Welcome to the website of Donna Foley's Double Reed Studio!
Why Private Lessons?
Students who are involved in instrumental music programs during middle school and high school scored considerably higher than their non-band peers on standardized tests. According to studies there is a significant relationship between the number of years of music instruction and the student’s academic achievement in language arts, science and math. Music teaches self-discipline, reinforces self-esteem, fosters thinking skills and creativity, and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Researchers have found that music training also helps underachievers.
Some parents want to see if their student likes an instrument before beginning lessons. Often with a double reed instrument, a student will not want to continue because of the complexity, unless they are taking private lessons.
A private teacher can help your child learn specific things about their instrument that are usually not covered in a general band class or their band book. As an example, the fingering charts have not been updated in decades. They will work, but they are not the best. The keywork has changed on some of the instruments. And is not reflected in the books. They can also help your child understand the proper care and maintenance of their instrument to avoid costly repair bills and possible illnesses.
Think of private lessons as an apprenticeship. You can learn so much more from someone who is a specialist in that industry.
Students who are involved in instrumental music programs during middle school and high school scored considerably higher than their non-band peers on standardized tests. According to studies there is a significant relationship between the number of years of music instruction and the student’s academic achievement in language arts, science and math. Music teaches self-discipline, reinforces self-esteem, fosters thinking skills and creativity, and promotes teamwork and cooperation. Researchers have found that music training also helps underachievers.
Some parents want to see if their student likes an instrument before beginning lessons. Often with a double reed instrument, a student will not want to continue because of the complexity, unless they are taking private lessons.
A private teacher can help your child learn specific things about their instrument that are usually not covered in a general band class or their band book. As an example, the fingering charts have not been updated in decades. They will work, but they are not the best. The keywork has changed on some of the instruments. And is not reflected in the books. They can also help your child understand the proper care and maintenance of their instrument to avoid costly repair bills and possible illnesses.
Think of private lessons as an apprenticeship. You can learn so much more from someone who is a specialist in that industry.
My Philosophy:
Your child comes with unique experiences, interests and learning styles. My goal is to get to know your child well and use this knowledge to guide, support and motivate them. An individual lesson plan is tailored based on your child's needs.
What We Do In A Lesson:
During each lesson we will practice tone quality, scales, musical rhythms, prepared music, sight reading and other items as your child’s ability increases. We also review your child’s school music and work on any problem areas.
I can help your child find their individual potential.
Materials needed for each lesson:
Homework:
Your child will have homework each lesson. It will reflect the skills that we are covering. Lessons will be reviewed during the private lesson and should be practiced throughout the week at home.
Your child comes with unique experiences, interests and learning styles. My goal is to get to know your child well and use this knowledge to guide, support and motivate them. An individual lesson plan is tailored based on your child's needs.
What We Do In A Lesson:
During each lesson we will practice tone quality, scales, musical rhythms, prepared music, sight reading and other items as your child’s ability increases. We also review your child’s school music and work on any problem areas.
I can help your child find their individual potential.
Materials needed for each lesson:
- Their instrument in working condition
- Reeds - minimum 3 in good working condition (No chips, tears or mold)
- Method Book for lessons - I will suggest this book based on your child’s playing ability
- Band Class Music
- Any special music
- A pencil
Homework:
Your child will have homework each lesson. It will reflect the skills that we are covering. Lessons will be reviewed during the private lesson and should be practiced throughout the week at home.
About Donna Foley:
Ms. Foley is a freelance musician and experienced private lesson teacher with 40+ years at the intermediate, middle and high school levels in three states. Her students are frequently qualified for Region, Area and State bands and receive high scores in Region and State Solo and Ensemble. Some have also become professional musicians and educators.
Ms. Foley started playing clarinet at the age of 7. She later learned flute, bassoon, oboe and sax and plays them actively. She has played in symphonies,, bands, opera theatres, churches & synagogues nationwide since 1975. She was also selected to perform as part of the Metro Big Band at the World Expo in Nagoya, Japan in 2005.
Ms. Foley teaches at band camps at Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas as well as being a private lesson teacher and clinician for a number of Dallas area school districts. She also helped establish the first band camp while on tour in Amman, Jordan in 2005.
Ms. Foley attended Chapman College in Orange, CA as a Bassoon Performance major
Ms. Foley studied under several wonderful teachers that made a huge impact on her life as a musician.
Ms. Foley is a freelance musician and experienced private lesson teacher with 40+ years at the intermediate, middle and high school levels in three states. Her students are frequently qualified for Region, Area and State bands and receive high scores in Region and State Solo and Ensemble. Some have also become professional musicians and educators.
Ms. Foley started playing clarinet at the age of 7. She later learned flute, bassoon, oboe and sax and plays them actively. She has played in symphonies,, bands, opera theatres, churches & synagogues nationwide since 1975. She was also selected to perform as part of the Metro Big Band at the World Expo in Nagoya, Japan in 2005.
Ms. Foley teaches at band camps at Henderson State University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas as well as being a private lesson teacher and clinician for a number of Dallas area school districts. She also helped establish the first band camp while on tour in Amman, Jordan in 2005.
Ms. Foley attended Chapman College in Orange, CA as a Bassoon Performance major
Ms. Foley studied under several wonderful teachers that made a huge impact on her life as a musician.
- American Youth Symphony - Mehli Mehta (1908-2008), Music Director/Conductor; Zubin Mehta, Conductor
- Alan Goodman (retired), former co-principal bassoonist-Los Angeles Philharmonic
- Ralph Lee (1921-1986), principal bassoonist, Glendale Symphony; studio musician, Warner Brothers Studios. Big Bands (flute, clarinet & sax) with the Dorsey Bros, Jimmy Dorsey, Tex Beneke and many others.
- Claude Lakey (1910-1990), saxophone, flute, clarinet and trumpet with Glenn Miller Band, Harry James Band, U.S. Army Band, 1st student conductor of the One O'clock Lab Band at UNT, Founder of the San Fernando Valley Youth Bands and creator of Claude Lakey Mouthpieces.