Frequently Asked Questions

 

1.  What is the difference between the Elementary Instrumental Music Program and the Private Lesson Program?

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The Elementary Instrumental Music Program is offered to students entering Grades 3-5 for a weekly pull out lesson during the school day.  Lessons are taught in a class setting, and teach basic instrumental technique, music notation and theory and ensemble skills.  Students must be enrolled in the Elementary Instrumental Music Program in order to participate in school based ensembles such as orchestra or band.  The Private Lesson program is a completely separate program offering private instruction on a weekly basis.  Private music instruction is recommended to all students in the Elementary Instrumental Music Program and beyond in order to steadily continue technical development and proficiency on an instrument.

 

2.  The Music Program in Westford is outstanding and my child already plays pretty well without private instruction.  Why should we consider enrolling our child in the Private Lesson Program?

 

Students who practice regularly will continue to develop with continued study of their instrument.  Private lessons offer the student very specialized and customized instruction which opens up a great deal of growth potential and possibilities beyond the standard.  Private lessons are a great way to work towards pursuit of music at a significantly deeper level in addition to expanded opportunities including Junior/Senior District auditions and/or participation in Honor Ensembles.

 

3.  Why do voice lessons start no earlier than Grade 9?

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Voice lessons focus on the voice in ways that may harm voices that are still developing.  Lessons are deliberately postponed until the voice is ready to be challenged and developed for singing.   The middle school years are still a time where the voice is changing.

 

4.  Do you offer piano or other instruments?

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The Private Lesson Program is new to the Westford Public Schools and does not offer piano at this time.  Please contact the Private Lesson Coordinator if you have questions about your child's instrument.

 

5.  When/where do the lessons take place?

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Lessons are scheduled based on the availability of the teacher and the student.  That said, the teachers will not be available each day after school and will have a set day of the week when they will be teaching.  The lesson time and day will remain consistent for the entire semester.  Lessons will take place at Westford Academy in either the afternoon or evening.

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6.  What if we need to cancel a lesson?

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Please see Attendance under Policies.

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