North Campus PMLP
CHCA is proud to be one of Cincinnati’s only schools offering private music lessons during the school day. Our lessons promote both musical growth and personal development. Registered students typically begin lessons in the second week of school. Your private instructor will contact you during the first week with your scheduled time.
Programs and Instructors
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.
- PK3-GR 8 (32 Lessons): $290/quarter tuition + $45 book fee | Register
- GR 9-12 (28 Lessons): $259/quarter tuition + $45 book fee | Register
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.
- PK3-GR 8 (32 Lessons): $290/quarter tuition + $45 book fee | Register
Instructors
Robin Albus
Robin earned the National Guild of Piano Teachers High School diploma and has been teaching private piano lessons at CHCA since 2003. She also launched the Wunderkeys program at CHCA, which offers a musical experience on the keyboard for 3-5 year olds.
Jill Duebber
Jill taught both piano and flute at a private studio for 28 years with students ranging from preschool to adults. As a child, she had wonderful music teachers who inspired her to choose music education as her vocation. Jill’s biggest passion has always been playing the piano, and she loves passing that on to others. She’s currently a member of the OMTA and MTNA and has a Level 1 Orff-Schulwerk Certification, as well as an MTNA Professional NCTM Certification. In addition to private music lessons, she has taught preschool music classes, summer composition camps, prep for RCM national exams, and has been an accompanist for high school and collegiate soloists. In her free time, Jill enjoys running, biking, reading, and spending time with her husband and three kids.
Takako Frautschi
D.M.A., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
B.M., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Takako has taught precollege level students since 1992 throughout the United States and Canada. Her childhood musical training was completed through Toho Music School Preparatory division, one of the most prestigious precollege music programs in Japan. Her mentors and the experiences that she remembers from childhood inspired her to find true joy in working with precollege level students. Takako has performed in Banff, Paris, Prague, and Amalfi Coast. Takako’s performance highlights include an appearance at Weill Hall in Carnegie Hall, New York City in 1998 and 2010. Her most recent recital was broadcasted over WECI 91.5FM, in Richmond, Indiana. Takako holds additional certificates in Suzuki Method and MTNA Professional NCTM Certification Program. Outside of CHCA, Takako serves on the faculty of the piano department at the Preparatory Division of University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music and the College of Examiner of Royal Conservatory in Canada. She also enjoys presenting lectures on pedagogical topics to share her teaching tips to other educators. She and her husband, David have two children and a Sheltie.
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!
- PK3-GR 8 (32 Lessons): $30 tuition / quarter | Register
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.
- PK3-GR 8 (32 Lessons): $290/quarter tuition + $45 book fee | Register
- GR 9-12 (28 Lessons): $259/quarter tuition + $45 book fee | Register
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.
- PK3-GR 8 (32 Lessons): $205/quarter tuition + $45 book fee | Register
Instructors
Amy Herbst
B.A., Northern Kentucky University
Amy started her musical journey singing popular music and musical theatre songs before being introduced to the amazing world of opera! She attended Northern Kentucky University before moving to Nashville to attend Belmont. She has performed with Nashville and Dayton Opera, toured with Round About Opera for Kids, and sung in many church settings. She still performs with Dayton Opera and various opportunities around the city. She is very passionate about vocal pedagogy and uses the program created by the Northwest Institute of Voice. She has taught in many studios and schools in Nashville and Cincinnati in addition to having her own studio. She loves helping students find and use the beautiful voice that God has blessed them with!
Carolyn Hill
B.Ed., Kentucky Chrisitian College
Carolyn Hill teaches Music in our Early Learning Program, leads worship for Preschool Chapel, and also teaches private voice lessons. Outside of CHCA, Carolyn is a member of the May Festival Chorus and Ensemble, serves as Children’s Minister at Connections Christian Church, and is the wife of a minister.
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.
- PK3-GR 8 (32 Lessons): $30 tuition/quarter | Register
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.
Instructors
Yera Lee
M.M., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Email: yera.lee@chca-oh.org
Dr. Yera Lee is a professional violinist and has been an enthusiastic strings teacher for many years. She is trained in the Suzuki Method and is currently a member of the Ohio Federation of Music Clubs. In addition, Yera serves as Music Director at Forest Chapel United Methodist Church and Concert Master of Lebanon Symphony Orchestra. She previously taught violin for the Prep Department at Northern Kentucky University. Yera feels most rewarded when she sees the advancement and growth of her students. Her passion for teaching violin led her to found her private studio, Mason School of Music, as well as her YouTube Channel (@DrYeraLeeViolinStudio), which focuses on teaching violin using the Suzuki Method.
Siryung Park
M.M., University of Cincinnati
Email: siryung.park@chca-oh.org
Siryung Park is trained in the Sassmannshaus Tradition methods and has been teaching violin to a wide range of age groups and education levels since 2000. Her teaching experience extends through chamber music coaching and music theory class at Starling Project Foundation Preparatory, Sassmannshaus Tradition Preparatory Division, and CCM Preparatory Department. She is an accomplished soloist performer, orchestra member, and chamber musician in South Korea, China, Cuba, Israel, and the United States. Siryung is actively performing as a principal violin in the JS Chamber Orchestra, Con fuoco Piano Trio, and a substitute violin in the Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.
Sera Cheon
M.M., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
A.D., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Sera has been teaching cello for more than 20 years to students of all ages. She has performed various solo and chamber recitals using both the baroque cello and the modern cello across the United States and Asia. Sera is currently a board member and a principal cellist at JS Chamber Ensemble and was selected to be an associate member in the Chicago Civic Orchestra and the New World Symphony. She graduated Cum Laude with a B.A. from Hanyang University in Seoul, South Korea then earned 3 additional degrees from University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. She believes that music enriches lives, and she shares her passion and love of music through teaching and performing.
