Private Lessons

Why take private lessons?

Private lessons are highly encouraged for every student participating in or looking to be a part of the orchestra program. To remain competitive in the orchestra program, district, region, and at the state level, students and parents should consider private lessons as a necessity. Most orchestra students who take advantage of this excellent opportunity tend to be more successful in their performance goals. Private lessons are designed and intended as an enrichment activity to assist students in their musical progress beyond what is possible in a classroom setting.

How to sign up for lessons:

Read the below FAQs
Choose a teacher - bios are below
Email the private lesson instructor you have chosen for lesson availability and please tell the instructor which ensemble your student is in (ex: beginning orchestra, intermediate orchestra, etc.).

Private Lesson FAQs

How often are private lessons?

Private lessons are held once per week.

How much are private lessons? How long are lessons?

Frisco ISD Fine Arts Private Lesson Rates for 2024-2025:

Middle School Rate: $22.00 -Non Music Degreed teacher (whether during the day or outside the school day)

Middle School Rate: $25.00 – Music Degreed teacher (whether during the day or outside the school day)

Can I sign my student up for longer lessons?

Yes, if you are willing to schedule evening or weekend lessons. Many teachers offer longer lessons for their higher market rate which is to be discussed directly with the private teacher. I recommend 30-45 minute lessons for beginners and 45-60 minute lessons for advanced students and those planning to compete in All-Region, Solo and Ensemble, or wanting to be in the Varsity Orchestra.

Who are the private lesson teachers?

Private lesson instructors are listed below (keep scrolling).

When will my lesson be?

You will work out a schedule with your teacher to fit both your schedule and your instructor’s schedule. Your lessons may work out best on the weekends, after school, or during school hours. Evening private lessons may be conducted at a different price than FISD rates.

Can my student take their private lesson during their Orchestra class at PHMS?

Yes, however it is highly recommended that students take lessons outside of school hours to prevent students from missing class and rehearsal.

Can students sign up for lessons and later choose not to take lessons?

Please understand that lessons are a source of income for teachers. Private instructors are not paid a salary and need to have students who will commit to the full school year.

How do we pay for private lessons?

Parents will discuss payment options with their private lesson instructor and pay them directly. Payment does not run through the Orchestra program. Orchestra directors will not accept, hold, or hand off payments to private lesson teachers.

What is the lesson attendance policy?

Excused Student absence: Teacher is contacted either 24 hours or more before the missed lesson. This should not happen more than once a month or you will be asked to compensate the lesson teacher for the missed lesson.

Unexcused Student absence: No show with no prior communication. Parents will be expected to compensate the private teacher.

Are the private lesson teachers FISD employees?

No. Private lesson instructors must be invited by an FISD Orchestra Director and go through a background check to teach our students, but they are not considered employees.

Private Teacher Responsibilities

Communication (with Orchestra Staff): Private teachers should maintain good communication with the directors, particularly those directors who are responsible for the beginning instruction of your instrument specialty. Directors should have frequent updates as to the progress of the students! A large part of an Orchestra’s success is the wonderful collegial relationship we have with our private teachers.

Communication (with Parents and Students): Private teachers should only communicate directly with parents in setting up private lessons. Parents are highly involved in all aspects of their child’s education, including their musical progress. Private teachers should not contact students via phone, text, or social media. As practice, directors do not “friend” or allow “friending” with students on social media until after they have graduated high school, regardless of district. Communicate only with the parent directly via phone or email.

Bookkeeping: Parents should be encouraged to pay in advance for their lessons, preferably ONE MONTH in advance; however it is up to private teacher discretion on how to arrange payment with the parent. The only exception is that teachers should NOT be asking for an entire semester tuition at a time. It is the private teacher’s responsibility to ensure that the checks received are deposited in a timely fashion and that students are accurately credited for money paid. Please ask that the students bring a check with them (made out to the private teacher) to the first lesson.

Student Responsibilities

The students and parents have read this and have signed and returned an acknowledgment of the policy.

Student's/Parent's responsibilities to the supplemental lesson teacher:

1. Be fully prepared for each lesson.

2. Bring a pencil, method books, and any other required material to each lesson.

3. Keep a notebook or written assignment for each lesson.

4. Notify the private lesson teacher at least 24 hours in advance in the event a lesson must be missed. Failure to do this results in an unexcused absence and the lesson must still be paid for. Excused absences by the student or the teacher shall be rescheduled or the money will be refunded.

5. The cost of each lesson is $20.00/$23.00 and should be paid one month in advance, or as arranged.

6. Due to the nature of the instructor's financial arrangement, we ask that any student wishing to discontinue the lesson program wait until the completion of the semester.

