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 orchestra 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 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, 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 are required to take 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 are required to take 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. 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!
Ethan Rouse
Violin/Viola
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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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Angeline Aldridge
Violin/Viola
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Angeline Aldridge is a violinist and educator based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She holds a Master’s Degree in Music Education as well as dual Bachelor’s degrees in Violin Performance and Music Education from the University of North Texas, where she studied violin under Dr. Felix Olschofka, performed in orchestras led by Professor David Itkin and Dr. Clay Couturiaux, and studied music education with Dr. Elizabeth Chappell.
An active performer, Ms. Aldridge has played with numerous orchestras across Texas, including serving as Concertmaster for the North Richland Hills Orchestra, performing with the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Pops Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra,Dallas Millennial Choirs and Orchestra and currently performs with the L’amitié String Quartet. Her formative studies included work with respected violin pedagogues Arkady Fomin and Karen Choi. In addition to her performance career, Ms. Aldridge currently owns and operates a private violin studio and has held leadership roles in public school orchestra programs. She is a dedicated and experienced educator who started as the Assistant Director of Orchestras at Independence HS, Frisco ISD then served as the founding Director of Orchestras at Emerson High School in Frisco, TX, establishing the program upon the school’s opening . Ms. Aldridge is passionate about nurturing the next generation of musicians through both private instruction and classroom teaching, and remains active as a performer, clinician, and mentor in the North Texas music community. |
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