Private Music Lessons
The Private Music Lesson Program offers individualized instruction for students from age 3 through Grade 12, nurturing musical talent through expert teaching integrated into the school day.
Piano
Private Piano (Kindergarten–Grade 12)
Our private piano teachers begin lessons with the Piano Adventures Primer, My First Piano Adventures, or Little Mozart series, and follow those primer methods with the Faber: Piano Adventures series. Piano students use the Lesson and Theory books in collaboration during lessons to support the process of learning to play the instrument and read the notes themselves. Advancing students that are past the Piano Adventures Series will be assigned performance, technique and scale books as appropriate to their level and interests.
Please note that students need a keyboard at home for practice. We recommend that Kindergarten students taking private piano be able to read. If your student is not yet reading, consider starting them in our Wunderkeys program. If their teacher feels it appropriate later in the year, they can switch to the traditional method. If you are unsure, contact Lydia Woodin who will arrange for a teacher to evaluate your child and identify the program that will best serve them.
Wunderkeys Private Piano for Non-Readers (Pre-K 3*–Kindergarten)
*Space for Pre-K 3 students in our Wunderkeys program is limited. Use this readiness page to determine if your child is prepared for this music experience.
Wunderkeys is a private piano program specially designed for children ages 4 and 5 with no musical experience. Students acquire piano skills, learn to identify patterns, and gain the rhythmic understanding needed for continued success studying piano. Reading is not a prerequisite.
Voice
Mrs. Hill’s Vocal Ensemble (Kindergarten–Grade 3)
Registered private voice students can join a vocal ensemble Mrs. Hill directs. The group meets weekly from 8:00–8:30 a.m. before school and uses their private voice training to divide into different parts and harmonize together. This group has several performing opportunities, including ArtBeat, chapel, Fine Arts fundraisers, and as part of EBL morning announcements!
Private Voice (Kindergarten–Grade 12)
Private voice lessons begin with The Full Voice method, which includes vocal warmups, solfege, and note reading. Lessons emphasize breathing, matching pitch, expression, memorization, reading music, and drama. Voice students study a variety of styles, ranging from traditional hymns to Broadway show tunes, and even classic Disney hits. Advancing students have the opportunity to learn foreign language songs. Voice lessons are a wonderful way to build self-confidence in students as they bring their music–and their personalities–to life.
Group Voice (Kindergarten–Grade 1)
Group voice is a great way for young singers to begin their vocal training. Students learn alongside 1-2 of their classmates, sing songs together, and usually receive smaller solo opportunities within their group setting.
Strings
Dr. Woodin’s String Team (Kindergarten–Grade 8)
Registered private string students can augment lessons with weekly group classes (divided by student level), held before school from 8:00–8:30 a.m. for EBL Campus students and from 7:25–7:55 a.m. for Founders’ Campus students. Participants enjoy an added social element and often progress faster than their peers. The Woodin String Team performs throughout the year, playing frequently at events including ArtBeat, Fine Arts fundraisers, chapels, and as pre-concert music to Lower and Upper School concerts.
Private Violin, Viola, Cello (Pre-K 4–Grade 12) and String Bass (Grades 5–12)
String lessons are taught combining the Suzuki and Sassmannshaus methods, specifically tuned to each child’s progress. For advancing students, we provide supplementary materials based on student interests and abilities. Please note that Pre-K 4 and kindergarten students need an adult to participate in practice sessions at home. We highly recommend a parent of any beginning student attend the first lesson if possible. We recommend instrument rental from Antonio Violins who will give you the correct size and can easily trade to larger sizes as your child grows.
Woodwind
Private Woodwind* (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone [Grades 5–12])
*Additional specialized instruments may be available upon request.
Private woodwind lessons focus on the technical aspects of playing, as well as relevant historical/cultural information related to the music and instrument. The experience will promote the love of music, building the joy of playing and listening to music. In addition to method books and technical studies, students will explore music from all eras ranging from the earliest music written for their respective instrument, to instrumental versions of their favorite songs. Every lesson is tailored to the student’s individual needs and goals. These lessons are engaging, informative and, perhaps most importantly, focused on the fun and love of music.
Brass
Private Brass* (Trumpet, Trombone and Baritone [Grades 5–12])
*Additional specialized instruments may be available upon request.
Lessons for brass students begin as an extension of classroom instruction, originating from the same materials, and expand to develop the student further–depending on their individual strengths and musical interests.
Percussion
Private Percussion* (Marimba, Xylophone, Snare Drum, Drumset [Grades 5–12])
*Additional specialized instruments may be available upon request.
Lessons for percussion students begin as an extension of classroom instruction, originating from the same materials, and expand to develop the student further–depending on their individual strengths and musical interests. These lessons primarily include instruction on keyboard instruments like marimba and xylophone—as well as snare drum and drum set—but may expand to additional percussion instruments.
Percussion students begin lessons with a Bell Kit with Drum Pad to practice at home. Please contact Andrew.Hartman@chca-oh.org with any questions about what to purchase.
Music Production
Private Music Production (Grades 7–12)
Create music from scratch using modern music production software and techniques. Music production lessons are for any student interested in learning to record music. The goal of lessons is to provide a strong foundation in recording, editing, and mixing so that the student has the tools to take a passion for music and create a finished product that is ready to share with the world!
No entry-level knowledge necessary: only an interest in learning what goes into turning a song idea into an actual recording. Music production students should have access to a computer and download a Digital Audio Workstation, preferably “Ableton Live,” if they plan to continue editing outside of the lesson time. They will also need a digital recording device or microphone with an audio interface (computer or phone mic may be adequate to start) and headphones.
Please reach out to Ian.McIntyre@chca-oh.org with any questions on technology needs.
Guitar
Private Acoustic, Electric, or Bass Guitar (Grades 7–12)
Private guitar lessons are open to students at any skill level and cater to a wide variety of musical genre interests. Students can learn on acoustic, electric, or bass guitars, and the materials studied will greatly depend on the individual student’s interests and goals. Whether looking to play in the chapel band, jazz band, or any other musical setting, the focus is to develop strong fundamental guitar skills and learn songs and techniques that specifically set the student up not only with practical real-life skills as a guitarist, but also as a well-rounded musician.
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