Private Lessons
How to Succeed in Band at Eastern High School
We strongly encourage our band members to take private lessons on their instrument, as this is a great way to set and achieve measurable goals with a Professional Musician or Specialist on ones’ specific instrument.
Each instrument has special needs and tendencies. As a result, we partner with some of the finest trained professionals in their fields. There is no substitute for taking lessons with an individual who performs or specializes on a specific instrument, and we work to find the best fit for each of our band members.
Many think that “private lessons” or “tutoring” are only needed for kids who are struggling with their instrument … while it is great for “extra help” as it suggests, those students who are excelling on their instruments benefit equally and usually excel to a whole new level of performance with the addition of private lessons.
It is nearly impossible to achieve high levels of success in the KMEA All-State Process without coaching from a private lesson instructor.
Even if your band member will not pursue music as a career, taking lessons teaches responsibility, goal setting, and commitment to a craft or process. The art of learning to commit and work towards excellence applies far beyond learning to play an instrument. Additionally, many students receive considerable college scholarships to play their instruments, even if they do not major in music.
How do I know who to take lessons from?
Although there are many instructors in the Louisville area, the list below represents a collection of individuals who we have worked with in the past and have proven extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy.
They are masters at their craft, and trusted by our staff to further your band member’s love for music and achieve success at KMEA All-State Auditions and all facets of the Eastern Band Program. If you do not currently study with one of our recommended instructors, we highly encourage you to explore taking a sample lesson with them to see what you think!
Please contact for more information on how to select the best instructor for you and your instrument.
Flute
Tony Watson
Kim Spalding
Don Gottleib
Kathy Karr
Jade Zilisch
Loren Pascua
Clarinet
Angela Soren
Carrie RavenStem
Ernie Gross
Oboe
Doug Harwell
Marion Gibson
Jayne Drummond
Trevor Johnson
Bassoon
Brittany Giles
Roger Soren
Wayne Wellman
Matt Karr
Saxophone
Ron Jones
Cory Barnfield
Trumpet
Ryan McCaslin
Craig Tweddel
Stacy Simpson
French Horn
John Little
Colin Dorman
Steve Causey
Euphonium/Tuba
Chris Schmidt
John Jones
Percussion
Jeremy Mcgonigle
Mark Tate
Michele Lewis
Demond Smith
Trombone
Brett Shuster
Josh Britton
Denver Pascua