Purpose of Private Lessons - Private lessons are used to give the student advanced instruction specific to their instrument that is not possible in a class, or group, setting. It is the most effective manner in which a student continues to learn how to master their chosen instrument after they are no longer in like-instrument classes as a beginner.
What should happen in a Private Lesson –The time in a lesson should be devoted to a variety of exercises and music literature that help the student to improve in a consistent and progressive manner. A significant portion of each lesson should be spent on drills and exercises that address fundamental skills. These skills include but are not limited to…
tone production, articulation, flexibility or register exercises, technical studies, velocity studies, rhythmic reading, special performance techniques, sightreading, or practice techniques.
Etudes, Region/All-State music, and solos should not be ignored, nor should they consume an entire lesson. Time spent on actual music should not be at the expense of fundamental drills and technical exercises. On the whole, time should be balanced between learning the skills and applying the skills.
Private lessons are not for working on band music with the exception of special skills or techniques, the occasional question about a fingering, rhythm, or a specific difficulty.
Private lessons are not supervised practice time.
The Private Lesson Staff – We are very fortunate to have attracted a top-notch private teaching staff this year. Nearly every one of them has completed a Master of Music degree or is working on one. Several are working on their Doctorate of Music. Many perform regularly with the Houston Opera or Ballet Orchestra, professional chamber groups, or other ensembles. All of them have a proven track record of teaching.
We have worked very hard to reach an agreement with each of these teachers. In order to realize the benefits of such a staff we must retain them for several years to come. In order to do that, we must establish a fair and respectful relationship with them. Hence, the following policies regarding the private lesson program at Klein Oak High School.
Private Lesson Policies
The student must attend lessons regularly and take them for the entire school year.
Many conflicts with lesson times can be resolved by switching times with another student. Examine this possibility before canceling a lesson.
If a lesson must be cancelled, cancel only for an irresolvable conflict and give a minimum of 24 hours notice. “No-shows”, without 24 hours notice, will be expected to pay for the lesson. Remember, you are paying this person for their time. If they spend 30 minutes waiting on you, they fulfilled their end of the contract.
If you are ill on the day of a lesson, please notify the teacher. Without 24 hours notice, payment for the lesson is still expected.
Communicate with the teacher directly about cancellations, not through a band director or other student.
Pay for all lessons for any given month at the first lesson of that month.
Each student should make every effort to purchase the method books and music literature requested by the teacher.
Come to your lesson prepared. If you are not willing to practice your assignments you are not gaining anything by taking the lesson. Each lesson should be about getting new information, not rehashing the same-old, same-old. If you are not willing to find time to practice and to improve then do not sign up for lessons.