Private Studio Lessons

Piano studio lessons are 30-minute private sessions held once a week with our FCS piano instructor. Lessons are open to students in grades 1 and up.

Each student receives individualized instruction based on their experience, needs, and musical goals. Lessons help students develop foundational piano skills, strengthen music reading and technique, and progress at their own pace.

Piano studio students also have one or more opportunities to perform in recitals during the school year.

Lesson Option

Piano Lessons
Instructor: Doris Kohler
dkohler@foothillchristian.org

Lesson times are assigned based on availability. Elementary students are typically scheduled during the school day. Before and after school appointments for junior high students are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration information is shared directly with eligible families.

Doris Kohler has been teaching at Foothill since 1989. She is the piano program coordinator, which includes teaching lessons for students Jr.  K thru 8th grade, organizing recitals and preparing the students for the annual ACSI Piano Festival. Her training includes a variety of musical styles, from jazz to classical, to church and worship music. In addition to teaching at Foothill, her experience includes accompanist for churches and choirs throughout the local area as well as teaching at Music & Arts in Glendora. She received her BA Degree in Music Education from Azusa Pacific University. She loves to incorporate interactive music games and music-related computer programs into her piano instruction for the younger students. She has always had a love for music and a love for children, so she finds this position extremely fulfilling. She says, "I feel I can minister to children the best through music."

Orchestra studio lessons are 30-minute private sessions held once a week with one of our FCS orchestra instructors. Lessons are available for violin, viola, cello, bass, music theory, and composition.

Each student receives individualized instruction based on their experience, needs, and musical goals. Lessons can provide additional support with orchestra music, strengthen sight-reading skills, and give students the opportunity to work through solo repertoire at their own pace.

Students who would like to progress beyond what is covered in orchestra class can receive additional instruction and more challenging material. Students who need extra help with their orchestra music can also receive focused support.

Studio lesson students have the opportunity to perform in our annual studio recital each February. Private lessons also provide valuable preparation for students who hope to audition for the Foothill Christian Legacy Youth Orchestra in middle or high school.

Lesson Options

Violin Lessons
Instructor: Aimee Knight
aknight@foothillchristian.org

Viola, Cello & Bass Lessons
Instructor: Dana Apolonio
dapolonio@foothillchristian.org

Music Theory & Composition Lessons
Instructor: Dana Apolonio
dapolonio@foothillchristian.org

Lesson times are assigned based on availability. Before and after school appointments for students in grades 6–8 are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Elementary students are typically scheduled during the school day.

Registration information is shared directly with eligible families. Current FCS orchestra students receive priority access before registration opens schoolwide.

Foothill Christian Legacy Youth Orchestra members should register for lessons through the FCLYO registration form.

Aimee Knight is the orchestra director and studio lesson program coordinator at Foothill Christian School. She is also the founder and director of the Foothill Christian Legacy Youth Orchestra and the FCLYO Legacy Lesson Academy. Aimee received her Master of Music Education (M.M.Ed) degree from Azusa Pacific University. In addition to directing music, Aimee is actively involved at church, takes dance classes, loves figure skating, enjoys good coffee, and has four cats. Aimee believes strongly in the value of a Christ-centered education and is blessed to be able to educate and minister to children through music and worship.

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Dana Apolonio is Foothill Christian School's Orchestra Assistant and Private Lessons Instructor. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master’s in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University with her teaching credential in music. Outside the classroom, Dana enjoys reading, exploring new foods and places, and serving on her church’s worship team. Dana also remains active in the local music scene, performing with various orchestras and ensembles throughout the region.

Music theory and composition studio lessons are 30-minute private sessions held once a week with our FCS music theory and composition instructor. Lessons are open to students in grades 4 and up.

Each student receives individualized instruction based on their experience, interests, and musical goals. Lessons help students strengthen their understanding of music notation, rhythm, harmony, form, and other foundational concepts while developing their own original compositions.

Students can work at their own pace as they build stronger musicianship skills, explore creative ideas, and learn how music is structured and written.

Music theory and composition students also have one or more opportunities to present their work at recitals during the school year.

Lesson Option

Music Theory & Composition Lessons
Instructor: Dana Apolonio
dapolonio@foothillchristian.org

Lesson times are assigned based on availability. Elementary students are typically scheduled during the school day. Before and after school appointments for junior high students are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Registration information is shared directly with eligible families.

Dana Apolonio is Foothill Christian School's Orchestra Assistant and Private Lessons Instructor. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master’s in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University with her teaching credential in music. Outside the classroom, Dana enjoys reading, exploring new foods and places, and serving on her church’s worship team. Dana also remains active in the local music scene, performing with various orchestras and ensembles throughout the region.