Music Lessons
Private Music Lessons - Music 110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212
Students that sign up for private lessons receive a weekly (10 in total) private lesson
with a music instructor that is highly qualified in their area of specialty. In addition
to daily practice, some lesson instructors may require the student to participate
in studio master classes and recitals. Students will also perform a jury (an adjudicated
performance) at the end of the term.
Any college student can be a candidate for lessons at WVC. Lessons classes count
as Humanities credits for many degrees at WVC. But all Music Majors should enroll
in lessons on their main instrument (this includes voice) every term they are at WVC.
Six terms of lessons (including success at the 200 level) are a graduation requirement
for WVC’s Music D.T.A. degree.Performance standards for college lessons are high.
However, students with limited background or starting ability may still be accepted
into a lessons instructor’s studio, with the understanding that the student will need
to work hard and make rapid progress toward collegiate level playing. Students that
do not show progress may be advised to not enroll in future terms of WVC college credit
private lessons.
As a guideline, students should set aside an hour of practice time every day in their
first year of college, increasing to 2 hours per day by the time they enter their
second year. More importantly, making every practice minute effective, and part of
larger goals optimizes the student’s ability to develop skill and musicality.
Expert guidance coupled with regular, goal oriented practice is the best way for most
people to develop skill and musicality on an instrument or voice. If you are a Music
Major, developing skill and musicality on your main instrument/voice should be the
primary focus of your study at WVC. Your acceptance into another school’s music department
when you transfer is primarily based on your ability to play/sing well, and to show
potential for continued growth and success. Traditionally transfer schools learn about
your ability to play through auditions and teacher’s letters of recommendations.
How you present and carry yourself during the audition, your music course grades,
and what you do outside of class (summer music camps, performances, as well as volunteering,
mentoring etc.) can create a positive image of how you may grow as a musician and
leader in the future.
Private Lesson courses have a fee in addition to the cost of the credit tuition.
Currently, the fee is $300. The fee is paid to the instructor for the 10 (45 minute)
lessons they provide.
Check out the Contacts Page for current instructors and what they teach.
Students should contact the teacher at WVC that teaches in their area of study. Some
instructors may require a preliminary meeting or audition. Arrange to have the your
instructor sign an add/drop form, registering for the private instruction class that
the instructor’s name is associated with.
For more information about lessons, contact:
Juel Iwaasa
Music Program Director/Faculty
Office: Music and Art Center
Phone: 509.682.6757
E-mail: jiwaasa@wvc.edu