Private Lessons:
In lessons your child will receive weekly one-on-one attention with a curriculum tailored toward their specific needs and the expectations of their band program. Private lessons are not like academic tutoring where students take extra time because they are struggling. I do teach students who have had difficulty keeping up with their band programs. However, many of my students are at the top of their class, earning spots in district, region, and all-state band.
Develop self-discipline:
Any musician would agree that daily practice is the key to success. However, students often go home and practice what they already know and are good at, which leads to very little improvement. In lessons my students will be given feedback on where they need the most improvement and a practice plan to follow to promote improvement through daily practice.
Constructive Answers and Positive Reinforcement:
There are few things more frustrating than having a problem to solve but none of the right tools. In lessons, students will receive constructive criticism on their playing. They will be given the “proper tools” to solve their problems through practice and grow into better musicians! They will receive positive reinforcement and encouragement to keep pushing forward.
Increase Attention Span, and Set Personal Goals:
By always having something to work on, a goal to work toward, students are much more likely to succeed as a result of consistent improvements through practice and lessons. My students are encouraged to set manageable goals and coached on how to reach them. Whether it be moving up a chair or competing for a spot in one of our all state bands, I am able to help my students get what they want.
Added Benefits:
Numerous studies have proved that students who take music lessons earn higher test scores in academic and extracurricular areas (an average of 19% higher in English and 17% in math compared to peers).
Have FUN!
“ I’ve found in life, the more you practice, the better you get. If you want something enough and work hard to get it, your chances of success are greater.” - Ted Williams
It's FUN to be good!
Testimonials:
“We’re fortunate that Crystal has been our son’s saxophone teacher since he was a beginner. We’ve been so impressed by B’s growth as a musician and a person under her tutelage. Crystal is not only thoroughly knowledgeable as a teacher, but also kind, encouraging, and truly invested in her students’ learning and success. ”
“Dr. Duckett is an incredible private lesson teacher who constantly offered me the motivation, encouragement, and inspiration I needed to become the best saxophonist I could be. Every week, I always looked forward to my private lessons! I knew I would receive concrete feedback on how to improve my musical abilities, but also just have fun showcasing my improvements from the previous week. Dr. Duckett has figured out the perfect balance of pushing her students while also providing constant support and understanding. I owe most of my musical achievements to the coaching and guidance of Dr. Duckett, and I am very appreciative of her for growing and fostering my love for the saxophone! ”
“Crystal goes beyond all expectation to help students. When one of my beginners was struggling with tone production, we were able to send her a video of the issue, and she sent back a mini-master class on the issue, fixes, and exercises for him that not only fixed the issue but set the student on the path to be one of the best players in his group. Every time I’ve had a student in need, Crystal has been able to not only find a solution but also helps propel that student forward.”
“I have been a student of Dr. Duckett for almost three years, and she is amazing. She has taught me so much and I would not be where I am now without her. She has given me confidence in my playing skills and she has great teaching methods that have really challenged me and helped me to improve. I always look forward to all my lessons and overall love having her as my teacher.”
“Lessons with Dr. Duckett quickly took my fundamentals and tone to a higher level through in-depth and higher level feedback and guided lessons. Dr. Duckett became a role model and mentor as I transitioned from high school to college to study music education. Her teaching style, words of wisdom and advice are words I still hold dear to me today and are words that I share with my own students in my classrooms. ”
“Before taking lessons with Dr. Duckett, starting the summer in between 8th and 9th grade, I felt overwhelmed and behind compared to all of my peers, but those feelings quickly went away before the fall semester started. Dr. Duckett broke things down for me so they were easier to understand and more enjoyable to learn. She continued to do this for me throughout the four years that I took lessons with her and tailored the lessons as well as the choice of exercises and pieces to my skill level and taste, while challenging me just enough to grow without feeling overwhelmed. Throughout my high school career Dr. Duckett helped me grow tremendously as not only a musician, but a person as well. She gave me the confidence to take on challenging pieces that I never thought I would be able to play when I first started lessons and made band one of the most enjoyable experiences that I will always remember.”