Private Lesson Instructors

Halilu Zhang

Private Violin - All Level

(Ms. Zhang teaches both on and off campus)

Email: halilu.zhang@gmail.com

Halilu Zhang is a virtuoso violinist celebrated for her lyrical precision and vibrant stage presence. Trained at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, further refined in Germany, and pursued advanced degrees in violin performance in the United States, Halilu’s artistry is a harmonious blend of deep cultural insight and impeccable technique. She has showcased her talent as a distinguished orchestra player across significant stages worldwide, including China's most esteemed concert halls such as the National Grand Theatre in Beijing, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, and the Guangzhou Opera House, as well as Tianjin Opera House. Halilu has also performed in concerts for renowned singers, participated in recording theme songs for TV series, and represented Tianjin City in cultural performance events in China. Previously, she was a member of the University of Oklahoma's Graduate Quartet that performed at official university events, including a notable performance for the Governor of Oklahoma. She was also serving as a violin professor for non-major students while she was pursuing the DMA degree in the University of Oklahoma. Currently, she holds tenured positions with the Wichita and Tulsa Symphony Orchestras in the United States. Halilu's illustrious career is marked by a profound dedication to the arts, enriching the cultural tapestry with her performances and pedagogical contributions.

Joplin Lu

Private Violin & Viola Instructor - All Level

(Ms. Lu only teaches off campus)

Email: joplinstrings@gmail.com

Joplin Lu is an accomplished performer, experienced teacher, and the founder of Dallas Asian Strings LLC. She owns a Bachelor's Degree from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, a Master's Degree from UNT, and a Performance Diploma from SMU (full scholarship winner). Joplin played in multiple local symphony orchestras for years, currently, she teaches over 80 weekly private violin and viola lessons in her home studio located in TX 75070, holds 4 or more studio recitals annually, and she also worked with the Dallas Asian American Youth Orchestra (DAYYO) as a string sectional coach since 2015, many of her students won GDYO, DAYYO, All-Region, and All-State orchestras' auditions every year.

Karina Lindsey

Private Violin & Viola Instructor - All Level

(Mrs. Lindsey only teaches off campus)

Email: kflmusic@gmail.com

Karina Lindsey is the former Orchestra Director at Fowler Middle School of 15 years. Under her direction, the Fowler Orchestra was recognized as the best in the State of Texas (2 championships!) twice and performed in San Antonio, TX for the Texas Music Educators Association. Mrs. Lindsey was awarded the Marjoie Kellar Award and featured in the Frisco Style Magazine and SB&O Magazine. Her orchestra program was recognized each year for having the most students accepted into the All Region 24 Orchestras, Sweepstakes at UIL competition, and the highest rankings at every festival they performed at. Mrs. Lindsey is an active Adjudicator with TMMA and continues to clinic orchestras and All Region orchestras in Texas. Mrs. Lindsey has recently retired from her position to start the Orchestra for North Texas Youth program in the Frisco area where she is providing students with Masterclasses for All Region, directs the North Texas Elementary, and so much more. Her oldest son, Matias, is ten years old and has been taking cello lessons for 2 years. He was her inspiration for starting an elementary orchestra program for elementary students. Karina lives in Frisco, TX with her husband Paul, and her three boys- Matias, Dominic, and Sebastian, and her dogs Stormy and Dojo.

Monika Idasiak

Private Violin & Viola Instructor - All Level

(Mrs. Idasiak only teaches off campus)

Email: westfallsmusicstudio@gmail.com

Monika Idasiak is currently working on her Doctoral degree at University of North Texas. She is a member of Plano Symphony, Richardson Symphony and Irving Symphony. Mrs. Idasiak graduated with a Master Degree in Music Performance from the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music in Warsaw, Poland.

Mrs. Idasiak is the owner of Westfalls Music Studio in Frisco where she teaches violin, viola, piano and music theory. Mrs. Idasiak prepares students for orchestra auditions like GDYO, competitions, festivals, All Region/All State audition, Texas State Music Theory Tests and ABRSM tests.

Jacqueline Baez

Private Violin & Viola Instructor - All Level

(Ms. Baez teaches both on and off campus)

Email: jacquelineviolin1@gmail.com

Violinist Jacqueline Baez completed a Bachelor of Music from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, she graduated Summa Cunlaude having the renowned Hipolito Javier as a mentor, she became a professor at this university and was recognized as a meritorious professor. She obtained her Master's degree from Texas University in Violin Performance working with Diana Seitz and Daniel Andai.

Mrs. Baez enjoys a career as an orchestral musician, chamber musician, and teacher. She currently teaches in Frisco ISD, in her private studio and frequently subs with area orchestras such as Irving Symphony, Plano Symphony and San Angelo Symphony.

Mrs. Baez has performed in the Caribbean, Europe and North America including Alice Tully Hall and Aaron Davis Hall in New York, in Spain with the Radio Television Choir. She has participated in concerts at the First Cathedral of America, National Theaters of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. As a soloist she has participated with the Autonomous University Chamber Orchestra and the Gocessa Symphony Orchestra.

Mrs. Baez has collaborated extensively with world-renowned artists such as: Placido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Il Divo, Michael Camilo, Juan Luis Guerra, Paloma San Basilio, Pedro Eustache, Maxin Vengerov, Leonidas Kavakos, Sarah Chang, among others. She has also collaborated in important festivals such as the Santo Domingo Music Festival and the Festival of Youth Symphony Orchestras in Puerto Rico.

