How? We will work on fundamentals that will make you an overall better player. Things like tone quality, hand position, correct tonguing, scales, technical exercises & sight-reading are all fundamentals. We will work on any music that might need attention for band, all-region auditions, solos, ensembles, etc. We will play some music just for fun. I especially like playing duets! (Yes, even a beginner can play a duet!). We can’t always do all of these in every lesson, but these are the things that will be worked on throughout the year.

When? Some lessons are taught during regular band class time one day per week or after school.  On lesson day, the students who are scheduled during the school day will miss half of their band class to meet with the private teacher. The directors allow and encourage students to take private lessons.

Cost? $17 per lesson. Lesson tuition is due at the first lesson of each month.  I will send a monthly reminder, along with your child's current amount due via email.  The lesson fee is set by the MISD Fine Arts Dept., and all private teachers are required to charge the same fee.  You may pay by check, cash, or through Pay Pal.  An additional option for those who have requested it is 1 payment of $250 for the full semester (15 lessons). An excused absence will be either made up on another day or carried forward as credit for the next month.  An excused absence is one that I know about and can plan for in advance.  Certain unavoidable circumstances will also be excused.

Who? I retired in 2002 after 30 years of band directing and teaching elementary music. This is my ninth year to teach private music lessons in the McKinney ISD. I previously was head band director in the Princeton ISD and at Bowman Middle School in the Plano ISD. I have taught virtually EVERY grade in public school!..but mostly 6-12^th grade band. My main instrument is clarinet, but throughout my career I have taught all instruments…even tuba!  I am also now a published author, and my beginning clarinet book "For Clarinets Only" is being used widely throughout Texas and in a few other states, too!