Private Lessons

An integral part of the band program at Chisholm Trail MS is the private lesson program. Private lessons are offered to all students in Northwest ISD from middle school through high school. Students work with lesson teachers on solos, region audition music, band music, exercises from method books, and technique builders to improve their individual abilities.

Due to many factors, a group band class is limited in its pace and in the amount of material that can be covered. Even though students are not required to take lessons, private lessons offer a number of advantages. Such advantages include:

• Private instruction is tailored to the individual student's needs. Small problems can be recognized and corrected.

• Fundamental concepts can be reviewed and reinforced.

• Students who are ready to move beyond the pace of the class will be guided by a knowledgeable professional.

• Assistance with solo & ensemble, region music preparation and band music

• In short, private lessons open the door to a world of possibilities!
   

Lesson Location and Scheduling:

Private lessons may be scheduled during the student's band class and before or after school.  No lessons will be scheduled during non-music classes. It will be the responsibility of the student to notify his/her supplemental music instructor at least twenty-four hours in advance if a lesson is to be cancelled unless, of course, a serious emergency arises.
 

Financial Implications:

Guidelines from the Texas Education Agency, allow supplemental music teachers to be paid directly by students or parents.  Checks from individuals for student lessons should be made out to the private lesson teacher. Private lesson teachers are responsible for all matters related to billing and collection of fees for lessons.
 

Enrollment:

Enrollment by the students in the supplemental music lesson program is on a completely voluntary basis.  Private lesson teachers are assigned as requested by the student, if possible. In some cases, individual schedules will not allow the requested contractor to serve a particular student or campus.  Lesson times are scheduled through private teachers who will work with you to arrange a mutually convenient time. Students will receive one 22-minute lesson or ½ the class period each week. The cost is $20.00 per lesson and the private instructor will discuss their payment policies with you.

Most private lesson instructors will begin teaching the second week of school. It is to your student’s advantage to sign up for lessons as soon as possible. Many students who wait until later to sign up or forget to bring back their forms find that the teachers have full schedules. Questions concerning assignment of private lesson teachers should be directed to your student's band director.  Questions concerning lesson dates and times, or number of lessons taught, should be directed to your student's private lesson teacher.

We encourage you to seriously consider our private lesson program. It can enhance the musical progress of your child and enrich their overall musical experience. If you need additional information, please contact us.
 

CTMS Private Lesson Staff

Trumpet: Daren Northam darin.northam@icloud.com

Low Brass: Jeremiah Umholtz jerryumholtz@gmail.com