, the New School’s Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting Programme offers expert individual and group tuition in a range of different subjects for students of all ages and skill levels.

Melanie is very experienced teacher/songwriter, and she was very generous about sharing her knowledge. She was also very supportive and gave everyone on the course plenty of time and support with their individual creative projects. Really enjoyed the [Art & Craft of Songwriting] workshop!

F. Tyndall

Creativity at its best! [Songwriting Workshop]

M. Kerrigan

Waltons New School of Music and my excellent teacher gave me the opportunity both to learn and achieve something that I didn’t think was possible for me. Through combination of healthy challenge and empathetic guidance, I learnt and grew in ways that I didn’t think I would in such a short space of time. Thank you…. [Songwriting Workshop participant]

D. Duggan

An excellent introduction to sight singing for beginners – a lot simpler than I thought it would be! [Sight Singing Made Easy]

S. Delaney

Really enjoyed the Songwriting Workshop! In this difficult time when we can’t go places, music is the best remedy. The teacher delivered very hands-on classes that got me writing a few songs within a few weeks! Thank you. 😀

P. Hong

Take that chance – it is never too late. From the day I signed up for the [Songwriting Workshop] course to the last session the teacher and staff were so helpful and friendly. Just go for it!

S. Toner

This course [Songwriting Workshop] gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.

A. Bradley

I thoroughly enjoyed the Songwriting Workshop and learned so much from it. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone wanting to learn or improve their songwriting abilities. I have a greater understanding of song structure and collaboration now, which has helped me move forward in songwriting. Also, the fact that it was online was beneficial, as I wouldn’t have been able to do it in person.

R. Gregan

I learned so much about the structure of songs and the business of songwriting. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

P. Emmet

I came with the object of turning ideas into songs. I left with a complete song from an idea I had for years. Results! [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

N. Tuke

Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature! [Sight Singing Made Easy]

R. Fitzpatrick
[A] a very experienced teacher who had great suggestions for improving my songwriting. I love her energy, enthusiasm and kind nature. She went above and beyond to assist the whole class to improve their work. I really enjoyed and benefited a lot from this class. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
D. Connolly

The [The Art & Craft of Songwriting] workshop really helped break my writer’s block!

B. Carvill

The course [Sight Singing Made Easy] is challenging [and] great fun. The teacher is very helpful without being patronising, and the material progresses quickly.

N. Casey

I thoroughly enjoyed The Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop with Melanie O’Reilly. I found the content very interesting and informative, and I’m continuously putting it into practice in my writing. Melanie is a brilliant teacher, enjoyable and fun to listen to. She has so much knowledge and experience, and the course has helped me to get a grasp on how to go about writing a song with a structure. It was also a lovely way of meeting people with similar interests, and we still keep in touch. I would highly recommend the course.

C. Horan

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop. I thoroughly enjoyed the course, and it completely exceeded any expectations that I had. The teacher’s experience and encouragement meant that we each left more confident in ourselves and in our abilities to create music.

Y. Mullany

A great educational experience and very friendly atmosphere. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

T. Cronin

A truly excellent online course. The teacher is really engaging and not only makes the essentials of music reading (and writing) easy to understand but makes the whole learning process fun as well. I would highly recommend this course [Music Fundamentals] for anyone interested in learning to read music who doesn’t know where to start. You won’t regret it!

S. Clarke

The Songwriting Workshop was transformative for me, taking a lifelong ambition at songwriting and – within a few weeks – transforming it into a weekly/daily practice rather than a vague aspiration. Luan Parle clearly understands the songwriting process intimately, but what is rare is her ability to convey that deep understanding to fledgling songwriters. She dived right into the process from day one, and it was very much “learning-by-doing”. This immediately alleviated my nerves and self-consciousness. She also broke down songwriting into easily digestible components (verse/bridge/chorus/middle eight) and then sent me away to try and write each ‘part’ between classes. The course was really exciting and rewarding – and it also managed to demystify songwriting and make it more realisable. Throughout, Luan’s approach was always one of positivity and optimism – searching out the best parts of my work. The course was also very good value.

B. Foley

I am so glad I took this amazing course [Songwriting Workshop]. It far exceeded my expectations. Luan is an excellent teacher, and writing a song with her was a great and enjoyable experience. It is such a great opportunity being offered by Waltons. I believe that there are many people who would like to write a song and just need this guidance. Brilliant course.

R. McGovern

An excellent teacher with so much to give. [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]

J. Lynch

Excellent course. Eoin makes what some would consider a dry subject both interesting and engaging. And being able to read music has opened up a whole new world for me! [Music Fundamentals]

A. Cassidy

I would absolutely recommend the Music Fundamentals course to anyone who is interested in beginning on the road to understanding written music.

J.M. Burr

The teacher’s laid back and informal approach, coupled with vast experience and knowledge of music, made the [Songwriting Workshop] very enjoyable for me, and I would be happy to recommend it to others. The workshop was just what I was looking for and gave me an excellent understanding of how to approach songwriting.

