Music

Name: The Dublin Academy of Education
Address: Stillorgan Plaza, Lower Kilmacud Rd, Co. Dublin, Blackrock, A94 H0X7, IE
Telephone: +353 1 442 4442

6th Year

Weekly Grind

On-Site

The Dublin Academy of Education will provide students with everything they need to maximise their marks in the practical and written aspects of this course, from detailed and comprehensive study notes to dedicated field trips.

Teacher:

Aine Balfe

Let's talk Enrol Now

Maximise your potential by taking an Extra Subject with The Academy! Proven to help students achieve top marks, our expert-led sessions give students the best chance at state exam success.

Improve Your Grades

Exam Focus

Exam Technique

Access Class Recordings

H1 Study Notes

Why take Music as an extra subject:

Cover what you need to know to get top marks in the practical and written components of the Music course

You will receive exam-focused notes so you know the most important topics for the Music exam

You will learn time management tips, which is extremely important for the Music exam

Meet your Music Teacher

Áine Balfe

Áine is a dedicated and passionate musician with over 11 years’ experience as a teacher and mentor at post-primary and third level. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education (Trinity College Dublin), Masters in Music Performance (TU Conservatoire) and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management (Maynooth). Áine’s teaching style aims to instil a love of music in her students while providing a clear understanding of exam content and exam technique. Her experience as an SEC examiner helps to provide her students with the necessary skills to reach their full potential in the State Examinations.

Taking an extra subject with The Academy

The Dublin Academy of Education provides the opportunity for Leaving Cert students to do classes as an extra subject outside of school. These subjects can be taught in 1 academic year so are suitable for 6th Year students looking to sit an additional subject in the Leaving Cert.

The foundation of our extra subjects is ‘exam focus’. Our teachers strip away the unnecessary sections of each subject and focus solely on the core, examinable material, the aim of which is increasing students’ exam performance.

All students who attend these courses receive comprehensive, exam-focused notes, as well as past State Examination questions and solutions. Our teachers identify probable exam questions and also show students how to master the marking scheme, which instils confidence.

Our extra subjects also include a special one-on-one service to all students, for a period of time before or after every class. This is a specialised, individual service, which we encourage all our students to take advantage of.

More Information on our Music Extra Subject:

Over the course of these Leaving Cert Music grinds, you will cover all topics of the Leaving Cert course.

Where can you attend these grinds?

Our live, interactive grinds are available in two formats, both designed to offer you full engagement and access to top-quality instruction

In-Person: Join us in person at our Blackrock location for classroom-based grinds.

Online: Attend our grinds online, from anywhere in Ireland, with fully interactive live-streamed classes.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be able to ask questions and interact with our teachers throughout each 75-minute session. All classes come with our renowned Dublin Academy study notes. If you attend via live-stream, we’ll post the notes to your home at no extra charge. As a Grinds student, you will also have access to the archive of class recordings, meaning you will never miss a class.

Our Leaving Cert grinds focus on what's essential for the exams. Our teachers cut through the unnecessary material to concentrate solely on the core content, helping you maximize your exam performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the schedule for grinds?

Start Date:
Classes commence week beginning Monday 1st September 2025.

Please note, classes will NOT be held on the following dates:

Mid-Term Breaks:
Monday 27th October- classes resume Monday 3rd November 2025
Monday 16th February – classes resume Monday 23rd February 2026

Christmas Holidays:
Monday 8th December 2025 – classes resume on Monday 5th January 2026

Easter Holidays:
Monday 30th March - Sunday 12th April 2026

Final Classes:
Saturday 16th May 2026

Please note grinds take place as normal on bank holidays

Can students ask questions in grinds?

Yes. Regardless of whether students are attending grinds in person or online via live-stream they will be free to ask our teachers questions.

How long are the grinds?

Leaving Cert weekly grinds are 75 minutes in duration. Junior Cert grinds are 60 minutes in duration.

Can I get recordings of the grinds?

As a Grinds student, you will have full access to the archive of class recordings, meaning you will never miss a class.

Can I change my choice of subject for my grind during the year?

Yes, however, please note that an administration charge of €25 will apply if a student decides to change their choice of subject during the year.

How do I access my live-streamed grinds and recordings?

You will access your live-streamed grinds and recrodings via our online learning management system, DASH (Dublin Academy School Hub). We will send you login details for this platform in advance of your grind.

If I opt for live-streamed grinds, how do I get my study notes?

Your study notes will be posted to your house free of charge in advance of your live-streamed grinds commencing. Please note, study notes will take up to 3 working days to arrive from the time of booking.

Can I try out the weekly grinds for free before signing up?

Yes, all students can attend a free trial of our weekly grinds to ensure they are happy with the service.

Do Weekly Grinds take place on bank holiday Mondays?

Yes, weekly grinds take place as scheduled on bank holidays and public holidays throughout the year.

Hear from our Music Students

“Don really helped me get my head around some of the tougher topics on the exam. I thought he was really relatable and had a great way of teaching the subject.”

Attended Don's Accounting Grinds

“I was getting <40% in Maths class tests in 5th Year & started Maths grinds in 6th Year. I just got my results back and I got a H1, I couldn't be happier and I owe a lot of it to Rob. He's an amazing teacher and I'd recommend him to anyone!”

Attended Robert's Maths Grinds