Private Music Lesson Program (PK3-Gr 8)

*Space for PK3 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.

Private Piano (Grades K-8) 

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, Technique & Artistry, and Theory books in collaboration during lessons to support the process of learning to play the instrument and read the notes themselves.

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 their musical learning.

Private Voice (Grades K-8*)
*Gr 7-8 students previously in the program may continue.  Contact Lydia Woodin for registration instructions. 

Private voice lessons use 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 will also 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.

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, Fine Arts Fundraisers, and as pre-concert music to the Lower School programs.

Private Violin, Viola, Cello (PK4-Grade 8) and String Bass (Gr 5-8)

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 PK4 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.

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 7:25-7:55 a.m. for Founder's Campus students. Participants enjoy an added social element and often progress faster than their peers. Advancing group class members are invited to perform in the Woodin String Ensemble, playing frequently at events including ArtBeat, Fine Arts Fundraisers, and as pre-concert music to Lower and Upper School concerts.

$25 tuition

Private Woodwind* (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone - Grades 5-8)
Private Brass* (Trumpet, Trombone and Baritone - Grades 5-8)
*Additional specialized instruments may be available upon request

Lessons for wind and 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.

Please note: Since private wind and brass instruction are part of our expanded lesson program, teachers will be hired to accommodate registration requests. Contact PMLP Director Lydia Woodin with questions.

$230 tuition + $45 book fee