Private Lessons
Congratulations! Your family is part of the District 204 music program! Music education is a gift your student will enjoy for a lifetime! As parents, you have invested time, money, and energy into your student’s music education. However, providing your student with private lessons will maximize his/her musical potential. Music is for everyone, and so are private lessons. No matter what your student’s age or future career path, private lessons are extremely beneficial. Private lessons equip students with the skills necessary to get the most out of the music; playing becomes much more gratifying and enjoyable when a rich aesthetic experience is the result!
Waubonsie Valley has found terrific private teachers for you! Each of the teachers listed on our “Approved Private Lesson Teacher List” has been screened by the District 204 music faculty. These teachers are outstanding musicians who work extremely well with students. Contact a private teacher to get started. If you need further assistance, please contact your student’s band director.
Waubonsie Valley has found terrific private teachers for you! Each of the teachers listed on our “Approved Private Lesson Teacher List” has been screened by the District 204 music faculty. These teachers are outstanding musicians who work extremely well with students. Contact a private teacher to get started. If you need further assistance, please contact your student’s band director.
Guided Practice Lessons
Guided Practice lessons are offered by select students in the Wind Ensemble. These students do not have the expertise or training that our Private Teachers do, but can be a less expensive option than a private teacher. Guided Practice students are tasked with providing structured practice sessions that reinforce what younger students are learning in school. These students also serve as excellent role models for our younger musicians and can help motivate and excite them about their band experience. Guided Practice sessions are appropriate for less experienced students in 6th and 7th grades. Advanced 6th & 7th grade students and anyone in 8th grade should be studying with an adult Private Teacher.
Note: Guided Practice sessions in a remote environment should always begin with the parent of the middle school student on the video call as well to ensure transparency and knowledge that students are working together.
Note: Guided Practice sessions in a remote environment should always begin with the parent of the middle school student on the video call as well to ensure transparency and knowledge that students are working together.
Frequently Asked Questions
If private lessons seem expensive, please read this blog post to help better understand what goes into setting rates.
What do students gain from taking private lessons?
Band class and technique class will absolutely give your student a great musical foundation. These are irreplaceable experiences that will build their musical skills, understanding, and appreciation. Private lessons are a completely different experience from band and technique class; they provide the opportunity for your student to work individually with a professional. The progress made by students is astounding when private lessons are added to the school band and technique classes they currently take.
My student doesn’t practice very much now, so why would I spend money on private lessons?
We have found that students who sign up for private lessons typically want to practice more. Through private lessons, students tend to become more invested in their own music education and develop an even deeper interest in music. When students reach the high school level, they may even fundraise and apply for scholarships to subsidize lesson costs. The money is a great investment in their education!
When? Where? How can lessons fit into my student’s busy schedule?
Many of our approved private teachers teach lessons during the school day and after school at Waubonsie Valley HS or in their home studios which are close to the school. Students at the high school level have the option of taking lessons during half of their lunch/option period or can be pulled out of band class to accommodate their busy schedule. Elementary and middle school students will need to take private lessons before or after school. Please contact a teacher to find-out their specific lesson times and locations.
- Inspiration and motivation by enriching their musical experience
- Individual instruction tailored specifi cally to their needs
- Hearing a professional play and talk about their instrument on a regular basis
- Gaining a stronger understanding of the technical aspects of their instrument
- Working on exciting solo repertoire
- Learning how to practice more efficiently and effectively
- Troubleshooting any specific problems or challenges
Band class and technique class will absolutely give your student a great musical foundation. These are irreplaceable experiences that will build their musical skills, understanding, and appreciation. Private lessons are a completely different experience from band and technique class; they provide the opportunity for your student to work individually with a professional. The progress made by students is astounding when private lessons are added to the school band and technique classes they currently take.
My student doesn’t practice very much now, so why would I spend money on private lessons?
We have found that students who sign up for private lessons typically want to practice more. Through private lessons, students tend to become more invested in their own music education and develop an even deeper interest in music. When students reach the high school level, they may even fundraise and apply for scholarships to subsidize lesson costs. The money is a great investment in their education!
When? Where? How can lessons fit into my student’s busy schedule?
Many of our approved private teachers teach lessons during the school day and after school at Waubonsie Valley HS or in their home studios which are close to the school. Students at the high school level have the option of taking lessons during half of their lunch/option period or can be pulled out of band class to accommodate their busy schedule. Elementary and middle school students will need to take private lessons before or after school. Please contact a teacher to find-out their specific lesson times and locations.