Lesson Program

We are thrilled to be offering an eight week pilot program that provides students with weekly access to high-quality and individualized musical instruction.

This program will be offered for eight weeks
Allotted instructional time can vary depending on the students’ needs. Eg. Some lessons may be forty five minutes weekly while others may be half an hour bi-weekly. The provided instructional time will be based on the students’ individual needs.
There is absolutely no cost to participate
Lessons will be scheduled at GBDSS before or after school.

At GBDSS, we recognize the importance of private music instruction but are very aware that our school is quite isolated from most private instrument instructors who tend to reside in cities. To ensure that dedicated students from the GBDSS music department still receive quality instruction that is on par with those of their urban counterparts, the music music department is able to offer a limited number of private lessons free of charge.

What is the value in lessons?

For a keen musician, there is no greater enrichment opportunity than that of private lessons.

Students are able to perform by themselves weekly and get concentrated feedback. In band it is rare for students to perform by themselves and if they do, feedback is usually limited to 10-15 second one-off comments. Performing weekly in a lesson allows students to become a more confident and independent player.

Students are able to focus on supplemental exercises written specifically for their instrument. Classes don't always allow for the development of lip slurs, register studies, octave slurs etc. in a way that private lessons can. These fundamentals are crucial for later development and more advanced playing ability.

Lessons are fantastic preparation for students who are looking to reach specific playing goals such as auditioning for honour bands or performing at a music festival.

Eligibility

Students must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible in enrollment in the program:

must currently be enrolled at Georgian Bay District Secondary School
must be enrolled in a music extracurricular
willing to commit to attending a regular timeslot before or after school

What are the rules and regulations?

A limited number of spots are available for this program. The teachers providing this service do so voluntarily and therefore only a limited amount of space exists. Students who pursue this opportunity must demonstrate a strong level of commitment.
Allotted instructional time can vary depending on the students’ needs. Eg. Some lessons may be forty five minutes weekly while others may be half an hour bi-weekly. The provided instructional time will be based on the students’ individual needs.
While lessons are free, the student will still be required to purchase any materials that are needed for lessons such as books or reeds.
Lesson times are subject to change on a weekly basis depending on the overall department schedule.
Students must arrive ahead of scheduled lesson time in order to thoroughly warm up prior to the start of the lesson.
Lesson privileges can be revoked for a number of reasons at the teacher’s discretion. Reasons for this may include:
1. Lack of practice for lessons
2. Failing to arrive at lessons or repeated tardiness
3. Inappropriate behaviour at lessons or in music classes or extra-curricular ensembles
4. Academic difficulties in other classes
Students will usually be provided with a maximum of one warning to rectify any issues that hinder their success.
Students are required to apply for this program by filling out the following form:
As part of the acceptance process, the teacher will have a meeting with the parent/guardian of the student at the beginning of the year to outline the accountability that will be needed and the intended goals of the program.
Students will be encouraged to provide assistance to younger or less-experienced players to help “pay if forward”. They will receive community service hours as compensation if this takes place outside of class time.

To enroll, click here and we will be in touch shortly with scheduling information.

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