B. Curran

The instructor is extremely knowledgeable but also patient and approachable. Highly recommended. [Music Fundamentals]

P. Bradley

This course [Music Fundamentals] is perfect for anyone with an interest in music. It starts with the very basics of theory and the information is made easy to understand. There is a good atmosphere in the class, being with people who share your passion for music.

I. Colgan

I recently completed the 6-week online Songwriting Workshop. I was already writing lyrics and music before joining the course, but I required some better structuring techniques and to develop the general skill further. The course has given me the confidence to write better tracks and expand my style of writing. Thanks!!!

J. Mulcahy

A very beneficial workshop [The Art & Craft of Songwriting] – kick-started my songwriting!

J. White

Great course [Songwriting Workshop]. Really enjoyed having someone walk me through a scary new thing, with great skill and experience.

K. Del Sesto

Great, flexible, friendly and encouraging teacher. [Songwriting Workshop]

C. Fay

I liked the personal approach, ensuring you enjoy the subject. You also get to meet other students, and it’s a side comfort to know they are travelling the same, sometimes difficult, road as you. Friendships can be formed too. [Music Fundamentals]

P. Kelly

This course [Sight Singing Made Easy] is a great way to learn sight singing with an excellent teacher. I’ve sung with a few choirs over the years, but I always had to learn the music either by ear or with recordings. What a pleasure it is now to just pick up a written song or piece of music and sing it!

N. Waters

My Intensive Lesson at Waltons New School of Music was a great choice for an in-depth look at advanced elements of music theory. The staff were helpful, and my tutor Eoin was super friendly, very knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. I left the lesson knowing what direction to go in to learn more and how to apply theory to my compositions.

S. Dooley

The relaxed way of teaching makes you feel at home on the [Songwriting Workshop] course and gives you the confidence to perform in front of your fellow classmates. I can’t believe I stood up in front of a room full of people and performed my own songs! It was an amazing experience.

F. Hannon

I finished four songs and found my melodic voice, which I thought was impossible as I don’t play an instrument. I’d like to do a more advanced class! [Songwriting Workshop]

S. Kelly

Having played by ear for years, I was surprised at how easy it was, with a good teacher, to get to grips with reading music. [Music Fundamentals]

S. Manning

The teacher’s easy manner gave me the courage to have a go even if I wasn’t getting things right. By my own reckoning I have made huge progress since I began the [Sight Singing Made Easy] course.

M. Byrne

I liked the encouragement and guidance, the comradery with the group and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, as well as the great teacher, very knowledgeable and experienced, with great insight into songwriting and lots of tips. [Songwriting Workshop]

S. O'Reilly
Tuition Offered

Subjects Taught

Subjects Taught

The development of a complete musician requires far more than simply learning to play an instrument or sing. Tuition in musicianship and theory is recommended for students of all ages, whether they are studying classical, traditional, jazz, popular or world music instruments, and essential for anyone planning to take grade examinations past intermediate level.

The New School offers tuition for students at all levels in:

  • Music Theory (all grades, to diploma level)
  • Musicianship
  • Sight Singing
  • Songwriting
  • Jazz Theory & Improvisation
  • Contemporary & Jazz Harmony & Composition
  • Junior Certificate Music
  • Leaving Certificate Music

At higher levels, the following subjects are available:

  • Harmony
  • Counterpoint
  • Composition
  • Conducting

In-School & Online Tuition

In-School & Online Tuition

We offer both in-school tuition, which takes in the New School, and online tuition, which takes place in your own home.

In-School Tuition

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 COVID-19 pandemic. These include:

  • Perspex screens in every classroom.
  • Installation of HEPA air filtration/purification units where necessary.
  • Safety signage and clear markings to indicate safe distances between students and teacher and between students in group courses.
  • Antiseptic dispensers available throughout the school.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of both classroom instruments and furniture between lessons and classes.
  • Regular cleaning of public spaces.
  • Reducing the maximum number of students in all of our in-school group courses to three quarters of what they were previously, which also allows for more individual attention.
  • The mandatory wearing of face masks in all public areas of the school and (with the exception of voice and wind instrument tuition) in classrooms. While we strongly encourage all children to wear face masks, we recognise that they may not be appropriate for younger children. However, all parents must wear masks when dropping off and picking up their children.

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.

Online Tuition

Online tuition is taught by the same expert teachers as our in-school tuition and takes place where you are, anywhere in Ireland or around the world.

For online tuition, you will need:

  • An instrument for tuition and practice (except for voice, theory, songwriting and music technology tuition).
  • 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.
  • Free Zoom software or app.*

*   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 use Zoom for music tuition.

See our Online Tuition page for more information on Online tuition with the New School, as well as the instruments, subjects and courses we offer online.

