Private Lessons

Private Instructors List

2025-2026

Flute

Aleksandra Kemble (Chopin Academy of Music, Ball State University) - alakemble@yahoo.com

Susan Walker (Indiana University, Bethel University) - swalker1@sbcsc.k12.in.us

Stan Garber (Indiana University) - sgarber1_99@yahoo.com

Oboe

Erin Elliott (The College of Wooster, Bowling Green State University, University of Louisville) - eelliott@phm.k12.in.us / (574) 323-7086

Tehillah Moses (Ball State University) - tehillah915@yahoo.com / (765) 215-7369

Bassoon

Eric Kuehner (Valparaiso University, Northwestern University) - (574) 272-8120

Alice Koehler (Roosevelt University, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University) - alicebrownbassoon@gmail.com

Clarinet

Elisabeth Waldburger (Western Michigan University) - one_eburger@yahoo.com

Stan Garber (Indiana University) - sgarber1_99@yahoo.com

Vickie Marshall (Indiana University) - vmarshall@phm.k12.in.us

Saxophone

Sabin Martinez (Eastern Kentucky University, Butler University) - smartinez1@phm.k12.in.us 

Stan Garber (Indiana University) - sgarber1_99@yahoo.com

Trumpet

Steve Bizoe (Western Michigan University, American Band College) - sbizoe@mac.com 

Danny Lopez (Stephen F. Austin State University, University of Arkansas) - trumpetdanny1@gmail.com

Steve Allen (Florida Southern College, University of Kansas)  - (574) 294-3712

French Horn

DJ Landoll (Duquesne University, James Madison University) - dlandoll@phm.k12.in.us

Kristen Hills (Anderson University) - khills@phm.k12.in.us

Cami Roper (Ball State University) - croper@phm.k12.in.us

Deb Inglefield (Clarion University, Pennsylvania State University) - (269) 699-9160

Bill Kryder (Indiana University) - (574) 292-0554

Trombone & Euphonium

Peter Lehmann (Ball State University, Western Michigan University) - ptlehmann98@yahoo.com

Tuba

Robi Davidson (Ball State University) - rdavidson@phm.k12.in.us

Percussion

Glenn Northern (University of Evansville) - genorthern@gmail.com 

Dakota Steele (Lee University, Oklahoma City University) - dsteele@phm.k12.in.us

Micah Detweiler (Goshen College, University of Wisconsin) - micah@micahdetweiler.com / micahdetweiler.com/lessons

Why Private Lessons for your child?

As a parent, you have nurtured your child’s musical interests by navigating the instrument selection process with them as 5th graders; by your investment in a quality instrument; by encouraging regular practice habits and by transporting them to and from summer classes, extra rehearsals, and concerts. I would ask you to consider one more valuable contribution to your child’s musical development - private lessons.

I am sure that some would think “why should I pay for private lessons? Isn’t my child getting good instruction in their orchestra and band classes?" My short answer to that question is yes, the instrumental music staff of the Penn-Harris-Madison Schools is among the very best. However, my detailed response would be to add that, in spite of that quality instruction, our classroom instruction often targets the entire ensemble and does not always focus on the more detailed musical needs of an individual as well as a highly-qualified private instructor will be able to.

Private lessons on a band or orchestra instrument will give your child access to a highly-qualified expert on their instrument!

Consider the following advantages for a student who is enrolled in private lessons:

● Our private teaching staff includes the best performers and educators in the region. Many of these individuals hold Masters and Doctoral degrees, and have years of professional experience.

● Our private teachers have access to the best technical exercises and solo literature for their instrument. This allows them to give our students the best literature to help in a student’s individual growth. This is particularly valuable for students who desire to perform as a soloist at the ISSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest each year.

● The 1:1 student-teacher ratio and the length of time together (30 minutes is a normal lesson time) ensures that a student is going to get a great deal of information that is specifically targeted to their individual needs.

● Students who are struggling will benefit from private instruction that will help address any deficiencies or practice habits that are holding the student back.

● Advanced students will benefit from instruction that enhances their classroom experience and challenges their musical limits. This is especially beneficial for a student who says they are “bored” in their class. For this type of student, private lessons can put them on the path of being an exceptional musical leader for the ensemble and begin to “unlock” an amazing talent. Many of the very best musicians to pass through the doors of the Penn-Harris-Madison Schools began their private lesson study in this manner.

● Private lessons can benefit a student of any age. Some of our most successful musicians were students who began private study in the 6th grade and continued taking lessons through high school.

What do Private Lessons Cost?

Most private teachers in our area charge $20-30 for a 30-minute lesson.

Where do lessons take place?

Some teachers will teach from their homes. Many of our private teachers will come to Penn, Grissom, Schmucker, or Discovery. This would allow a student to take a lesson during their band class or after school.

How do I contact a private teacher for my child?

Contact your child’s band or orchestra teacher. They will recommend an appropriate teacher for your child and share that teacher’s contact information with you.

How can I tell if my child is a good candidate for private instruction?

● If your child practices regularly (at least five days a week and at least 20 minutes per day), and/or feels bored or frustrated with their progress in class.

● If you feel that your child’s musical experience will be a major part of their school career, and want to give them a big advantage for their musical future.

If you have any questions about private lessons for your child, please contact your child’s band director, or contact me directly at dlandoll@phm.k12.in.us or by phone at (574) 258-9500 x20516.