FAQs

We view developing individual musicianship skills as essential to reaching the highest musical achievements in our performing ensembles. The purpose of the AHS Private Lesson Program is to:

• increase accessibility to high-quality private lesson teachers who are leaders in their profession,

• provide students with professional role models who demonstrate professionalism and excellence,

• offer a centralized location for private lesson instruction, and

• provide in-school lessons to help accommodate student and family scheduling needs.

Higher-quality individual instrument performance skills lead to higher-quality ensemble performances — not the other way around. Private lessons allow students to develop the technical and musical skills necessary to perform confidently and successfully within the ensemble setting.

Students involved in lessons often develop greater confidence, responsibility, independence, and self-discipline that extend well beyond music.

Private lessons are taught by highly qualified lesson teachers, many of whom are professional performers and/or music educators. All private lesson faculty are:

• district approved,

• background checked, and

• expected to adhere to the TEA Educator Code of Ethics and district/campus professional expectations.

Private lessons are optional, but they are HIGHLY encouraged for all students seeking to maximize their musical growth and performance potential.

Lessons are available for the following instruments:

• Flute

• Oboe

• Clarinet

• Bassoon

• Saxophone

• Horn

• Trumpet

• Trombone

• Euphonium

• Tuba

• Percussion

Lessons typically occur once per week in:

• 30-minute,

• 45-minute, or

• 60-minute increments,

depending on private lesson faculty availability and student needs.

Lessons may take place during the student’s band class period during the school day or after-school. 

No. Students will not miss academic classes for private lessons. Lessons are scheduled during the student’s band period.

Private lesson faculty communicate schedules directly with students and parents.

Private lesson rates vary from teacher to teacher and may range from:

• $20–$35 for a 30-minute lesson

• $40–$70 for a 60-minute lesson

Rates typically correlate with the teacher’s experience, credentials, and performance background.

The AHS Band Boosters offer scholarship opportunities for qualifying students to help offset private lesson costs. Scholarship information will be released beginning August 1st.

Students can register for private lessons by submitting the Private Lesson Registration Form found on this website.

Beginners can — and are highly encouraged to — sign up for private lessons. Developing strong fundamentals early helps students progress more successfully throughout their musical career.

Please see the “Benefits of Private Lessons” section on the Homepage

Many of our private lesson teachers currently teach or have taught at the collegiate level. Additionally, several members of our private lesson faculty serve on judging panels throughout the area for Region and Area auditions connected to the Texas All-State process. Their experience gives students valuable insight into audition preparation, expectations, and performance standards.

Percussion students gain instrument-specific technical instruction on:

• snare drum,

• marimba,

• vibraphone,

• timpani,

• accessories,

• and other percussion instruments.

Concert band music does not always provide advanced or specialized percussion challenges. Private lessons help percussion students continue developing a broad range of technical and musical skills across multiple percussion disciplines.

As students grow musically and experience success through private lessons, they often develop greater confidence within rehearsals, performances, auditions, and leadership opportunities. Students who are well-prepared musically frequently emerge as leaders within their section and ensemble.

Practice expectations vary from teacher to teacher. At a minimum, students should practice:

• approximately 30 minutes per day,

• at least 5 days per week,

• or enough to go beyond the goals established for the next lesson.
  
  

Students pursuing advanced musical opportunities at the collegiate level may eventually practice closer to 2 hours per day, 5–7 days per week.

Parents can support their student by:

• encouraging consistent practice habits,

• understanding that improvement takes time and students will not sound “perfect” immediately,

• helping students balance school, practice, and home responsibilities,

• and providing a consistent, distraction-free practice environment.

Learning to balance responsibilities through music study helps prepare students for life after high school.

Students should communicate all absences with the private lesson teacher as far in advance as possible.

Failure to notify the teacher of an illness-related absence, or failure to provide at least 24-hour notice for non-emergency situations, may result in being charged for the missed lesson.

Private lesson teachers may communicate with parents through:

• text messages,

• phone calls,

• email,

• or communication through the band directors.

Yes. Private lesson teachers are expected to be heavily involved in helping students prepare:

• solos and ensembles,

• Region and Area audition music,

• All-State preparation,

• and other performance opportunities.

Yes. Percussion students should expect and anticipate studying multiple percussion instruments and areas throughout their lesson experience.

Private lessons help prepare students for music opportunities after high school by:

• modeling professional teaching and rehearsal practices,

• developing advanced musical skills,

• providing mentorship,

• and offering guidance toward collegiate music study and other professional music pathways.

Parents should first contact the private lesson teacher regarding scheduling and payments.

Please contact Mr. Dolehanty if:

• you do not receive communication regarding scheduling or payments in a timely manner, or

• you have additional questions regarding the private lesson program.