Tuition Options

Tuition Options

Our options for theory, musicianship and songwriting tuition, both In-School and Online, include:

  • Weekly private (one-to-one) lessons, 30, 45 or 60 minutes in length.
  • Group lessons, designed for students at the same level of proficiency who enrol together, and available as 30- 45- or 60-minute ‘partner’ lessons, as well as 60-minute lessons for 3 or 4 students.
  • Single 1- or 2-hour Intensive Lessons for both individuals and small groups.
  • Four group courses: Music Fundamentals, Sight Singing Made Easy, Songwriting Workshop and The Art & Craft of Songwriting (see following tab).

See Tuition Options for more information on private, partner and small group lessons, and Enrolment • Fees for tuition fees and enrolment forms.

Group Courses

Group Courses

Collaborative SongcampFacilitated by hit songwriter Luan Parle and designed for participants who have previously taken a songwriting course or workshop with the New School (for example, our Songwriting Workshop or The Art & Craft of Songwriting) or elsewhere, or who have already written the music and/or lyrics to one or more songs, our Collaborative Songcamp is an exciting new concept in songwriting tuition.

Our Music Fundamentals I & II courses introduce students to the fundamentals of reading and writing music, as well as to elementary musical grammar, and are recommended for anyone beginning instrumental tuition at the New School.

Designed especially for voice/singing students and choristers, Sight Singing Made Easy allows students to develop simultaneously their music reading skills and practical sight singing.

We offer a Songwriting Workshop during the school year and The Art & Craft of Songwriting workshop in the summer. The workshops are designed to guide students through the entire songwriting process, integrating the craft’s many skills into a seamless artistic whole.

‘This course is perfect for anyone with an interest in music. It starts with the very basics of theory and the information is made easy to understand. There is a good atmosphere in the class, being with people who share your passion for music.’ [Music Fundamentals]
– I. Colgan

‘Sight singing is a skill that I thought was beyond me, but when it was broken down and explained well by an excellent teacher, and then practiced of course, it’s amazing how quickly it became second nature!’ [Sight Singing Made Easy]
– R. Fitzpatrick

‘This course gave me great confidence in songwriting, and to have the guidance of a professional songwriter was so helpful. The course helped me both lyrically and musically to realise my songwriting potential, and I am now constantly writing new material.’ [Songwriting Workshop]
– A. Bradley

‘Melanie O’Reilly is a very experienced teacher and had great suggestions for improving my songwriting. I love her energy, enthusiasm and kind nature. She went above and beyond to assist the whole class to improve their work. I really enjoyed and benefited a lot from this class.’ [The Art & Craft of Songwriting]
– D. Connolly

Leaving Certificate Music

Leaving Certificate Music

The New School’s courses and workshops together make up one of the most comprehensive Leaving Cert. Music programmes of any music school in the country:

Leaving Cert. Music

  • The Preliminary Course covers the fundamentals of music theory up to Junior Cert. standard as a preparation for Leaving Cert. Music.
  • The Two-Year Course is designed to prepare students for all aspects of the Essential Listening and Composing Activities at Higher level.
  • The Easter Revision Course provides extra preparation to students studying for the exam, either on their own or at school.
  • And the Pre-Exam Revision Workshop offers intensive final preparation, on the Saturday before the exam itself, for both New School and external students preparing for this year’s exam.

See the Leaving Certificate Music section of our website for general information.

Faculty

Theory • Musicianship • Songwriting Faculty

Tuition Fees

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees for private, partner and small group lessons are listed in the Enrolment • Fees section of our website and depend on the length of lessons as well as the duration (number of terms) of enrolment:

Group course fees are listed on individual group course pages.

Enrolment • Booking

Enrolment • Booking

Enrolment for theory, musicianship and songwriting tuition at Waltons New School of Music requires a completed enrolment form and, except for those students using payment plans, full payment of tuition fees. Intensive Lesson booking requires a completed booking form and deposit.

Private, Partner &
Small Group Lessons

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Group Courses

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Intensive Lessons

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Gift Certificates

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Questions About
Enrolment & Booking?

CONTACT US

Your Feedback

Your Feedback

Have you studied – or are you studying – theory, musicianship or songwriting with the New School? We would appreciate it if you could take a few moments to give us your feedback in a brief online questionnaire about your experience here.

FEEDBACK

We would also appreciate your Google review, which will help to spread the word about the quality of our tuition.

Other Information

Songwriting • Composition Prize

Songwriting • Composition Prize

Scholarship CompetitionThis prize is awarded for the most creative original composition or song for solo instrument, voice or ensemble, performed by the composer or songwriter alone or with ensemble for our annual Scholarship Competition in late May / early June.

See Scholarships • Prizes for more information.

Grade Exam Syllabi

Grade Exam Syllabi

Links to downloadable music theory syllabi (pdf format) with different exam boards:

Student Benefits

Student Benefits

Currently-enrolled students (and parents of students) are entitled to several useful benefits, including:

  • Discounts on Waltons World Masters Series Events
  • Discounts from Waltons Music
  • Discounts on Ensembles, Sessions and Music Theory Courses
  • Discounts on Practice Facilities
  • Discounts on City-Centre Parking

See Student Benefits for more information.

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