Don Banks Music offers Private Instruction on most instruments. We are fortunate in having a highly competent and skilled teaching staff.
Aside from the business aspect of our teaching studio, our formost concern is the musical progress of the student. As in every course of applied instruction, regular attendance is of the utmost importance.
Music students are assigned a specific teacher at a specific time and day. The instructor's time and the studio time will always be reserved for you. Fees for missed lessons will be forfeited. All teachers schedules are very tight, so make-up times are often simply not possible.
Students must provide their own instrument, with the exception of a Drum Set, or Piano. Music students who do not have an instrument can participate in our instrument rental plan.
Private Music Lesson Terms & Fee Schedule
Fees for lessons are $120.00 per month. This pays for 30 mionute private lesson once a week, for the month. Please note, when paying in cash you may save $20.00. Checks, debit cards and charge cards are not considered cash.
Private instruction is offered for the following musical instruments:
- Fretted instruments(e.g. Guitar / Ukelele / Bass)
- Brass(e.g. Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Tuba)
- Woodwind(e.g. Sax, Flute, Clarinet)
- Stringed instruments(e.g. Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass)
- Percussion(e,g, Piano, Percussion, Mallet, Drum Set, Latin Percussion)
- Voice
Private Music Lesson Success
Tips For The Parents
- Be supportive! Music is a right brain activity. The right side of the brain is responsible for creativity. Many people who play an instrument are more creative and excel at other disciplines because of the instrument.
- Positively acknowledge the smallest of successes. Encouragement is of the utmost importance. A negative attitude results in lesser results.
- Encourage your music student to play for you, or for his/her friends, or just to play in general. Practice is important, and a person plays better when he/she is playing for someone who expresses interest in his/her music .
- Encourage your music student to play during their free time. Playing the instrument is key. The more a student plays scales, chords and notes, the more they will remember.
- Suggest different genres(types and categories) of music for your student. Not only does playing different pieces from different genres increase the student/s playing abilities, but is also provides a fun outlet for the student.
- Choose your words carefully. "Play" is often associated with "fun", whereas "practice" most of the time translates to "work". Instruments are fun and enjoyable; help your student see the fun as well.
- Help your student keep the instrument in working order. May instruments require maintenance for tuning and repairs.
- Browse our songbooks or use the Sheet Music Direct to keep offer variety to your music student.
Things To Avoid
- Do not use the practice of an instrument as punishment. Playing is enjoyable. A student should love what they play. Punishment will strip him/her of that enjoyment.
- Do not point out a mistake repeatedly. Encourage the student to try again, and to improve. Emphasizing the mistakes will only discourage the student from playing.
- Do not push progress. Each student learns in different ways and at their own rate. Be patient and encouraging; your student will excel at his/her own pace.