What are Private Lessons?
Playing an instrument is an individual skill and art form. Private lessons are a way to give your student a competitive edge in the most competitive orchestra region in Texas as well as within our high-achieving orchestra program at Centennial.
Why choose private lessons?
In orchestra class, we teach with the goal of all our students being proficient on their instruments. Those who focus and practice at home will do very well! However, in most beginner classes, we teach with a one teacher to 30-40 student ratio that does not allow for extended periods of time to be spent on individual technique. Private lessons provide the one-on-one feedback that students need to excel and be competitive.
do private lessons give students a competitive egde?
Yes, students who take private lessons have demonstrated greater success in All-Region auditions, solo & ensemble content, and end of year auditions! Frisco ISD is part of the most competitive orchestra region in the state of Texas. Students with at least one year of experience on their instrument have the opportunity to audition for our All-Region orchestra every fall. The audition music is extremely difficult and the competition is fierce. The students who start in private lessons as beginners, consistently take them throughout the year, and follow through in subsequent years are the students who have a chance at making the prestigious region orchestra each fall. At least 98% of the region orchestra members are in private lessons.
Beyond region competitions, lessons provide other opportunities: Every year, students are invited to participate in the solo & ensemble contest in the spring. This is an opportunity for students who are involved in lessons to shine and show the level of solo musicianship they have developed.
Auditions take place at the end of the school year for placement in one of Centennial's six advanced ensembles. Students who take lessons almost always place higher than those who do not. Students aspiring to join the Chamber or Virtuosi groups should seriously consider taking private lessons as the rigor of the music demands specialized attention.
Beyond region competitions, lessons provide other opportunities: Every year, students are invited to participate in the solo & ensemble contest in the spring. This is an opportunity for students who are involved in lessons to shine and show the level of solo musicianship they have developed.
Auditions take place at the end of the school year for placement in one of Centennial's six advanced ensembles. Students who take lessons almost always place higher than those who do not. Students aspiring to join the Chamber or Virtuosi groups should seriously consider taking private lessons as the rigor of the music demands specialized attention.
What are the long-term benefits of private lessons?
Lessons aren’t only about being competitive. When a student takes on the challenge of learning a stringed instrument, they are starting a lifelong journey of learning and refining techniques to make beautiful music. Lessons are not a short term fix-all, but a long term commitment to being a competent and growing musician. As students grow physically, they will need to adjust their techniques. As they develop a love for their instrument, they will want to learn more than the classroom environment is able to provide
When do private lessons take place?
Lessons are a full school year commitment. They are available as pull-outs during orchestra class once a week or outside of the school day. Most lessons take place during the school day, however they can take place before/after school. Older, more competitive students usually choose to take lessons outside of the school day to be able to take longer lessons each week.
How to select a quality private lesson teacher?
It is important to get signed up with a qualified teacher. There are many teachers in the area – some are more qualified than others. Some teachers or schools of music will happily take your money, but have no idea how to teach with proper technique. Make sure you are receiving lessons from a competent teacher by contacting Ms. Bell to get paired with a recommended lesson teacher. Lesson availability goes quickly, and we often have a waitlist. Lessons will be filled first-come, first-served. If you are interested in lessons, please fill out the form below as soon as possible and we will get you connected with a teacher. Students that are interested in taking private lessons but are worried about the financial commitment should reach out directly to Ms. Bell.
Meet our Private Lessons Teachers!
Ha Dang
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Dr. Ha Dang is a professional violinist and teacher based in Allen, TX, who serves the north DFW area. She has over ten years of experience in teaching the violin and viola. Dr. Dang has performed at music festivals across the world, such as the American Bach Soloists Academy, Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute in Canada, Oberlin Baroque Performance Institute, Valdres Music Festival in Norway, Vietnam Connection Music Festival, and the Canton International Summer Music Academy. While she was a member of the Fantasmi Baroque Ensemble and Hanoi Philharmonic Orchestra, she toured in Germany, Austria, and France.
Dr. Ha Viet Dang won Vietnam's Concours Autumn Competition, Thailand's Mozart International String Competition, and the Adams-Nordstrom Early Music Award at the University of North Texas. Dr. Dang has appeared as a soloist with the Dallas Bach Society and the University of North Texas's Baroque Orchestra. She performs with the Dallas Bach Society and the Sherman Symphony Orchestra. A native of Vietnam, she began her musical education by taking up residence at the Vietnam National Academy of Music at the age of nine. She completed her Bachelor's degree at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Singapore with a full scholarship. She then received her Master's degree and Doctor of Musical Arts in violin performance from the University of North Texas (UNT). During her graduate studies, she received multiple scholarships and was the orchestra assistant for the Baroque Orchestra at UNT. Since graduating with her doctorate, Dr. Dang has taught at the Frisco and Allen ISDs and maintained her own studio in Allen. Her students consistently achieve high placements in All-Region auditions and string competitions and retain leading placements in their respective orchestras. Through her teaching, she hopes to instill a love of music in her students while impacting their musical success no matter their experience level. |
Ethan Rouse
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Ethan Rouse is a violist currently based in Frisco, TX, where he is in high demand as a performer and teacher. He is a graduate of the Royal College of Music, London, where he earned a Master of Performance degree as a student of Jonathan Barritt. He also holds a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music, from the University of North Texas, where he studied with Susan Dubois and Daphne Gerling. He is a member of the viola section of the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra and performs regularly with a number of orchestras in and beyond North Texas. While in London, he performed as principal viola of the RCM Opera, Philharmonic, Conductors, and Baroque Orchestras. He also performed as co-principal of the RCM Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. Notable chamber music engagements include performances at The Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace and at the British Ambassador’s Residence in Washington D.C. He is a passionate teacher, having previously held a teaching fellowship at the University of North Texas. Currently, he maintains a private studio in Frisco, TX, and is a frequent guest clinician and sectional coach. His students are regularly admitted to the highly competitive all-region orchestras, and many advance to the state solo competition each year. Also active in historical performance, he performs as a baroque violist in a number of ensembles including the American Baroque Opera Company, La Follia - Austin, and Ars Lyrica Houston. Highlights in this area include a performance at St. Martin in the Fields, London, with Ensemble Sylvatica, appearances at the Boston Early Music Festival, and a concert tour of Germany and Austria with the Fantasmi Baroque Ensemble. He studied baroque viola with Cynthia Roberts, and performs on an instrument made by Gabriel Bolioli. At present he is the orchestra manager for the Red River Lyric Opera and personnel manager for the Wichita Falls Symphony Orchestra.
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Troy Tippawang
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Troy attended Southern Methodist University for both his undergraduate and master's degrees in double bass performance. While there, he studied with Thomas Lederer and Brian Perry of the Dallas Symphony, and performed in the Meadows Symphony Orchestra and Meadows Wind Ensemble. In addition to large ensemble work, Troy has performed in everything from string duets to large chamber ensembles. From vocal recitals, to choirs, to new composer concerts, Troy has collaborated with all types of musician.Troy has been teaching privately in the North Texas area since 2013, and his students have received top marks in auditions and competitions. Since his start in music at the age of 10, he has gone on to coach chamber ensembles, perform with symphonies, and direct music clinics for middle and high school orchestras.
Troy currently lives in Allen, TX with his wife Hannah, and young son, Samson. In his spare time, he enjoys basketball and playing cards. |
