What are Lessons?

Why does my student need lessons?

Even if your student has been participating in band for several years, it's likely that they've had minimal individual time with an instructor on their specific instrument. In a typical band class, a teacher is responsible for nearly 50 students across 14 different instruments, making it challenging to address every nuance in each student's development. Enrolling your student in lessons with a professional on their instrument provides a significant advantage in the refinement of technique, sound, music reading, and more. Witnessing the remarkable growth in skill and confidence in your student will be truly remarkable!

Fundamentals

I strongly believe that a solid understanding of musical fundamentals is essential for one's musical development. Without a strong foundation in the basics, the journey of progress becomes significantly more challenging. Inadequate mastery of fundamentals not only hinders advancement but also imposes barriers of technique that impede the path to success. Therefore, a thorough grasp of the fundamentals is integral to achieving a higher level of musical proficiency and overcoming obstacles along the way.

Ensemble Music

Students will have the opportunity to work on music assigned in their school, honor band, or other ensembles. I am always open to students asking questions and truly taking ownership of the music for their home ensembles. This is crucial for building the confidence of each student and directly impacts the level of performance they can achieve.

Solo Repertoire/College Auditions

Solo repertoire plays a crucial role in the development of musicality, fostering a deep understanding of rhythm and harmony, and presenting a formidable challenge for students. Additionally, solo repertoire serves as a competitive category in the annual Solo and Ensemble competition held every February. Moreover, it serves as a key component in college scholarship auditions.

Improvisation

Numerous students encounter challenges with improvisation due to constraints on time and individual attention in a classroom setting. Often, there is insufficient opportunity to delve deeply into music theory, chord changes, and harmonic rhythm. However, in a one-on-one setting, we can tailor the approach to each student, delving into the nitty-gritty of their specific needs. This personalized attention allows them to grasp the essentials, fostering success and confidence during solo performances.