Private Lessons
The Birdville Independent School District Fine Arts Department provides private lesson opportunities with professional instrumentalists for all band students.
Private Lesson Program Details
How the Program Works
The BISD Fine Arts Department provides this enrichment opportunity for all band students. Professional instructors are selected and approved by the district.
Cost: $22.00 per lesson
Schedule: Once per week during band class, before, or after school
Annual Form: BISD Private Lesson Consent Form required every year
We highly encourage ALL students to enroll in private lessons, as there is not enough class time for one-on-one instruction from band staff. Lessons ensure your student receives the highest quality individualized instruction!
Why Lessons Matter
Private lessons give students extra time to work on their individual playing goals. They also help students prepare for upcoming performances and auditions throughout the year.
Build on classroom learning
Prepare for concerts and festivals
Get ready for solo and ensemble contests
Scholarship Opportunities
Birdville Band Boosters, Inc. (BBBI) offers scholarships to help cover the cost of lessons for students who qualify.
Half scholarships available ($11 per lesson)
Awards based on need, grades, and attendance
Must maintain 85+ in band and passing grades in all classes
Students must attend all band events and demonstrate good citizenship
Applications are required each school year
How to Get Started
Ready to get started? Contact your instrument's teacher directly to schedule lessons, then complete the required consent form.
Contact your instrument's private teacher directly (see instructor list)
Schedule your lessons with the instructor
Fill out the BISD Private Lesson Consent Form
Begin lessons once form is submitted
Private Lesson Instructor Contacts
Contact your instrument's teacher directly to schedule lessons. All instructors are professional musicians selected and approved by the district.
Woodwind Instructors
Flute: Stephanie Kalina
stephanie.kalina75@gmail.comClarinet: Rudy Sanchez
rudyclar@hotmail.comOboe: Annie Henneke
anniehenneke@gmail.comBassoon: Charlie Hall
chazajhall@aol.comAll Saxophone: Chiaki Young
chanafus@hotmail.com
Percussion
All percussion private lessons are arranged through Dr. Robles.
Contact: Dr. Akira Robles
akira.robles@birdvilleschools.net
Brass Instructors
Trumpet: Jeffrey Norman
jnorm78@hotmail.comFrench Horn: Eric Hessel
hesseleric@gmail.comTrombone: Ryan Murray
rmurray.tbone@gmail.comTuba/Euphonium: Ricardo Gonzalez
r.gonzalez2154@tcu.edu
Questions or Concerns
For general questions about the private lesson program, contact Ms. Slean.
Contact: Ms. Kaitlyn Slean
kaitlyn.slean@birdvilleschools.net
Frequently Asked Questions
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Contact your instrument's private teacher directly to schedule lessons (see instructor contacts above). Then complete the BISD Private Lesson Consent Form annually. You'll need student and parent information plus digital signature.
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Yes, all Wind Ensemble students are required to be enrolled in private lessons. For all other band students, lessons are optional but highly encouraged to ensure the highest quality individualized instruction.
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Lessons cost $22.00 per half hour with professional instructors, paid directly to the teacher. Lessons are scheduled once per week during band class, before school, or after school. BBBI scholarships can reduce cost to $11 per lesson for qualifying students.
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Private instructors work in collaboration with Birdville ISD Fine Arts and your band director to ensure lessons support and enhance your classroom learning and competition goals.
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You'll receive personalized instruction focused on performance technique, solo preparation, and competition readiness. Lessons provide accelerated learning opportunities beyond group instruction.
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Contact your private instructor directly for scheduling and make-up lessons. Payment is made directly to your instructor. The BISD consent form must be completed annually as per district guidelines.
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BBBI offers financial assistance up to half the cost ($11) of lessons. We have limited funds available, so include any extenuating circumstances in your application. Complete the Private Lesson Scholarship Application - scholarships are awarded based on financial need and other criteria.
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The scholarship application requires parent and student responsibility agreements, student grade/instrument, financial situation details (household size, income status), contact information, a brief explanation of your financial situation, and student motivation statement. Both parent and student must agree to specific attendance and academic requirements.