To ensure each student's artistic excellence, the faculty and staff of the Episcopal Performing Arts Academy are dedicated to creating an atmosphere where students can grow in all areas of the arts. Lessons are taught by local, professional musicians with a passion for sharing their musical talents and instructing students. While staying true to the Episcopal mission, the Performing Arts Academy instructors will work closely with each student, providing accelerated learning at the pace of the student. 

The Episcopal Performing Arts Academy is proud to offer once a week, private, 30-minute lessons in the following instruments this fall: piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, mandolin, banjo, violin, viola, and cello. Since the fine motor skills are still being developed in our youngest Knights, ukulele, guitar, banjo and mandolin are only offered for 2nd graders and up.

Lessons are taught throughout the school day on campus. Instructors work in cooperation with our homeroom teachers to ensure that the student never misses an academic period. Students will attend lessons during recess, physical education,  language arts, before school, after school or during nap time. 

We are also excited to offer a Lower School Choir for grades 3rd - 5th.

Performing Arts Academy, Protocols and Procedures.
Lessons are once a week and last approximately half an hour. For Lower School students, most lessons are given during physical education, with limited options during Morning Meeting or Spanish. Middle School and Upper School students are scheduled during any pull-out period. A limited number of before-school and after-school slots are also available, depending on the grade and the music teacher. Scheduling is at the music teacher's discretion, and lesson time requests cannot be guaranteed. Lessons begin at the end of August and continue through the beginning of May. The student will be given 14, 30-minute lessons each semester.

Tuition will be charged by the school, billed by month or semester. Students are expected to remain in the program for an entire year. In the event of early withdrawal from the program, you will be asked to fulfill your financial obligation until a student can be found to take your place.

Students must have an instrument on which they can practice. Instruments can be borrowed, rented, or purchased. We will be more than happy to provide this information for you on the instrument that your student chooses. Regular practice is important.

We regularly offer student recitals, one in the fall and one in the spring. Students are also encouraged to play at different events around campus, and at Morning Meeting.

We also recommend that you purchase a tote bag in which to store all piano books and materials. This helps keep books in good shape as we walk to and from piano lessons, which are in the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
 

Parents are welcome to sit in on the first few lessons each year so that they know how to help their child practice. We are also happy to set up a meeting with parents to talk about expectations for the year.

Attendance, Make-up Policy and Practice Code

Attendance policies are strictly followed as it is important for everyone to support the student’s education while respecting the instructor’s time. Students agree to arrive at each lesson punctually, well prepared, and with their assignment books and music. To make good progress, daily practice of quality and efficiency is necessary. We want you to completely understand every concept and skill. Please ask questions.

Excused absences: In the case of emergencies, such as illness, or upon 24-hour notice for certain non-emergency situations, changes in the instructor’s schedule can be made. Make-up classes will be provided within the semester of the missed lesson. If your child becomes sick on their lesson day, please notify the teacher via email about the absence so they can plan for a make-up lesson. If the instructor misses a lesson for any reason, a make-up class will always be given at a convenient time for all parties. Make-up lessons are given at the discretion of the individual teacher.

Unexcused absences: Unexcused absences will not be considered for make-up lesson times. School functions, such as field trips, in school assemblies or events, as well as holidays are not considered for make-up lessons. “No Show” lessons (missed lessons with no notification to the teacher) are forfeited. In addition, there are no make-up lessons for lessons missed because of family vacation or personal time.

Sick Policy: Students should follow the school's guidelines for illnesses and a make-up lesson will be arranged. Parents must notify the private lesson teacher of the student being absent. 

Timeliness is especially important for not only the instructor’s planning but also to ensure the student receives a full lesson. In addition, lessons for other students may be scheduled in succession, so in respect of everyone’s time, lessons must not continue past the scheduled time. Middle School students that are permitted to walk to their lesson un-escorted are solely responsible for making it to their lesson in a timely manner. If they choose not to show up to their lesson, the lesson is considered a “No Show” and forfeited.

Practice on a regular basis by the student is the key to successful lessons. Lessons provide guidance and oversight to the student’s skill, development and knowledge; however, progress is only made through daily practice. While a practice log is provided in the student’s folder, we strongly encourage parents to take moments to encourage the student to practice and praise them for their effort and progress. Students will not always be able to sense their own improvement and thus, regular acknowledgement on the part of the parents and instructor will give them the motivation to continue in their studies. Beginner-level students, especially kindergarten-age students, greatly benefit from supervision and guidance from parents. Please make it a point to sit with your child at the keyboard during short practice sessions to ensure he/she is on task during the very early stages of individual practice time.

