Newpark Academy of Music

?? Calling All Pianists! The Pianoforte Competitions at the Newpark Festival are the perfect opportunity for pianists of all levels to showcase their talent, develop their performance skills, and gain valuable experience in a supportive, inspiring environment. ?? ? Categories for all ages and grades ? Receive constructive feedback from expert adjudicators ? Be part of a community of music enthusiasts Read more about the pianoforte competition options and register here: https://lnkd.in/efFPRsDX

?? Join Us for an Exciting Evening at Newpark Academy of Music! ?? ?? Date: Saturday, 30th November @ 3:00pm ?? Location: Newpark Academy of Music We’re thrilled to announce the kick-off of our Newpark Fundraising Campaign! This is your chance to be part of the future of music education as we prepare for our move to Booterstown. ? What’s Happening? ?? Hear about our plans for this new chapter, how it will benefit our students and the wider community, and how you can play a role in supporting us. ?? Discover the many ways you can contribute, from donations to sharing our campaign with friends and family. ?? Enjoy performances from our faculty! This event marks a pivotal moment for Newpark Academy of Music. Your generosity will help us continue offering the highest standard of music education and programs as we transition to our new home in Booterstown. Together, we can ensure a bright future for the academy and the next generation of musicians. All Are Welcome! Bring your friends and family along for an inspiring evening filled with music and community. We can’t wait to see you there! ??

Supporting Students in Embracing the Stage As your students prepare for their upcoming performances, take time to help them reflect on the progress they’ve made. Every practice session, every challenge they’ve overcome, and every skill they’ve refined has contributed to their growth as musicians. Encourage them to recognize their achievements—the repertoire they’ve mastered, the techniques they’ve developed, and the confidence they’ve built. A performance is not just a test of skill; it’s an opportunity to share their hard work and passion with an audience. On the day of their performance, remind them to trust their preparation, stay present, and enjoy the moment. With your support and guidance, they are well-equipped to succeed and grow through the experience!

Behind the Music: Meet the Teachers of Newpark Irvin Karkauskas Irvin Karkauskas began his classical studies at the age of 5, while also studying jazz harmony in parallel. He attended TU Dublin, where he studied under Padhraic O’Cuinnegain. He has participated in many classical piano competitions, earning first place in the Midlands Feis Ceoil in 2015 and the Naval Choral Festival in 2016, along with numerous highly commended certificates over the years. Irvin started his professional jazz career by performing weekly and participating in charity events across Dublin. More recently, he was part of the Siena Jazz Festival in July 2024. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music at DCU. For the past 5 years, he has taught piano both privately and in schools. His teaching style is fun and explorational, strongly emphasising the enjoyment for students as they journey through learning piano and piano theory.

Join us for our next student concert at Newpark Academy of Music this Saturday, the 23rd of November at 2:30pm! It's set to be a wonderful day of music by our hard working students. This is our last student concert of the term before our big annual Winter Wonderland Concert on the 14th of December, so you won't want to miss it! Hope to see you there ??

Teaching Insight: The Power of Timed Focus As educators, we’ve all encountered students who become overwhelmed or frustrated when faced with challenging sections of their repertoire. One way we can guide them toward more productive practice is by introducing the concept of timed focus sessions. ?? Encourage your students to approach difficult passages with a structured plan: set a timer for 10 minutes and dedicate that time exclusively to targeted improvement. Whether it’s perfecting rhythm, refining dynamics, or solidifying notes, this method teaches them to engage deeply while maintaining momentum. When the timer rings, have them shift to another section or task. This approach not only keeps their focus sharp but also helps cultivate efficient practice habits—an essential skill for long-term growth. Timed sessions can be transformative, fostering discipline and reducing the frustration that often accompanies extended practice on one section. As educators, we can lead by example, incorporating this technique into our own work and sharing its benefits with our students. Have you used timed practice in your teaching or personal practice? How has it impacted progress?

This weekend marked the final day of our mock exams for this term at Newpark Academy of Music, and what a success it was! It was such a joy to hear all of our students showcase the hard work and preparation they've done. Toi toi toi on all of your upcoming exams! Be sure to keep an eye out for future mock exam dates ??

The students of Newpark Academy of Music invite you to our Winter Wonderland Concert, a heartwarming evening filled with festive tunes and enchanting performances! ????? This annual concert is one of the highlights of the year, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our students in a celebration you won’t want to miss! Date: Saturday, 14th of December @ 18:00 Location: Monkstown Church of Ireland Purchase tickets here: https://lnkd.in/e_9dVuMm All proceeds from the Ticket Sales will go towards the new school venue. Bring your family and friends to celebrate the season with us and experience the joy of live music. Let's make this holiday season unforgettable together!

Behind the Music: Meet the Teachers of Newpark Gwendoline Douglas Gwendoline?is a violinist and passionate music educator. Alongside teaching violin, she leads the Newpark Nippers classes, where creativity and imagination are central to her work.?Gwendoline is also committed to integrating music into healthcare settings and is currently pursuing an MA in Music Therapy at the University of Limerick. In her spare time, she enjoys unwinding with arts and crafts - always with a cup of tea nearby! Be sure to visit us at www.newparkmusic.ie to learn more about our courses and enrolment! #teachingexcellence #newparkmusic #contemporarymusic #classicalmusic #WeAreNewpark #musician #musiceducation #musicschool #musicireland #musicmatters #newparkacademyofmusic #musictheory #musiclessons

Teaching Insight: Encouraging Practice Beyond the Instrument As educators, we understand that a musician’s growth relies not only on hands-on practice but also on their ability to internalize and mentally engage with music. Here are a few approaches to guide students in developing a deeper connection to their repertoire, even when they’re away from their instrument: Singing the Part: Encourage students to sing or hum key sections of their pieces, especially difficult passages. This method reinforces their aural skills, aids in memorization, and enhances their sensitivity to phrasing and dynamics, laying a solid foundation for expressive playing. Rhythmic Precision Through Clapping: Rhythm forms the backbone of musical interpretation. Clapping through rhythms builds rhythmic accuracy and fluency, supporting a reliable sense of timing that is crucial in both solo and ensemble settings. Mental Rehearsal: Guide students to visualize their performance, mentally going through fingerings, dynamics, and expression. This technique is invaluable for building confidence and readiness, allowing students to anticipate technical challenges and approach performances with greater poise. Encouraging these "off-instrument" practices equips students with tools to internalize music on a deeper level, fostering their independence and resilience as musicians.