Private Lesson Information

Though not required, it is strongly recommended that students study privately with a specialist on their instrument.

Guidelines for Participation

Private lessons (supplemental music lessons) are offered as enrichment to classroom instruction and are designed to utilize the broad scope of characteristic literature available for band instruments or voice. Rather than stress the singular goal of competition preparation, the emphasis instead is on nurturing the independent thinking and individual skills critical to the development of the maturing performer or artist. The focus is on acquiring refined levels of proficiency in tandem with the attainment of an advanced sense of instinct and interpretation.

Participation

Private lessons are strongly recommended. For all students, private lessons will be a great asset to their artistic and performance ability. Private lessons are highly recommended for any student who wishes to grow faster as an individual and gain more enjoyment from the arts.

Enrollment

A student who desires to participate in the private lesson program should contact Mr. Lopez (jay.lopez@fortbendisd.com) AND the lesson teacher for your instrument.  A list of private lesson faculty is available HERE. Parents should make themselves aware of the district program guidelines.

Lesson Times and Location

After contacting the staff and private lesson faculty, students will be assigned a private lesson instructor.  The instructor will contact you directly to see up days and times for lessons.

Please note:

  • The private lesson instructor will schedule lessons for with students who register for the program.
  • The day to which a student is assigned depends upon the availability of the private lesson instructor.
  • Lessons usually occur weekly.

Student’s Responsibility to the Private Lesson Instructor

  • Prepare for each lesson.
  • Practice at least 30 minutes per day on their lesson assignment.
  • Be warmed-up properly before the lesson begins.
  • Record the private lesson instructor’s contact information (email/phone number).
  • Follow attendance policy.
  • Supply materials required by instructor. The materials are typically low cost and are the responsibility of the student. Such materials may include method books, specialized supplies, solos, etc.

Private Lesson Instructor’s Responsibility to the Student

  • Provide student a quality private lesson which contributes positively to the development and continual improvement of the student as a musician, performer, or artist.
  • Instill an appreciation for the arts.
  • Exhibit professional characteristics and demeanor in attitude, appearance, behavior and responsibility in every activity germane to private lesson instruction.
  • Provide students with contact information (email & cell phone #).

Financial Considerations

  • Payment is to be made directly from the student to the private lesson instructor.
  • Payment schedules and payment policies will be established by each private lesson instructor and communicated to the students they teach.
  • Payments are to be made on the due date set by the private lesson instructors.
  • Checks are to be made payable to the individual private lesson instructors.
  • Lesson fees may range from $25-27 per half hour lesson (dependent on completed degree and experience in teaching).

Absences

If, for any reason, the necessity for an absence occurs, the private lesson instructor must be notified at least 24 hours prior to the time of the lesson. This is so the private lesson instructor has an opportunity to adjust his/her schedule. This is the Private Lesson Instructor’s livelihood. Every effort should be made to respect their time schedule and to provide communication of expected or unexpected absences (emergency) as early as possible. Failure to notify the private lesson instructor promptly may result in failure to rearrange the schedule and full payment for the lesson may be due. This is the reason to record the private lesson instructor’s phone number and contact information. Please do not call the band/choir directors to leave messages for the instructors. It is the student or parent’s responsibility to make direct contact with the instructor 24 hours in advance in order to avoid being charged! Emergency excuses are at the discretion of the private lesson instructor.

Excused Absences

Student illness and emergencies of a serious nature (death or serious family illness)
Other absences approved by the private lesson instructor in advance

Tardies

Students who are late to the scheduled lesson will only receive the remaining time allotted to him/her and will be charged for a full scheduled lesson.

Lesson Termination / Dropping

A private lesson instructor may drop a student for the following reasons:

  • Failure to pay private lesson fees.
  • Frequent unexcused absences.
  • Other contributing factors as discussed by Instructor and campus director

Parents may terminate private lessons at the end of the month with advance notice to the Private Lesson Instructor and campus director. The final lesson date should be discussed with the Instructors to accommodate for payments received.

Written Notice Required

Termination of lessons by the parent, private lesson instructor, or school program director will be accomplished by written notice only (email is acceptable). A 24 hour notice must be provided before the last lesson or payment may be expected.

Questions

Questions concerning assignment of private lesson instructors should be directed to your campus program director. Questions concerning lesson dates and times, or number of lessons taught, should be directed to your student’s private lesson instructor.

Continue to Private Lesson Faculty

Continue to Private Lesson Registration