PRIVATE LESSONS Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Celina Private Lessons program?
Firstly, our Private Lessons Program is a very special program devoted to individualized, unique instruction for a student's specific instrument. Private lessons are offered before, after or during the school day, and private lessons are available to every band student. The Private Lesson Staff ("Private Lesson Coaches") consists of degreed educators that are handpicked by the directors and background checked by Celina ISD. Our Private Lesson Coaches are high quality musicians and mentors, some have advanced masters and doctoral degrees on their specific instrument.
Due to the one-on-one teaching environment, Private Lesson Coaches are able to design a program that meets each individual student's needs, allowing each student to progress at his/her own rate of ability. Professional teachers on each instrument will be available to teach lessons throughout the school year, and based on the schedule of the individual teacher, during Summer and Winter breaks.
Much of the individual success throughout the Celina Band Program can be attributed to the Private Lessons Program and the superior private lesson staff. The number of students enrolled in the private lesson program in the Celina Band has allowed a high standard of performance to be maintained. Supplemental lessons are strongly recommended. The Celina ISD Bands are fortunate to be able to provide this exceptional opportunity for students and band families. The Private Lessons Program is a convenient and economical way for your child to receive individualized instruction. We hope you will take advantage of this powerful program!
Why should we enroll in the Private Lessons Program?
Enrolling in private lessons is the biggest predictor of a student's musical success. Students can get individually tailored instruction to address their individual needs.
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Reasons for private lessons:
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Desire to learn more about the instrument
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Desire to move faster than in the classroom
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Desire to learn more repertoire
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Opportunity to be taught one-on-one by a professional instrumentalist
Aren't private lessons just for students who are struggling?
On the contrary, private lessons are great for ALL students who want to get the most out of their music education. Students who are struggling can get additional help, students who are achieving at a high level can move at a faster rate, and students somewhere in the middle can really excel! Our Private Lessons Coaches excel at pushing our students!
When do private lessons happen?
The majority of private lessons will happen during your student's normal band class, but lessons can also be scheduled before and after school or, on a very limited basis, during ACE period.
Shouldn't we avoid having lessons during band, though?
No! The individual attention your student will receive will be incredibly beneficial to their progress! In addition, we are in constant communication with our lesson teachers so that they can reinforce concepts that are being introduced in class, and often take those concepts to the next level!
Why should we take lessons at Celina ISD? Can’t we just get free lessons from a relative who played the guitar for a couple of months in 1996?
With private lessons, just as with any worthwhile product or service, you get what you pay for. By studying with an Celina ISD-approved private lessons teacher, your child will receive instruction that aligns with the philosophy and quality of the Celina ISD Bands. The band directors are able to collaborate with our lessons teachers and work together to give every student the best experience possible. This is not possible with non-Celina ISD instructors.
How long does a lesson last?
Students taking lessons during class will have half a class period (approximately 25 minutes). Students taking lessons before/after school will have 30 minute lessons. You also have the option of enrolling students in a double lesson (the entire class period, or 60 minutes).
How much do private lessons cost?
Celina ISD has capped lesson costs at $20, whether it's before school, after school, or during class.
Can we start lessons prior to the start of school year?
Absolutely! Email us and we'll help you get in contact to start prior to the start of school. If you have rented an instrument or ordered an accessories package from one of our preferred vendors and the order has been delivered to the school, we can arrange to meet with you so that you may have the materials for your lessons. We do ask that Beginning Band students do not try to attempt assembling their instrument without supervision of a Private Lessons Coach. It would be very inconvenient for your student to not be able to participate in the school year due to the instrument being in the repair shop. Private Lessons Coaches love getting started with student prior to the start of the school year, so if your student is feeling especially excited or motivated, now is a great time to jump into lessons!
Can we just take a few lessons to get started and then discontinue lessons?
No. The purpose of private lessons is to provide continuous, enhanced instruction to students seeking to get the mostout of their music education. Private Lesson enrollment lasts the entire school year.
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Is there financial assistance available for the Private Lessons Program?
Yes! Please contact your student's primary band director regarding scholarships. We offer half scholarships and full scholarships based on need and availability thanks to our wonderful Celina Band Booster Association. In the event you receive a scholarship for our Private Lessons Program, your Private Lessons Coach will invoice the Band Boosters for the amount designated while families will be responsible for the remainder of the cost of lessons.
How does payment work?
Payment details will be communicated by your lessons teacher, and payment is made directly to them, usually in the form of a monthly check or electronic payment system (Venmo,Paypal or Zelle.) Please understand that our Private Lesson Coaches make their living teaching our students and students at other schools; in many cases it is the primary source of their livelihood, in addition to performing. As such, timely payments and 24 hours notice of a missed lesson are important facets of private lessons enrollment. A missed lesson without notice will be charged at the full rate. With proper notice, alternative scheduling can be arranged.
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How do we sign up for the Private Lessons Program?
Enrollment in the Private Lessons Program happens at the start of the school year, but you can email your student's band director and tell us you want to start lessons. We'll start the conversation with our Private Lessons Coach for your specific instrument and get you in contact with each other. Alternatively, our Private Lessons Coaches are their email are listed here on our website if you would like to email them yourself to get started. Because we hire only the best, our lessons teachers are in high demand, and their schedules fill up quickly!
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