Private Lessons FAQ

Private lessons are a supplemental program designed to enrich the instruction received in the band classroom. Students enrolled in private lessons will study one-on-one with a professional on their instrument on a weekly basis. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students and are a vital component of any successful program. 

Any student enrolled in a band class at Ronald Thornton Middle School is eligible to sign up for lessons.

Private lessons provide more individualized instruction than what is available in a full classroom setting. 

The students are learning from professionals on their instrument and are working through a curriculum tailored to the students’ needs. 

Absolutely not! 

Private lessons are not a requirement for any student in our program and are 100% optional. 

Yes! 

Our band program prides itself in providing a quality music education for our students. 

Private lessons are intended to supplement the material in class. 

Our incredible staff of lesson teachers provides specialized instruction to meet each student’s needs. 

We love that our students receive outside help with their practice! Our lesson staff is made up of professionals often holding multiple degrees in their instruments. 

The lesson teachers also have years of experience teaching middle students so they can be effective educators and partners in your child’s music education. 

Signing up for lessons through the RTMS band program guarantees that your child gets a highly qualified, vetted, and successful private lesson teacher. 

Not at all! 

While lessons may help with remedial instruction, they can also help push a student forward. Lessons are designed to provide supplemental instruction for students at all levels. Even PROS take lessons! 

Private lessons instructors are carefully chosen by the directors and are vetted through the Fort Bend ISD Criminal History and Background Check. 

Many of these teachers hold advanced degrees (Masters, Doctoral, and Performance Certificates) in their respective instruments. 

For a complete list of our teachers, please see the band website. 

Lessons happen before school, after school, and during a student’s band period at Ronald Thornton Middle School. 

Before and after school lessons tend to be 30 minutes, while during school lessons will be 25 minutes. 

All lessons meet at a frequency of once a week. 

For scheduling purposes, please contact your child’s private lessons teacher. 

All Fort Bend ISD teachers may charge up to a rate between $27-$30 per lesson. 

However, lesson teachers who have advanced degrees and have been approved by the RTMS Directors and the Fort Bend ISD Fine Arts Director may charge more than the regular rate. 

Great! We are as excited as you are!

Please go to the “Private Lessons” page on the ronaldthorntonband.com website, OR fill out the Google Form here.

After receiving the required information, Mr. Beavers will then share the information with the private lessons instructors who will then contact families regarding scheduling and other logistics. 

Of course!

The advantage to enrolling at the beginning of the year however is convenience in scheduling your lesson time. 

Private lesson instructors begin the school year with greater flexibility in their own schedules, making it easier to fit your child into your requested times.

 You are always able to enroll your student in lessons at a later date; however, be aware that teachers’ schedules can reach their maximum capacity or they may be unable to accommodate your requested times. 

No worries! 

Please contact Mr. Beavers for more information about lessons at collin.beavers@fortbendisd.gov.