Yankai Peng (Joseph)

Private Cello Instructor - All Level

(Mr. Peng teaches both on and off campus)

Email: YankaiPeng@my.unt.edu

Yankai Peng embarked on his musical journey at the age of eight. Yankai was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music in China 2011. There, he received tutelage from mentors, Prof. Mingqing Yu and Dr. Xin Lu, honing his skills in cello performance. Yankai has held a principal cellist in both the China Youth Symphony Orchestra and the China Youth National Orchestra during his four-year study.

Yankai's performance trajectory spans Europe, Africa, and Asia such as Macedonia, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Romania, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, South Africa, and Russia. In 2015, Yankai pursued further musical education at Texas Christian University, where he was awarded a full scholarship and a TA position. He received guidance from Dr. Castro Balbi while undertaking an artist diploma program.

Driven by his passion for artistic growth, Yankai decided to continue his cello studies at the University of North Texas in 2017. Under the mentorship of Prof. Eugene Osadchy, he obtained his master's degree in 2019. Presently, Yankai is pursuing a doctoral degree in musical arts with a full scholarship, and a TF position. During his doctoral studies, Yankai pursued a minor in pedagogy, baroque cello performance and orchestra conducting.

During Yankai’s academic journey in the United States, Yankai has focused on refining his performance skills, teaching, and participating in orchestral playing. He has been the principal cellist in the UNT Symphony Orchestra and the UNT Concert Orchestra. In 2018 and 2022, 2023 Yankai served as a member of the Monroe Symphony Orchestra and the Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra, respectively.

Furthermore, Yankai has held several solo recitals successfully. These include performances at the National Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall in Beijing, Beijing Concert Hall, and Forbidden City Concert Hall in Beijing, marking the years 2013, 2016, and 2018, respectively.

Yankai and his wife Junxi have a little adventurer in their 3-year-old son Lucas. When they have some spare time, their go-to activities are exploring a forest park or lounging by the riverside where they can bask in the beauty of nature or get their game on with the Nintendo Switch.

Dr. Gracie Keith

Private Cello Instructor - All Level

Violin & Viola Instructor - Beginner/Intermediate

(Dr. Keith teaches both on campus and off campus)

Email: gracie.keith.music@gmail.com

Dr. Gracie Keith is a versatile soloist and chamber musician. She has performed in recital halls across Europe and North America, including The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Symphony Hall, Jones Hall, Auditório Municipal do Seixal (Portugal), Cathedral Concattedrale San Marco Pordenone (Italy), and Evergreen Theatre (Canada). Previous performance engagements include guest artist appearance for the Garth Newel Music Center, Classical at the Cabot, Bay Chambers concerts, and XXVIII Festival Internazionale di Musica Sacra 2019; as a soloist with the New England Repertory Orchestra; and Artist-in Residency at the Dedham School of Music.

Dr. Keith began her music studies in Houston, Texas working with Diane Bonds and Carl Gibbs. She graduated with her Bachelor of Music summa cum laude from Baylor University under the mentorship of Dr. Gary Hardy and earned her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where she studied with Michael Reynolds.

An avid teacher, Dr. Keith began her teaching career at the Central Texas String Academy in Waco, Texas. After moving to Boston, she became a teaching assistant in both the music performance and music education departments at Boston University. She also earned her Massachusetts teaching license and taught elementary and middle school orchestra in the Brookline school district.

During her time in Boston, she developed a passion for using music as a tool, focusing on healing and social change. As a member of the Arts Outreach program at Boston University, Dr. Keith would often perform inside of hospitals to provide comfort to doctors, patients, and their family members. She also joined the Harvard based initiative MESDA – Music Education for Social Development Agency – as a teacher and coach for the 2012 Bi-National Youth Orchestra of Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Dr. Keith maintains a private studio and is on faculty for the Bendada Music Festival (Portugal). She specializes in all levels of cello, beginner/intermediate viola, and beginner/intermediate violin. Dr. Keith’s commercial recordings include “Catalogus Galilei,” published by Music Ensemble Publishing Italia in 2018 and “I Might Be Wrong” published by Ludovico in 2016.

Jarrett Bastow

Private Bass Instructor - All Level

(Mr. Bastow teaches both on campus and off campus)

Email: jlbastow.music@gmail.com

Jarrett Bastow is a professional bassist and educator, serving as a section member of the Tulsa Symphony and principal bassist for the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. He performs regularly with multiple ensembles across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Trained in the Suzuki method for bass and cello, Jarrett brings a teaching philosophy centered on developing strong character, effective practice habits, and student autonomy. He works closely with middle and high school students to help them become independent, motivated musicians who take ownership of their learning. As a clinician, Jarrett frequently works with schools throughout the region, providing workshops and guidance to students and educators alike.

In addition to private lessons, Jarrett offers freelance music coaching for musicians aiming to grow both their musical skills and professional careers.

He holds a Master of Arts in Leadership in Cultural Management from Colorado State University, a Master of Music from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Music from Ithaca College. His principal teachers include Andrew Raciti, Nicholas Walker, and Lauren Pierce.

Jarrett is dedicated to fostering a focused, supportive environment where students build not only technical skills but also lifelong learning habits.

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