Instruments & Tuition

Current Instruments on Offer

Piano (please see"what instrument?"on the left of this page for more detail on piano)
Voice (Singing) (All Genres)

-Singing is a wide and varied technical instrument from Popular music to Jazz to Opera.

-Each student can embark on a course tailored to suit their specific needs or they may prefer to be exposed to all genres.

-Vocal training and exams are encouraged for school children - especially Secondary School.

-Classical singing (Opera, Lieder, Oratorio, etc...) & Vocal technique for advanced students and also Adult beginners.
Childrens Singing Group Class

-Singing group class is for the ages of 7-9. No more than 4 students per class.
Violin
Guitar (All Genres)
Flute (Concert or Silver flute / Traditional Wooden Flute)
Cello
Saxaphone
Recorder
Pre-Instrumental Groups - Toddlers(2-4 yrs) and Children (4-6 yrs) Designed for children to gain an insight into music and enhance their musical awareness.
They will learn through the Kodaly and Suzuki methods of introducing different instruments and basic rhythms. One class attended per week.
Ensemble's The Academy has annual performances and an annual Carol Service in which ensemble groups are formed to perform.
Theory / Musicianship This is a very important part of music education. The individual student will receive a certain amount of Music Theory in their individual classes, however as they advance it is recommended to partake in theory as an exam subject for entry to advanced grades.
Leaving Certificate Music Junior Certificate Music Whether music is not available as a subject in a particular school, or you are an adult returning to study music for Junior/Leaving Cert. - we offer a comprehensive program to bring you through to examination. This course has proved popular with many Adults.
Adult's Guitar Group Class Guitar group classes are available for beginners. They have a maximum of six students per class.
Children's Guitar Group Class Guitar group classes are available for beginners. They have a maximum of six students per class.
Adult Music Appreciation Group Classes
Music appreciation teaches people what to listen for and appreciate in a piece of music. The classes involve music history lessons to explain why people of a certain era liked the music that they did; but mostly the student gets to sit back and appreciate listening to music of all genres from Opera, Ballet, Composers, Instrumental, Classical, Jazz, Blues and to be exposed to music from the different musical periods - Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern.
The Academy Junior Orchestra

The Academy Junior Orchestra was founded in September 2008 as part of a performing groups initiative undertaken by The Academy of Music in Tullamore. It is the chance for students of early grades (2+) to part-take in an orchestral environment which normally would not be available to them until later in life on a graded audition basis.

This is a fun social environment and the Orchestra performs in Academy concerts throughout the year.
The Academy Chamber Choir

The Academy Chamber Choir was founded in September 2008 as part of a performing groups initiative undertaken by The Academy of Music in Tullamore. Each choral scholar is an advanced student of voice with The Academy and has a different and wide-ranging background in solo, operatic and competitive performance. Click here for further details
Music Therapy for Special Needs
Music therapy is the prescribed use of music and musical interventions in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, social, and spiritual health and well-being. Music Therapy (MT) is an effective intervention when working with children with autism, ADHD, learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, and many more.
The support offered by the Music Therapist is predominantly on a one-to-one basis or a mini group. The therapist responds to movements / vocal sounds/ instrumental playing led by the child, incorporating them into a musical context: by developing a relationship through spontaneous music making, the child can explore new ways of relating, leading to development and change.
Academy Youth Recitals: The Academy hosts regular showcase recitals to allow up and coming young performer's a chance to display their talent and experience the world of solo performance recital.

New Instruments on Offer 2009

(please enquire - subject to demand)

Drum Kit
Bass Guitar
Banjo
Bodhran
Fiddle
Irish Harp
Mandolin
Piano Accoridan
Button Accoridan
Uilleann Pipes
Whistle (Tin Whistle and Low Whistle)
Clarinet
Oboe
Bassoon
Viola
Double Bass
Brass - (Trumpet, Tuba, French Horn, Trombone)
Musical Theatre
Sight Singing

How do Lessons Operate?

How Long?

Instruments are taught on an individual and group basis. Lessons are 30 minutes duration for individual (with the exception of advanced [grade 6 plus]), and 30 minutes for groups (with some exceptions such as Leaving certificate and Junior certificate [60 mins]).

When?

Students have one lesson weekly at a designated day and time. This time slot is worked out at the time of enrolment or shortly after (just before term starts). The Academy tries it's best to offer a time-slot that will suit the student. Once this is agreed it is expected that this time be the designated tuition day and time for the remainder of the term.

Class times: Monday-Friday 3.30pm-8.30pm and Saturday 9.30am-4pm

Please make yourself aware of the Academy's policies.

What Instrument?

The full suite of instruments across is open to all individuals no matter what level.

In general we would recommend Piano as a starting instrument for all ages(most especially for young musicians). This is the best start for any musical education as it is a great way to learn how to read music (two clefs), visualize scales and learn music theory - also there is no need to purchase a Piano starting out until the student has embarked on grades and feels they are ready - a keyboard is sufficient until then.

For all instruments our teachers use Kodaly, Suzuki and traditional teaching methods which they adapt and tailor lessons to the needs of each individual student and instrument.

Exams?

Exams are available to all individuals no matter what age or level. They are not compulsory and students may want to learn just for fun (especially adults), but for younger students exams would be encouraged.

The Royal Irish Academy of Music, Associated Board, and London College are the Academy's awarding bodies.

Diploma students can choose their awarding body for Performance and Teaching Diplomas from any of the recognised examining bodies in Britain (London) or Ireland.