Frequently Asked Questions About Private Lessons
Why does the band program encourage private lessons?
Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all band students, particularly in the sixth grade year. Private lessons provide consistent one--‐on--‐one instruction for students, which is crucial in the first year of study. Private lessons allow students to reinforce and receive personal insights on the fundamentals that will help them be successful as a musician, as well as allow them to move at an accelerated pace beyond that of the normal band class. Private lessons also help our 7th--‐8th Grade students to prepare for additional band events, such as All District Band, Solo and Ensemble contest, chair tests, and additional auditions. Collectively private lessons insure a solid musical foundation for our students, and encourage a diligent, progressive approach to improving musicianship and organizational skills.
What length of lesson is recommended for my student?
For 6thGrade students, we recommend 20--‐30 minutes. For 7th/8th Grade students, we recommend 30 minutes. Older students are typically working on more advanced concepts/music, and they benefit greatly from having a full 30 minute lesson once a week.
When do lessons start?
Lessons can start as early as the first week of school, depending on how quickly you contact your private lesson teacher. As soon as they have received your information and your lesson is scheduled, lessons can begin.
How often do lessons occur?
Lessons occur once every week.
When may lessons occur?
Lessons may occur before school, during your child’s band class, or after school in the OCMS Band Room or Storage Room.
How do I pick a day/time for my lesson?
Most of our private lesson teachers teach at other schools as well as OCMS. Because of this, they usually determine which days of the week they will be at OCMS before school starts. When you contact the private lesson teacher, they will let you know what their schedule is and will help you select the best time for your child.
How are private lesson teachers hired?
Private lesson instructors go through a careful screening process with Mr. Wise. I interview qualified candidates as a cluster in order to insure our students will receive consistent instruction beginning in 6th Grade and continuing through their senior year of HS. All private lessons faculty have completed an undergraduate degree in either music education or music performance. Many of our teachers have completed Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in music, as well. Several of our teachers perform professionally, as well as teach privately full--‐time. I select our faculty based on their knowledge of their instrument, their teaching capabilities, and most importantly, their ability to communicate and interact with our students in a positive and professional manner.
Can I enroll my child later (not at the beginning of the school year)?
Absolutely! The advantage to enrolling at the beginning of the school year is convenience in scheduling your lesson time. Private lesson teachers begin the school year with greater flexibility in their own schedules, making it easier to fit your child into your requested times. You are ALWAYS able to enroll your child at a later date; however, be aware that teachers’ schedules can reach their maximum capacity or they may be unable to accommodate your requested times.
Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all band students, particularly in the sixth grade year. Private lessons provide consistent one--‐on--‐one instruction for students, which is crucial in the first year of study. Private lessons allow students to reinforce and receive personal insights on the fundamentals that will help them be successful as a musician, as well as allow them to move at an accelerated pace beyond that of the normal band class. Private lessons also help our 7th--‐8th Grade students to prepare for additional band events, such as All District Band, Solo and Ensemble contest, chair tests, and additional auditions. Collectively private lessons insure a solid musical foundation for our students, and encourage a diligent, progressive approach to improving musicianship and organizational skills.
What length of lesson is recommended for my student?
For 6thGrade students, we recommend 20--‐30 minutes. For 7th/8th Grade students, we recommend 30 minutes. Older students are typically working on more advanced concepts/music, and they benefit greatly from having a full 30 minute lesson once a week.
When do lessons start?
Lessons can start as early as the first week of school, depending on how quickly you contact your private lesson teacher. As soon as they have received your information and your lesson is scheduled, lessons can begin.
How often do lessons occur?
Lessons occur once every week.
When may lessons occur?
Lessons may occur before school, during your child’s band class, or after school in the OCMS Band Room or Storage Room.
How do I pick a day/time for my lesson?
Most of our private lesson teachers teach at other schools as well as OCMS. Because of this, they usually determine which days of the week they will be at OCMS before school starts. When you contact the private lesson teacher, they will let you know what their schedule is and will help you select the best time for your child.
How are private lesson teachers hired?
Private lesson instructors go through a careful screening process with Mr. Wise. I interview qualified candidates as a cluster in order to insure our students will receive consistent instruction beginning in 6th Grade and continuing through their senior year of HS. All private lessons faculty have completed an undergraduate degree in either music education or music performance. Many of our teachers have completed Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in music, as well. Several of our teachers perform professionally, as well as teach privately full--‐time. I select our faculty based on their knowledge of their instrument, their teaching capabilities, and most importantly, their ability to communicate and interact with our students in a positive and professional manner.
Can I enroll my child later (not at the beginning of the school year)?
Absolutely! The advantage to enrolling at the beginning of the school year is convenience in scheduling your lesson time. Private lesson teachers begin the school year with greater flexibility in their own schedules, making it easier to fit your child into your requested times. You are ALWAYS able to enroll your child at a later date; however, be aware that teachers’ schedules can reach their maximum capacity or they may be unable to accommodate your requested times.