Private lessons are the #1 way for our students to progress on their instruments. We are very fortunate that we have so many qualified teachers for every instrument in the Grand Rapids area. Many of our teachers have degrees in music education and several are professionals playing in the Grand Rapids Symphony and other professional ensembles!
Some quick facts about private lessons:
- The phrase “private lessons” make it sound like they are designed for students that need remedial attention. This is not typically the case. While our teachers help those students that are struggling, they are more for our students that are advancing quickly and need a professional teacher to help them become better musicians.
- In our “normal” (non-COVID) setting, many of our teachers come in during the school day and pull the students right out of class to provide instruction. This cuts down on the need to travel to instructor’s homes to make it extremely convenient for our families. Currently, many teachers are doing virtual lessons, and students can still leave and go to a practice room if their lesson is during their band class time to meet with their teacher.
- Lessons are typically 30 minutes a week with a private teacher. Sometimes our more advanced students take 45min-1hr lessons so that they can get the most out of every week.
- Students not only learn how to be more proficient on their instrument, but will learn a lot of teaching techniques and pedagogy on how to help our younger students that don’t get that weekly instruction with an expert.
- Unfortunately we, as band directors, aren’t afforded the luxury of weekly 1 on 1 instructional time with the students to give them an individualized curriculum. Enrolling in private lessons guarantees regular instruction on the instrument.
Expectations for our students:
- Students in Wind Symphony/Orange/Black are STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to be enrolled in private lessons. These ensembles are designed to prepare these students for the next step up, and private lessons are the best way to advance on the instrument.
- Students in Wind Ensemble are EXPECTED to be enrolled in private lessons. The literature that this ensemble plays often requires additional assistance to be prepared for class rehearsals. Lessons also teach these students to be more prepared and to learn some teaching techniques that only makes the rest of their section better.
We do recognize that with private lessons comes a financial commitment. This is not something that we take lightly, but please understand that these lessons are the absolute best way to further the music education of our students and progress as a whole band program.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to either of our band directors if you have any questions!
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