“Private Lessons” are not required to be a member of the Jackson Heights Band Program with the exception of the “Percussion”, “Oboe” and “Bassoon”. However, private lessons will help enhance a student’s musical growth in many ways. The following list of teachers are approved by the band director. If you find a private teacher who is not on this list, please consult Mr. Williamson before setting up lessons with your child.
Private Lesson Instructors
Although the director will work with all students on an individual basis, the value of private lessons cannot be overstated. Band class is essentially ensemble practice, but with private study, students can progress individually at a faster rate. If you are interested in your child taking private lessons, see this list and consult your child’s band teacher.
The following guidelines should be applied when seeking out a private teacher. The best private teachers:
- Specialize in one or two instruments (avoid “jack of all trades” type teachers)
- Play their instruments for their students during the lesson (modeling is an important trait)
- Set high standards of performance for their students
Help students choose music for Solo and Ensemble Festival and help to prepare them for the festival (if participating) - Insist students learn proper playing fundamentals & their scales and refuse to teach students that do not practice or come to lessons unprepared
- If your current band teacher is listed as a private instructor below, you may not use them as per FLDOE guidelines.
Recommended Private Teachers
Flute:
Brittni Autrey (East Seminole Co.) 561-262-2306
Stephanie Dimauro (DRF studios) 321-338-5440
Felicia Gray (DRF studios) 321-412-3043
Tammy Phillips (Stetson Univ.) 309-252-3017
Katie Nicklin (Altamonte) 407-647-8600
Oboe:
Kim Leiser (Sanford) 904-507-9287
Katey Hoey (N.E. Orange Co.) 407-927-0016
Andrew West (UCF) 407-335-0263
Ginny Byerts (Sanford) 321-262-9445
Bassoon:
Lisa Williamson (Winter Springs) 407-430-2221
Andrew West (UCF) 407-335-0263
Rich Ervin (Winter Park) 407-341-5458
Ashley Heintzen (Longwood) 407-920-8084
Clarinet:
Dan Ferri (DRF studios) 386-837-6655
Jessica Speak (Winter Springs) 321-439-6099
Stephen Benedick (Winter Springs/DRF Studios) 407-927-7840
Marc Kolodinsky (DRF Studios) 407-504-1373
Kathleen Kinion Chater (Lake Mary) 407-320-7705
Gordon O’Hara (Altamonte) 407-869-1650
Saxophone:
Dan Ferri (DRF studios) 386-837-6655
Stephen Benedick (Winter Springs/DRF Studios) 407-927-7840
Marc Kolodinsky (DRF Studios) 407-504-1373
Trumpet:
Mark Baron (Oviedo) 407-365-3568
Greg Barker (DRF Studios) 407-221-4057
Nancy King (Altamonte) 407-353-6952
Brandon Loos (Sanford) 386-717-3926
John Almeida (Altamonte) 407-310-3815
French Horn:
Grace Kuperman (East Seminole Co.) 407-320-7036
Greg Barker (DRF Studios) 407-221-4057
Ben Leiser (UCF & Sanford) 904-699-5191
Trombone/Euphonium/Tuba:
Rodney Maingrette (DRF Studios) 407-936-5658
Joey Vascik (Conway area) 407-592-5656
Alex Regazzi 917-251-3613
CJ Shafer (East Seminole Co.) 407-320-4321
Brandon Slone (Longwood) 407-320-1848
Bob Tucker (Orange Co.) 321-331-1511
Kerry Waldo (Longwood/Altamonte) 407-746-9385
Percussion:
Larry Byington (Oviedo) 407-493-5719
Heather Thorn (Longwood) 407-339-6683
Matthew Albano (Oviedo) 321-278-6962
Buck McLeod 407-688-1326
Dick Bonefante 407-252-7684
Willie Rast (Maitland) 407-928-1270
William Huth (Winter Springs) 407-929-6962
Gavin Prichard (Altamonte) 407-951-4020
Piano:
Julie Kaplan (Oviedo) jeffandjuliekaplan@yahoo.com
Erik Ettinger (Longwood) 407-913-4820
Yelena Mealy (Oviedo) lena@psionetics.com