Lydia Woodin
M.M., University of Cincinnati
B.M., University of Alabama
Lydia is a member of the American String Teachers Association and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. She has training in both the Suzuki and Sassmannshaus Tradition methods. Additionally, Dr. Woodin attended the American String Teachers Association Conference in 2009 and the Starling-Delay Symposium on Violin Studies at the Juilliard School in 2011 & 2013 and was a member of the Violin Faculty for the Preparatory Department at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She is also an active performer and has played countless solo and chamber music recitals in the US, Italy, and China. She has extensive experience playing with professional orchestra, opera, and ballet companies throughout the United States, and has performed under notable conductors Yoel Levi, Louis Lane, Benjamin Zander, Mark Gibson, Awadagin Pratt, Hugh Wolfe, and Paavo Jarvi.
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.
Instructors
Ian McIntyre
Dr. Ian McIntyre has been composing classical and electronic music for over a decade. During his undergraduate degree, he studied music composition with Dr. Bill Ryan at Grand Valley State University. In 2018, he began studying electronic music production using Ableton Live, and in 2020, Ian graduated from Florida State University with his Doctor of Music in Woodwind Performance. His dissertation focused on combining electronic music tools with acoustic instruments to make electroacoustic music more accessible. In addition, Ian is an active orchestral musician. In 2021, he presented a lecture-recital at the annual ClarinetFest sharing his research and compositions. He has self-released dozens of songs and compositions throughout many genres of electronic music that have received critical acclaim from top blogs and publications. His music has been performed at venues throughout the United States and amassed nearly a quarter million streams. He held the second clarinet position with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra for six seasons, performs frequently with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a Teaching Artist for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and The Carnegie.
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.
Instructors
Emery Hicks
B.M., Belmont University
A.D., University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music
Emery was first intrigued by the brass instruments in the great movie scores he grew up listening to. As he got older and began to perform, it brought him so much joy that he wanted to help spread that joy to others. Emery graduated from Belmont University with a B.M. in trumpet performance and went on to earn an M.M. and an A.D. in trumpet performance from the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Today, he plays the second trumpet in the Evansville Philharmonic and performs regularly in several regional orchestras in the Greater Cincinnati area. Emery’s passion is to find beauty in the world, whether that be through music, art, or the natural wonders that the world offers.
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.
Instructors
Andrew Hartman
B.M.Ed., The Ohio State University
Andrew is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Percussive Arts Society. He teaches drumline for marching band during summer band camps. He has served as a church musician for 14 years, providing drums and percussion for Forest Chapel United Methodist Church, Northminster Presbyterian Church, and All Saints Catholic Church. In 2014, Andrew won the Ohio State University James Moore Percussion, and he performed with the Ohio Military Band as a featured soloist in 2010 and 2015.
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.
Instructors
Ian McIntyre
Dr. Ian McIntyre has been composing classical and electronic music for over a decade. During his undergraduate degree, he studied music composition with Dr. Bill Ryan at Grand Valley State University. In 2018, he began studying electronic music production using Ableton Live, and in 2020, Ian graduated from Florida State University with his Doctor of Music in Woodwind Performance. His dissertation focused on combining electronic music tools with acoustic instruments to make electroacoustic music more accessible. In addition, Ian is an active orchestral musician. In 2021, he presented a lecture-recital at the annual ClarinetFest sharing his research and compositions. He has self-released dozens of songs and compositions throughout many genres of electronic music that have received critical acclaim from top blogs and publications. His music has been performed at venues throughout the United States and amassed nearly a quarter million streams. He held the second clarinet position with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra for six seasons, performs frequently with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a Teaching Artist for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and The Carnegie.
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.
Della Enns PMLP Scholarship
Please fill out the Scholarship Application below if you require financial assistance. Scholarships are awarded based on Scholarship Application results, and will honor your current CHCA Scholarship Percentage until donated scholarship funds are fully deployed.
FAQ
When does my student have lessons?
- PK-Gr 4 lessons occur during non-critical learning times with homeroom teacher approval.
- Gr 5-8 students may have lessons before school, during lunch/recess or a study hall, and after school.
- Gr 9-12 students may have lessons during PRT, activity bell, or after school.
Important Dates
08/11/25 – Quarter 1 auto-payment withdrawal
08/20/25 @ 8:30 – 11:00 – Private Music Lesson Program Open House (EBL Campus gym)
08/25/25 – 2025-2026 Lessons begin
09/02/25 – For registration after this date, contact Lydia.Woodin@chca-oh.org to check availability
10/06/25 – Quarter 2 auto-payment withdrawal
12/08/25 – Quarter 3 auto-payment withdrawal
03/02/26 – Quarter 4 auto-payment withdrawal
05/04/26 – PK-Gr 2 PMLP Spring Recitals (PK: 11:00 a.m.; Kdg: 10:00 a.m.; Gr 1: 12:30 p.m.; Gr 2: 1:45 p.m.) – EBL Campus gym
05/11/26 (5:00 and 6:30 p.m.) and 05/12/26 (5:30 and 7:00 p.m.)- Gr 3-12 PMLP Spring Recitals in Lindner Theater
Other Important Information
- $45 annual book fee/class is non-refundable and due upon registration
- $40 annual family registration fee is non-refundable and due upon registration
- $15-$30 pianist fee for students using piano accompaniment billed at recital time
- Private Music Lesson Program Withdrawal Form must be completed 2 weeks before the upcoming auto-payment date. Credit for unused lessons transfer to the next quarter – no refunds.