What:  Lessons taught by artists at the top of their craft.  Our lesson teachers come from graduate programs at U of M and Michigan State.  Some of them hold multiple degrees.  All of them are excited about teaching.  Lessons will be offered on flute, oboe, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, euphonium/baritone, tuba, and percussion.  This is a pilot program, so you will be the first to go through it and help us modify it to become more effective.

When:  Every teacher has a different range of availability; many of them are teaching courses and taking courses at their universities.  You will indicate a preference when you sign up for lessons.  We will schedule lessons based on your preferences.

Where:  Lessons will be taught in the Groves Fine Arts Wing.  We’ll make use of the band room and our five practice rooms.  If needed, we will teach some lessons at Berkshire MS.

Why:  We want your students to reach their highest potential in their understanding and performance of music, because we know this will help them in everything they do in life.  Taking private lessons, along with playing in ensembles at school, is how we will help your kids achieve that potential.  We’ve hired many college students as teachers, because they are a value, they’re using the latest techniques and methods, they help your students establish connections with the collegiate world, and they’re often just plain fun.

Who:  All lesson teachers are employees of Birmingham Public Schools and have gone through the appropriate steps to be qualified to work with your students.  Lessons are open primarily to any students of Berkshire MS, Covington MS, and Groves HS.  If there is additional room in our schedules, we will allow other BPS students.  The only other requirement is that students must be playing in a BPS band class, from grades 5-12.

How:  Read the lesson teacher information sheet; fill out the registration form; send payment; we’ll schedule your student and get them started.