Mansfield Summit Private Lesson Information

The Best Way to Succeed in Band at Summit High School

We strongly encourage our band members to take private lessons on their instrument, as this is a great way to set and achieve measurable goals with a Professional Musician or Specialist on ones’ specific instrument. Each instrument has special needs and tendencies.  As a result, we partner with some of the finest trained professionals in their fields.  There is no substitute for taking lessons with an individual who performers or specializes on a specific instrument, and we work to find the best fit for each of our band members.

Many think that “private lessons” or “tutoring” are only needed for kids who are struggling with their instrument … while it is great for “extra help” as it suggests, those students who are excelling on their instruments benefit equally and usually excel to a whole new level of performance with the addition of private lessons. It is virtually impossible to achieve high levels of success in the TMEA All-State Process without coaching from a private lesson instructor.

Even if your band member will not pursue music as a career, taking lessons teaches responsibility, goal setting, and commitment to a craft or process.  The art of learning to commit and work towards excellence applies far beyond learning to play an instrument. Although there are many instructors in the Dallas area, the list below represents a collection of individuals who we have worked with in the past and have proven extremely knowledgeable and trustworthy.

They are masters at their craft and trusted by our staff to further your band member’s love for music and achieve success at TMEA All-State Auditions and all facets of the Summit Band Program. If you do not currently study with one of our recommended instructors, we highly encourage you to explore taking a sample lesson with them to see what you think!

Please contact Mr. Hermanson (elizabethhermanson@misdmail.org) for more information on how to select the best instructor for you and your instrument, or check out our approved lesson teachers below.

Mansfield Summit Private Lesson Teachers

Flute

Dr. Ellen Kaner

  • New Rochelle HS, New York
  • Yale University, Bachelors of Arts in Music
  • East Carolina University, Master of Music in Flute Performance
  • Florida State University, Doctor of Music  in Flute Performance

817-691-7198

ekaner@aol.com

Click here for a full bio

Abby Losos

  • Aledo HS, Aledo TX
  • Texas Tech University, Bachelors of Music in Music Education, and Flute Performance
  • Texas Christian University, Master of Music in Flute Performance

817-733-5023

abbyloso14@gmail.com

Oboe

Currently Vacant

Coming Soon!

Bassoon

Tirzah Evans-Holland

  • Trinity High School, Euless
  • Northwestern University, Bachelors of Performing Arts

817-703-4983

tkeh397@aol.com

Click here for a full bio

Clarinet

Jainer Hoyos Bermudez

  • Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bachelor of Clarinet Performance
  • Texas Christian University, Master of Clarinet Performance
  • Texas Christian University, Doctor of Clarinet Performance (current)

j.a.hoyosbermudez@tcu.edu

Click here for a full bio

Dr. Ellen Kaner

  • New Rochelle HS, New York
  • Yale University, Bachelors of Arts in Music
  • East Carolina University, Master of Music in Flute Performance
  • Florida State University, Doctor of Music  in Flute Performance

817-691-7198

ekaner@aol.com

Click here for a full bio

Saxophone

Nick Galanos

972-742-7020

ndgalanos@gmail.com

Trumpet

Darren Spurgeon

  • Plymouth University - Bachelors in Professional Music Studies, Trumpet Performance

903-363-2702

darren.spurgeon@hotmail.com

Click here for a full bio

Horn

Janet Nye

  • Abingdon High School, Virginia
  • University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Bachelors in Music Education
  • Baylor University, Masters in Horn Performance

817-319-2244

2janetnye@gmail.com (new!)

Click here for a full bio

Trombone

Topy Nguyen

  • Texas Christian University, Bachelors of Instrumental Music Education
  • Texas Christian University, Masters of Education

682-365-1736

topynguyen10@gmail.com

Euphonium

Mark Finley

214-649-1307

fourfinleys@gmail.com

Contact for private lessons

Stephen Smoot

817-659-7562

Masterclasses only

Tuba

Mark Finley

214-649-1307

fourfinleys@gmail.com

Contact for private lessons

Stephen Smoot

817-659-7562

Masterclasses only

Percussion

Aaron Capers

aaroncapers@dynamicrhythm.net