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HOW DO I KNOW WHO TO TAKE LESSONS FROM?

There are so many teachers advertising!

Although there are many instructors in the San Antonio area, the list below represents a collection of individuals who we have worked with in the past and have proven extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy.  

 

They are masters at their craft, and trusted by our staff to further your band member's love for music and achieve success at TMEA and All State Auditions. If you do not currently study with one of our recommended instructors, we highly encourage you to explore taking a sample lesson with them to see what you think!

FLUTE & PICCOLO

EMILY GURWITZ

Primary Instructor

KAY SOUTHERLAND

Instructor

STEPHANIE HULSEY

Instructor

OBOE

MARK ACKERMAN

Primary Instructor

Retired, San Antonio Symphony

KHADIJA MERRILL

Instructor

CLARINET & BASS CLARINET

DR. NICHOLAS COUNCILOR

Primary Instructor

DR. TYLER WEBSTER

Instructor

BASSOON

MARK ROGERS

Primary Instructor

SAXOPHONE

KEITH WITT

Primary Instructor

MATTHEW TREVINO

Instructor

JOSUE MORA

Instructor

JOSH BALLINGER

Instructor

PRIVATE LESSONS
RECOMMENDED INSTRUCTORS

HOW TO GET A HEAD START ON BAND AT JOHNSON

We strongly encourage our band members to take private lessons on their instrument, as this is a great way to set and achieve measurable goals with a Professional Musician or Specialist on a specific instrument.   

 

Each instrument has special needs and tendencies, and we partner with some of the finest trained professionals in their fields. There is no substitute for taking lessons with an individual who performs or specializes on a specific instrument, and we work to find the best fit for each of our band members.  

  

Many think that “private lessons” or “tutoring” are only needed for kids who are struggling with their instrument … while it is great for “extra help” as it suggests, those students who are excelling on their instruments benefit equally and usually excel to a whole new level of performance.  

 

It is virtually impossible to achieve success in the TMEA All-State Process without coaching from a private lesson instructor. 

 

Even if your band member will not pursue music as a career, taking lessons teaches responsibility, goal setting, and commitment to a craft or process. The art of learning to commit and work toward excellence applies far beyond learning to play an instrument.

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