Philosophy:

My philosophy in teaching private piano lessons is very simple.   If you want to play piano at your very best, you can with determination and practice. 

I want my students to feel comfortable during their lessons and do not mind suggestions of music or styles of music (other than classical).   However, in that same regard, I expect my students and their parents to respect the decisions I make in repertoire for their learning benefit.   We will focus heavily on your particular interest, but will also bring other styles into play for a well rounded playing experience.

Expectations & Rules:

• I expect all students to show up on time for their scheduled lessons.   We will never go over your allotted time slot to make up for your tardiness due to multiple lessons being taught in a row.
   
• There is a 24 hour cancellation policy (no refunds or make ups for missed lessons).   I understand that illness and emergencies happen, but please take a moment to call me and let me know that you will not be in attendance, so I can plan my schedule accordingly.   The time slots fill up very quickly and others will be waiting for openings to appear. My contact number is: 404-806-0781.  If there is no answer, please leave a message.
   
• ALWAYS come prepared for a lesson.  Please bring all appropriate materials and CDs required; 1 bottled water will be provided, so, if you need more, please bring it with you.   You can also bring a notebook, pencil and cassette tape to record your lesson, if you wish.
   
• All students must have a positive attitude to try new things.   I am your teacher, and you are hiring me to help your discover your talent within.  Please be open to thinking "outside the box".
   
• I want everyone to enjoy their lesson and get all they can out of each one.  Communication is the key.   We all have bad days and don't feel like doing what we need to do.  We'll work through the issues like that and bring the best out of those challenging lessons.
   
• I LOVE to have fun and will make this experience enjoyable; but please remember, our time is short and I want to accomplish as much as possible during our time together, so, "teacher" Doug will conduct lessons with professionalism and I expect the teacher-student relationship to be honored at all times.
   
• If I have asked you to prepare something for a lesson, please DO SO!  Otherwise you have wasted a whole lesson because we will spend the next lesson reviewing what we have already covered.   Don't you just hate repeating yourself over and over?  I do.
   
• It will be necessary to purchase your own books and sheet music.  If we have discussed this, I'm trusting you to be responsible and have it at the next lesson.
   
• I do not allow parents to be in the same room as the students.   Better results are produced when the child doesn't feel like the parents are standing over their shoulder.   I will always inform you of your child's progress and welcome suggestions, concerns or comments.   Just please approach me during your child's lesson time (not 5 minutes after your lesson is up) otherwise your are taking time out of someone else's lesson.   You can also give me a call outside of office hours to discuss these matters as well.   404-806-0781.
   
• Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of all these matters.