IVEP Lessons begin Monday September 14th REGISTRATION is open
NEW TO IVEP? REQUEST LESSONS HERE
Why Choose IVEP?
Excellence, Convenience, and Curricular Alignment
We offer private lessons with highly qualified, experienced, and carefully vetted music educators and professional musicians. Conveniently, all lessons take place on WPS school campuses. For this reason, we are able to keep our rates affordable. Additionally, all our private lesson staff work in close collaboration with our school band and orchestra directors to ensure that what students learn in their private lessons is directly connected and well-aligned with what they play in their school ensembles.
What we offer:
Private lessons are available to students on the following band and orchestra instruments. We also offer vocal lessons, as well as lessons in piano and guitar (please note that piano and guitar are not typically a part of band or orchestra ensembles).
| Strings Kindergarten and up | Woodwinds Grades 3 and up | Brass Grades 3 and up | Percussion Piano Voice |
| Violin | Flute | Trumpet | Percussion (gr 3 and up) |
| Viola | Clarinet | Horn | |
| Cello | Oboe | Trombone | Voice (gr 6 and up) |
| Bass (gr 2 and up) | Bassoon | Euphonium | |
| Guitar (gr 4 and up)* | Saxophone | Tuba | Piano (Kindergarten and up)* |
*these instruments are not typically part of school band or orchestra ensembles
Our Teachers
Please visit our staff directory to learn about our highly qualified, professional instructors.
How to Register for Lessons
NEW TO IVEP? REQUEST LESSONS HERE
IVEP uses the same Online Registration System that is used for Wellesley Parks & Recreation, WPS Bus Fees, Athletics Fees, Wings and PAWS Preschool, so most families already have an account.
Click the Lesson Payments & Ticket Sales link at the top of this page, or the Fee Payment link at the top of any WPS webpage
- Look for the MEMBER LOGIN box
If you have never used the Online Registration System before, you will need to Create an Account and wait until the next business day to be confirmed.
- Click My Account at the top of the page and take a moment to review your Contact Information & Family Member data if you have not done so recently. Click Done to go back to the Online Registration Home Page.
- At the bottom of the screen select the Instrument Family: Strings, Woodwinds, Brass, or Percussion, Piano, & Voice
- The next page lists the instruments and the lesson durations (30-, 45-, or 60-minutes)
- Click on the shopping cart next to your selection of instrument and lesson duration
- A green bar will appear at the bottom of the page; click ENROLL NOW
- Select the family member to register for music lessons from the drop-down list. Click ADD TO CART
- If you get an alert about a grade conflict, click OK. Click My Account at the top of the page; scroll down to Change Member Data. Click on the first name of the family member you want to change; correct the grade level and click Finish. Click Done to go back to the home page and go back to Step #4.
- If you get an alert about an activity conflict, click OK and continue through the Check-Out process. Lesson times are scheduled directly with the IVEP teacher.
- Read and review the Activity Waiver and Lesson Guidelines and click AGREE
- Select the private lesson teacher, and answer the other activity registration questions
- For Beginning students, fill out the lesson request form in order to be matched with a lesson teacher
- Please be sure to speak with your lesson teacher first about availability and scheduling before you submit.
- Click SUBMIT.
- Select a payment option
- You may choose to pay in full or through an installment plan (dates predetermined by WPS)
- All payments should be made through the Performing Arts office, preferably online using a credit or debit card; please do not give cash or checks to your lesson teacher
- Review your shopping cart and click PROCEED TO CHECKOUT
- Select the Credit Card type and click CONTINUE
- Enter in the payment amount
- Lessons must be paid in full prior to starting lessons for the semester
- Click SUBMIT PAYMENT
- A receipt will be emailed to the email address on file
Why Learn to Play an Instrument
Learning an instrument is about so much more than learning to play music. Band and orchestra give students a place to belong, a chance to have fun, and an opportunity to grow as musicians, learners, and people.
- Playing an instrument is fun. Students experience the excitement and satisfaction of making music with others and seeing their skills grow.
- Playing an instrument supports academic success. It engages the brain in powerful ways, strengthening focus, memory, listening, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills that support learning across the school day.
- Students who play an instrument learn persistence. Learning an instrument takes practice. Students learn that mistakes are part of learning, and that patience and persistence lead to progress.
- Playing an instrument builds teamwork. Band and orchestra are collaborative experiences where every student has an important role. Students learn to listen to one another, work together, and contribute to a shared goal.
- Students who play an instrument develop discipline and responsibility. Regular practice and preparation help students develop organization, self-discipline, and responsibility—skills that transfer to school and beyond.
- Playing an instrument builds confidence. Learning something challenging, overcoming mistakes, and performing with others helps students develop confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
- Students who play an instrument find their community. Instrumental music brings together students who may not otherwise spend time together during the school day, creating new friendships, connections, and a strong sense of community throughout their WPS experience.
- Playing an instrument develops real-world skills. It develops skills that are valuable in school, future careers, and everyday life, including communication, collaboration, creativity, leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance.
- Students who play an instrument always have a place. Band and orchestra welcome students with different interests, experiences, strengths, and learning styles. There is an important role for every student.
- Playing an instrument supports the whole child. It gives students a creative outlet, a way to express themselves, and a positive experience that can enrich their school life.
Most of all, playing an instrument gives students a place to belong, grow, and have fun.
Join the music-making!
Choosing an Instrument
There is no single formula for choosing an instrument. Students are often drawn to instruments because of their sound, the way they look, something they have heard or seen, or simply because they are curious. Here are a few things to think about:
- What sounds does your child love? Listen to recordings or watch performances together. Does your child gravitate toward bright and energetic sounds, mellow and warm sounds, or deep and powerful sounds?
- What naturally interests them? Does your child tap out rhythms, sing constantly, love to make unusual sounds, or pay close attention to melodies? These interests can provide clues about instruments they might enjoy.
- Have they always wanted to play a particular instrument? If your child has a strong interest in an instrument, that enthusiasm is worth considering. Being excited about an instrument can be a great motivator when learning something new.
- Think about the instrument’s role in an ensemble. Every instrument contributes something different. Some carry melodies, some provide harmony, and some create the rhythmic foundation. There is an important role for every musician.
- Don’t worry about getting it “right” the first time. Choosing an instrument is a starting point, not a permanent decision.
Sometimes You Have to Try a Few Flavors
Choosing an instrument can be a little like choosing ice cream. You might think you know your favorite flavor, try it, and discover something completely different!
Some students know immediately which instrument they love. Others need to try something before they know whether it is a good fit. A student may also discover that an instrument they tried in the past wasn’t the right choice at that particular time.
Maybe they weren’t ready for it yet. Maybe the instrument wasn’t a good fit. Maybe they simply needed more time to develop the skills and confidence to enjoy it.
Trying an instrument—and not loving it—doesn’t mean a student isn’t a musician.
Music is a journey, and students can discover new interests and strengths as they grow. The most important thing is to give students opportunities to explore, experiment, and find an instrument they are excited to play.
When possible, let your child be part of the conversation. Their excitement about an instrument can be one of the best reasons to give it a try.
Elementary Band and Orchestra
Taking private lessons is an important part of a student’s musical development, but it is only one component. An important addition is participating in the school band or orchestra ensemble. We offer beginner and continuing levels at each of our elementary schools. Please visit the Elementary Band and Orchestra page for more information!
FAQs – Coming Soon
Contact Us – MusicLessons@wellesleyps.org or GallagherL@wellesleyps.org
781-446-6210 x 5722