Lessons

Please fill out and return the attached PDF if you are interested in Private Lessons for your student:

When filling out the above form, do not feel that you have to choose a preferred lessons teacher. We can assist with that pairing. Some of our Private Lessons staff have sent us bios (below). However, we have many lessons teachers available that we do not have bios for. Let us know how we can help!

Private Lessons are the fastest way our students improve on their instrument. We have an amazing private lessons staff available to our students that work with them one-on-one to help them reach their musical potential. Each private teacher will design an instruction sequence and program tailored to your student’s individual needs, allowing each student to progress at his/her own rate of ability. Professional lesson teachers on each instrument will be available to teach during band class or outside of the school day. Lessons are charged at a rate of $25 per 25-minute lesson (half of the class period), and fees are paid directly to the lesson teachers. Students enrolled in private lessons usually make All-Region Band, earn first division superior ratings on solos, and sit at the top of their section. Private lessons are vital to any quality band program. Private Lessons are highly encouraged for students in the Symphonic Band and Beginner Band. Students that are enrolled in the Wind Ensemble are REQUIRED to take private lessons. If there are financial concerns and your family requires any assistance please contact the band directors. No student will be removed from Wind Ensemble for financial reasons. We will find a way to get your student the 1-on-1 or small group attention that they deserve. Listed below are some of the many ways private lessons can benefit your student.

  1. Private lessons teachers model a professional sound on their instrument. Your
    student can best learn how to make a characteristic tone by regularly playing along with
    someone who makes a professional level sound.
  2. Students are able to perform by themselves weekly and get concentrated feedback.
    In band class, your student will be in a large class and will not have as much opportunity
    to play individually.
  3. Students are able to focus on supplemental exercises written specifically for their
    instrument. These fundamentals are crucial for later development and more advanced
    playing ability.
  4. All-Region Band auditions can be approached on an individual level.
    Teachers can work at your child’s pace and help develop a game-plan for high level
    music. This helps students learn how to set goals – long term and weekly goals.
  5. Instructors give students a chance to play a unique solo that they love at
    Solo contest. Lesson teachers, experts on solos for their instruments, are able to
    offer students a number of solos that are ideal for their development level. They can
    choose solos that work on goals for that student that focus on objectives, such as
    extending range, improving articulation, and introducing foreign key signatures.
    Giving students more options means they are more likely to find a solo that fits their
    personality and they enjoy playing.

Please reach out to Mr. Dolotina or Mrs. Arredondo with any questions/concerns regarding private lessons

Jordan.Dolotina@bisd.net

Camber.Arredondo@bisd.net


Meet Our Private Lesson Staff of 2024-2025

Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone


Flute and Clarinet

Jennie Miller is a native of New Mexico and has been teaching in Central Texas since 1996. Ms. Miller holds a Bachelor and Masters degree in Music Education from New Mexico State University. Following her time at New Mexico State, Ms. Miller served as a band director for seventeen years. Ms. Miller began to maintain a private lesson studio while teaching at Holy Trinity Catholic High School. Her students have ranked high at both region and area, and qualified for the Texas State Solo & Ensemble contest.

Contact information: jennie_miller@msn.com


Saxophone and Clarinet

For over two decades, Kaylenn Henderson has dedicated their career to music education, with nine of those years focused on guiding private clarinet and saxophone students. Mrs. Henderson believes that a great lesson goes beyond scales and exercises; it’s about building a strong relationship with each student. By understanding their unique goals and challenges, Mrs. Henderson helps them not only improve their playing but also develop confidence and a lifelong love for music. This approach has led to notable student achievements, including a Texas All-State musician. To learn more or to schedule a lesson, please contact me at trebleclefmom1@gmail.com

Clarinet


Double Reeds



Trumpet and Brass


French Horn


Low Brass


Percussion

Scott Dudley – scottdudley.org

Biography:

Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Baylor University

Lifetime Teaching Certificate from the State of Texas

Active performing musician and adjudicator

Performing member of Temple Symphony Orchestra

21 years experience teaching middle school and high school musicians

Member of the Central Texas community for over 20 years

Beliefs:

After over 20 years of teaching music education in a public school setting, I have developed several fundamental beliefs:

All students can learn

All students learn in different ways

All students learn at different rates

All students can use music as a powerful catalyst for personal growth