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