Middle Schools

Dear Band Parents/Guardians,

I want to take this opportunity to let you know about the possibility of private music lessons for your child. In a private lesson, your child would meet with a specialist on their instrument on a regular basis. If you have noticed that your child has really taken to their instrument, this would be a great next step. Students who have private teachers are usually among the best players in band and are also usually those who earn college music scholarships. You can contact Mr. Wood for teacher recommendations and when you contact them, please be prepared to ask them the following questions:

• How much they charge for a lesson. (30 minute lessons are good for 6th grade and I recommend 45-60 minute lessons for 7th/8th grade)
• What times they have available.
• Do they do lessons weekly, bi-monthly, etc. (if money is tight, taking lessons every other week is a good compromise).
• Where they teach (at home, at a studio) or if they will travel to your home (this usually costs more).
• Their music education/experience. Do they have a music degree? How many years have they been teaching?

When starting a new private teacher, I recommend doing the first few lessons on a trial basis to ensure that the teacher and student are a good match. Also, call a few teachers to get their rates before deciding on one.

If you have any questions about this matter, please don’t hesitate to contact me either by email or by leaving a message at school, (775) 333-5330.

Some private instructors that I know: