Junior Academy Individual Lessons

Personalised tuition, full Academy experience

Junior Academy Individual Lessons (ages 8–18) give young musicians focused one-to-one tuition with RIAM’s expert teachers, helping them build secure technique, deepen musical understanding, and grow in performance confidence. Alongside individual lessons, students take part in a rich weekly programme of musicianship classes, ensembles, competitions and assessments, with regular performance opportunities that support their developing artistry.

Applications are welcomed from committed young musicians up to age 18, from beginners on most instruments to advanced students preparing for third-level study. Beginners are not accepted on piano, violin or guitar. One-to-one voice lessons are only available from age 15+.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2026-2027 ARE NOW CLOSED

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What is included

Every Junior RIAM student taking Individual Lessons has:

Principal Study
Weekly one-to-one tuition on their main instrument or voice, 40 minutes for Stages 1 to 10 or 60 minutes at Advanced Level with some of Ireland's top music teachers.
Musicianship Class
A weekly small group class that builds theory, aural skills, rhythm, reading and creative musicianship, closely aligned with the RIAM Exams syllabus. Musicianship compulsory up to and including Level 7 is compulsory for all Junior Academy students. Levels 8 - 10 are optional.
Ensembles and Junior Performing Groups
From string orchestras and wind ensembles to jazz and chamber groups, students learn to make music with others and perform regularly. Weekly commitment 1.5 or 2 hours.
Chamber Music Coaching (Optional)
Chamber music is an important part of a young musician’s training. Junior Academy students can take part in coaching in carefully selected small groups, such as duos, trios and quartets, where they learn to listen, lead and perform with others.

Instruments Offered

We offer tuition in a wide range of instruments, including woodwind, brass, strings, keyboard, percussion and voice Students are permitted to apply for a second or third study.. Current options include:

Woodwind: Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, recorder
Brass: Trumpet, cornet, french horn, tenor horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba
Strings: Violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, guitar
Keyboard: Piano, organ, harpsichord
Percussion: Percussion, drum kit
Voice: Minimum age 15

Routes and Progression

As students advance they may be invited to audition for the Junior RIAM Young Artist Programme, which offers additional opportunities such as masterclasses with visiting artists, chamber music and holistic coaching, and prestige performance opportunities such as the annual Young Artist Concert in Farmleigh House. Many of our Young Artist students go on to study at RIAM at undergraduate or postgraduate level or at peer conservatoires in Ireland and abroad.

Fees and time commitment

Individual Lesson students commit to a full academic year from September to May. Weekly contact time includes Principal Study, Musicianship and ensemble rehearsals.

Current annual fees start from €1,585 for a 40-minute Principal Study and 40-minute musicianship class, and vary by level and ensemble participation thereafter. Full fee information is available on our Fees and Scholarships page.

Individual tuition is available in the following:

Woodwind: Flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, recorder
Brass: Trumpet, cornet, french horn, tenor horn, euphonium, trombone, tuba
Strings: Violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp, guitar
Keyboard: Piano, organ, harpsichord, accordion
Percussion: Percussion, drumkit
Voice: Minimum age 15

Students are permitted to apply for a second or third study.

Fees:
40 minutes (Stages 1 - 10) - €1,340
60 minutes (Advanced Level) - €1,930

Preparatory, Levels 1 – 4
Time: 40 minutes
Numbers: 10 students maximum
Fees: €245

Levels 5 - 7
Time: 40 minutes
Numbers: 6 students maximum
Fee: €465

Levels 8 - 9
Time: 40 minutes
Numbers: 6 students maximum
Fee: €855

Level 10
Time: 60 minutes
Numbers: 4 students maximum
Fee: €1,340

Find out more on our Musicianship Class page

Chamber music coaching is regarded as an important aspect of young musicians training, and all Junior RIAM students have opportunities to receive coaching in carefully selected small groups that include duos, trios and quartets.

Time: approximately 30 minutes
10 coaching sessions per academic year
Fee: €245

One of the following Junior Performing Groups as appropriate:

Wind Ensemble - 1.5 hours
Orchestra – 1.5 or 2 hours
Choir (optional) – 1.25 hours. Fee €495
Jazz Ensemble – 1.5 hours

Fee: €495 for external students for the Academic year starting September 2026

How to Apply