Piano / Music Teacher in Dublin

Piano Academy of Ireland, Rathgar:
The Piano Academy of Ireland is a quality music and piano school offering a wide range of music and piano classes that enables students of all ages, levels and abilities to allow music to play an important role in their lives. We are based in Rathgar, a suburb of Dublin, approximately 3 km south of the city centre. With a proud passion for teaching for more than 12 years, our on-going inspiration is found in our students from all corners of Dublin and beyond and in the commitment, energy and expertise of our teachers.

Music / Piano Courses (For all ages & levels):

- One-on-one Piano Tuition (Classical & Jazz) for Children & Adults:
Piano tuition is one-to-one and offered to students of approx age 5 yrs and above. Occasionally we may start a student at 4 yrs if the child comes from a musical background but mostly it is best to wait til minimum 5 yrs when the child has already completed some school and will be like a sponge! If a child waits a little in order to be truly ready to start the piano, they will indeed make speedy progress.

We find that one-to-one tuition is the best type of tuition to nurture the individual needs of a student as no two people are the same and each will learn in a different way. Each may also have a different goal to aim for and so a specifically designed programme is tailored for each student. Individual tuition is therefore the only way to make best use of the time we have with a student and bring them to where they want to be.

Beginners will all begin with a beginner’s tutor book(s) for one year or more, teaching them the basics of piano playing. Here there are many tutor books to choose from, and each, again will go at a lightly different pace and introduce the elements of piano playing in a slightly different sequence, but all eventually reaching the same point! After a number of weeks acquainting oneself with the instrument (without a book) the student's teacher will then (after getting to know a particular student over a number of lessons) select an appropriate tutor for the beginner, that will suit the student, will stimulate him/her but will not go too fast.

* Adult Piano Tuition:  The Piano Academy of Ireland is something that doesn’t exist anywhere else, being Ireland's only School of Piano and not discriminating between ages levels or abilities! Where often, many adult beginners will shy away from the learning of the piano, believing that they "couldn’t possibly do it!", here at PAI, where we actually listen to the student’s needs (rather than sticking rigidly to syllabi) and those who try it out soon realise that they can do it!! A wonderful confidence booster for people, children included ...but especially for the 'mature' ones who might not otherwise have the opportunity to play.

Jazz Piano Tuition & Group Jazz Improvisation Class:

* One-to-one jazz piano:  Alternating between Classical and Jazz, or studying ‘Just Jazz’, this course will teach you how there are many ways to play the same tune, using different scales, chords and different embellishments and rhythms, one will never be bored with playing the same tune twice! Suitable for all ages and levels from children to adults.

* Group Jazz Improvisation Class:  This course aims to take the fear out of Improvisation through exploring music from the inside out mainly through singing and rhythmic work. It is through this internalization of the music, that it’s true foundation and essence is understood and indeed is more easily memorized, at which point it is easier to add layers of improvised melodies. Students will take turns to try something of an Improvisation at the piano or on their chosen instrument. A fun and freeing up approach to music making! Classes will be grouped according to age and experience. Suitable for all ages and levels from children to adults. 

Pre-Instrumental Classes (For ages 3-6 years):
A fun and lively introduction to music, in preparation for the learning of the piano. Suitable for 3 to 6 year olds, this training will begin to develop beat, rhythm, pitch and aural awareness - laying good foundations for the future. Based around songs and musical games (taught sequentially), and led by Lynsey Callaghan, who is a dynamo and lots of fun, this is a wonderful introduction for your child who is not 'quite' ready to start the piano but wants to get started.

Children's Choir (For ages 6-12 years):
We are very excited to invite children from the greater Dublin area to join together and sing together in Dublin Children's Choir. From Mozart to Musicals, Folk Songs to Christmas Carols, our choir will explore a broad range of repertoire to include a wide range of different styles – Popular, Classical, World music and Musicals.

Children's Musicianship Course:
We offer Musicianship Training at all levels, of 40 to 90 minutes per session. Classes are grouped according to age and musical experience. Material covered overlaps somewhat from one level to the next, giving flexibility for some siblings to share a class together!

Junior Cert Music Preparation Course:
At the Piano Academy of Ireland, we have been offering Junior Cert Music for the last two years and all students each year got A’s! Set works and set songs will be learned as well as developing the skill of composing a melody and the other requirements needed for the paper. The practical side of the Junior Cert will be taken care of by their instrumental teacher.

Our teachers are highly competent classroom Junior and Leaving Cert teachers, who are highly motivational and positive.

Leaving Cert Music Preparation Course:
As music is often a subject that is not offered in schools (or potentially clashes with another important subject), it is a great facility therefore, to offer music to students outside of their own school environment. It can also be of great value as an extra subject for those already studying music, and many of them will find it easy to do really well in it, adding to those valuable points at Leaving Cert time. 

Our teachers are highly competent classroom Junior and Leaving Cert teachers, who are highly motivational and positive.

Adult Music Appreciation Course:
For those that would like to expand their general knowledge and understanding of music and develop their own personal skills as musicians, these classes will greatly compliment and support the learning of the piano OR can be taken alone without learning an instrument.

Weekly classes aim to:
- Provide a general knowledge of Music History
- Explore various Genres of music
- Differentiate between different eras in music
- Improve aural skills (listening) and basic music Theory
- Develop Improvisation skills
- Include an element of fun through participation in a number of rhythmic and vocal exercises

RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music) Diploma Preparation Course:
Aimed at those who have attained at least Grade 8 standard with their RIAM Local Centre or a comparable exam board. Examinations are held at the RIAM twice yearly during June / July and November / December. There is no age limit for the Performance Diploma. Successful candidates will have the right to use the following letters after their names:

- Associate:  A.R.I.A.M.
- Licentiate:  L.R.I.A.M.

For the Associate Performer's Diploma, one will present a varied programme of not more than 45 minutes consisting of 3 pieces chosen from the syllabus plus a fourth own choice work. All four works must be performed from memory.

Candidates taking the Licentiate Performer's Diploma must present a varied programme of not more than 50 minutes duration which must include at least three pieces from the syllabus. They may also include a work of their own choice. The complete programme must be played from memory. Technical requirements will consist of scales and arpeggios plus sight reading.