 

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Please use the Preferred Lesson Time boxes to rank your 1st choice, 2nd choice and 3rd choice time preference. Enter Before, During or After School in each box.
I have read the attendance, make-up policy

 

Meet the Team:

 

Tori TaylorTori Taylor, Director of the Arts Academy - Private Piano and Voice Teacher

Episcopal's Performing Arts Department is such a special place and I am honored to be part of it. Before joining Episcopal in 2011, I earned my bachelor's degree in music education with a vocal and piano emphases from Louisiana State University. I have taught general music in multiple private schools in the Baton Rouge area and have had a private music studio for the last fourteen years. When I am not teaching, I enjoy traveling, coffee shops and the beach! 

 

 

Dr. Analynn SoberDr. Analynn Sober - Voice

I am so excited to be a vocal instructor at Episcopal! I began my musical journey at a young age singing in the Lake Charles, Louisiana community children’s choir Les Petite Voix. I received my Bachelor of Music Education from McNeese State University where I performed with the advanced choir, Madrigal singers, Blues ensemble, and as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah. I then went on to receive my Masters in Vocal Performance from Southeastern Louisiana University, where I had the opportunity to perform many roles and premiere Evangeline an opera by Dr. Gwyneth Walker as the title character. My last adventure in academia was pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts with a concentration in vocal performance at The University of Southern Mississippi.  While at USM, I was a Graduate Assistant for three years. This was the first time I really dove into the world of private teaching and fell in love with it. Following my graduation in 2020, I was asked to come back as an adjunct professor for a year at USM. Since then, I have enjoyed teaching private voice lessons on Zoom and in person, and I cannot wait to share in the joy of music with another group of students!​

Connie BolesConnie Boles - Private Piano

I am so excited to be teaching private piano lessons in the Arts Academy here at Episcopal. I have been teaching piano for over 42 years, along with being a general music classroom instructor for 20 years. I earned my bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from LSU - GEAUX TIGERS! I have a long history of making music learning fun and encouraging for my students to love music. I am looking forward to meeting you all in the studio and seeing what we can learn together!

 

Carrie PoynotCarrie Poynot - Squire Choir Conductor

Our strong choral traditions continue at Episcopal with the addition of the Squire Choir. This addition to our choral department allows students to begin their choral studies at a much younger age, preparing them for our upper-level choirs. I earned a bachelor’s degree in music and vocal music education from Centenary College of Louisiana and a master’s degree in music and choral conducting from Louisiana State University. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband, Joe, reading and spending time with my furry friends. I also enjoy playing music around the community when able.


Danis SalassiDanis Salassi - Violin

I am very excited to bring Suzuki Violin to Episcopal. I have expanded my traditional Suzuki Violin training to include Suzuki In Schools. This addition bridges the learning process to support independent students while still learning beautiful repertoire with the benefits of the Suzuki Method. In addition to teaching, I enjoy performing with The Original Magnolia String Quartet, as well as playing for many local churches and theaters. I love sharing music with all ages. I have taught general music using Kindermusik curriculum. In all lessons, I try to create a positive learning environment to inspire my students to reach their musical potential.

 


Tracy TaylorTracy Taylor - Private Piano

I am honored to be a private piano teacher in the Arts Academy at Episcopal. My love for the piano, and music in general, started at a very young age while watching my father be a church pianist, song writer, and music teacher. I have been a private piano teacher for over 40 years, as well as a general music teacher and church pianist at Temple Baptist Church. 

I earned my bachelor's in music education from LSU. In my private studio, I love to watch my students learn and grow in their music education for the piano through interactive activities and fun games. When I am not teaching, I enjoy playing music in the community, cooking, and spending time with my husband and six grown kids. 

Marshall FarrellMarshall Farrell - All Instruments - Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone and Percussion

Marshall joined Episcopal in 2020 from Trinity Episcopal School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he taught fourth through eighth grade band and lower school general music. He has also taught at Haywood Elementary School in Nashville, TN. Marshall has a Bachelor's degree in Music Education with a focus in Jazz Saxophone from the Ohio State University and a Master's degree also in Music Education from the University of Georgia. Marshall enjoys living nearby Episcopal with his wife, Erin and his daughter, Heidi. 

Pricing:

Pricing: $675 per semester, plus $45 studio fee in the first semester.

Lower School Choir Pricing: $400 per semester. 

The cost of music books and festival entries is an additional fee and will be managed by each teacher individually.

 

Get Involved with the Arts Krewe

The Arts Krewe, our parent-run arts booster group, provides financial and volunteer support including backstage assistance, concession staffing, coordinating events and fundraisers, providing snacks, and more. We support all of Episcopal's art disciplines: band, choir, dance, theater, and visual arts. 

Every parent with students engaged in Episcopal art programs is automatically a member of the Arts Krewe. Show your support by contributing your time, talents, and resources.

Learn more    Get involved today    Become a supporting member

 

 

 

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