Voice Lessons

The Tompkins Choir program offers the opportunity for students to take part in the KISD Private Lessons Program. It is not required, but is a valuable resource for students to work directly with a qualified and approved voice teacher.

The voice is an instrument and as such it is important that each individual avail himself or herself of the opportunity to learn how to use their instrument. while each Choir class will devote time to vocal development, it is highly recommended that singers study privately either through the KISD Private Lesson Program or with other teachers in Katy or Houston.

All voice teachers who teach on campus are contracted by KISD. Students pay the teacher directly The fee per half hour is determined by the credentials of each teacher including degree level and years of teaching experience. The breakdown of rates is below. Each teacher will provide a studio policy detailing the preferred method of payment and attendance guidelines.

• Tier 1 - Non-Degreed or 0--4 years experience: $19 per half hour (not offered)
• Tier 2 - Bachelor Degree or 5-9 years experience: $21 per half hour
• Tier 3 - Master Degree or 10-14 years experience: $23 per half hour
• Tier 4 - Doctorate Degree or 15+ years experience: $25 per half hour

The object of the voice lesson is for students to learn good vocal technique and how their individual voice functions. Students will build a repertoire that may include art songs, arias, musical theater, pop music, or vocal jazz. Students may study the All-State Choir repertoire or prepare for UIL Solo & Ensemble competition. They may also choose to prepare audition material for events like Coffee House, Singing Valentines, or Pop Show. In order for the student to be successful, it is crucial that he or she practice between lessons.

Students who wish to take part int he KISD private lessons program must complete the student application and email it to the choir director. Students will be placed with a voice lessons teach and their contact information will be sent via email. Additionally, a deposit in the amount of 1-month's worth of lessons must be received by the assigned voice teacher prior to the first lesson. Communication in regards to the deposit should occur directly with the private lessons instructor **Studio availability is limited and lessons are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

It is important that the student/parent obtain all contact information from the instructor (phone, email, etc) in the event a lesson must be missed. Unexcused absences form voice lessons will be charged the full lesson price. Communication regarding attendance should occur directly with the voice teacher, not the choir directors.