The single quickest way to improve on any instrument is to study privately with an expert on that instrument. Most students who take private lessons do so once a week for 30 minutes. Serious students will sometimes take hour lessons, depending on the instructor. By working specifically on your weaknesses as a player with an expert you can improve much quicker than you will in band class where the instructors are trying teach 60 to 120 kids all at once. Prices vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the instructor. Around 90% of our percussion students and 80% of our wind ensemble students study with a private lessons instructor.

 

There are many band web-sites that simply list teachers in the area. If you do choose to study privately on your instrument we strongly encourage you to contact Mrs. Creek or Mr. Smikahl directly so that we can try to match you up with someone that we think will work well for your personality and goals. Not every teacher and student hit it off from a personality stand point. I can think of a specific student who was one of our best players taking from one of the best techers in the area and they just didn't ever really click and work well together. It is o.k. to try out different teachers until you find one that works well for you. If you have questions please don't hesitate to contact us as we have both taught in the area long enough that we know which teachers tend to produce the best results.