Private Music Lessons
for All Ages
About Private Lessons at DHCSM
Private lessons are the foundation of musical study. Whether a student is beginning an instrument, returning after time away, strengthening school music skills, or pursuing more serious musical goals, one-on-one instruction provides the individual guidance needed for steady growth.
Lessons are led by highly educated and professionally trained teaching artists, many with advanced degrees in music, including doctoral degrees. Our teaching artists combine strong musical expertise with a thoughtful, student-centered approach.
Instruments Offered:
Keyboard: piano, organ
Strings: harp, violin, viola, cello, double bass, guitar, ukulele, mandolin
Woodwinds: flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe
Voice
Private Lesson Paths
Students may choose from two private lesson paths: Traditional Lessons and the Accelerated Program.
Traditional Lessons
Traditional Lessons provide focused, highly individualized instruction through one weekly private lesson.
This path is appropriate for students of all ages, levels, and abilities, with instruction tailored to each student’s goals, pace, learning style, and experience. Traditional students may participate in school recitals, studio classes, and selected performance opportunities when appropriate, depending on readiness, teaching artist recommendation, and available preparation time.
Students who are not yet ready for private lessons may also begin through GROUP CLASSES, which offer a more affordable and collaborative way to start their musical journey.
Accelerated Program
The Accelerated Program offers a more immersive learning experience for students who would benefit from greater depth, structure, and weekly engagement.
AP includes: two weekly private lessons one, weekly 30-minute ensemble class, and one weekly 45-minute group musicianship class
The first private lesson is always 45 minutes. The second private lesson may be 30, 45, or 60 minutes, depending on the student’s level, goals, and teacher recommendation.
Group musicianship may include theory, solfège, ear training, composition, music literature, or related topics, depending on the student’s age and level.
The fuller weekly structure also allows for additional performance and assessment opportunities.
School recitals, studio classes, PMTA events, EVMTA events, selected competitions, outside masterclasses, and formal music examinations. These examinations may include the Arizona Study Program, the Royal Conservatory of Music Certificate Program, and ABRSM graded music exams. Participation in any outside event, recital, masterclass, competition, or examination is based on student readiness and teaching artist recommendation.
For adult students, participation in performances, testing, competitions, and outside events is entirely optional.
Adult students in AP may focus on lessons, musicianship, and personal musical growth without any performance or testing requirement. Group classes may be replaced, depending on availability and student interest, with related 30-minute one-to-one instruction in areas such as theory, musicianship, or composition.
Testimonials