Commitment
When students sign-up for piano lessons, they reserve a recurring time slot on my schedule for a semester. This reservation is for scheduling purposes only; lessons are offered on a rolling basis (weekly as long as you wish to continue) and do not operate on a fixed term (contractually set period). Individual families may choose if they would like to pay on a monthly or on a weekly basis.
Cancellation policy
If a student needs to cancel a lesson, they must provide a 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with 24 hours’ notice will still be charged for the time block. Now, I understand that illnesses (coughing, stomach bugs, runny noses, and other maladies) and emergencies can arise unexpectedly, so even if a student cannot notify me about a cancellation within 24 hours, I will seek to reschedule or offer a make-up lesson to ensure that the student still receives the value of their commitment.
If a student on a monthly billing provides a 24 hours’ notice, then I will refund the equivalent rate of that missed lesson.
Expectations
Students should arrive 5–10 minutes early, as I cannot extend lessons to account for missed minutes into another student’s lesson. Please share any of your musical interests during the lesson. I love to incorporate familiar songs and pieces into your lesson so that I can update my teaching agenda and so your lessons apply to your overall music experience.
A Note On the Context for These Policies
Teaching piano lessons is a great passion and calling of mine. I garner so much fulfillment from guiding students towards their musical goals, and while teaching often feels like a joy rather than a job– it is also my primary source of income. Running a private studio means managing ongoing expenses: advertising, gear, licensing, travel, and rental space. To invest in improving the learning experience and to sustain this work long-term, I need a basic level of consistency and predictability in my income.
When lessons are cancelled last minute, the investment funds have already been spent. I have already paid to reserve the space, paid for digital advertising, and paid for the licensing. Additionally, if the student cancels on the day of their lesson, I have already lesson-prepped in the mornings or traveled back to Atlanta if I was visiting family. Financial insecurity from frequently cancelled lessons has had broader financial impacts, including challenges with housing and budgeting. These moments have underscored the need for clearer policies and more reliable billing practices.
Likewise, a cancellation policy will also increase lesson consistency, which will foster a more trusting relationship between me and my students and will facilitate a higher rate of student success. When young students understand that lessons are a consistent part of their weekly schedule and cannot be cancelled haphazardly, they are more likely to practice regularly and make cumulative progress. With consistent learning, students will be amazed at the power of exponential improvement in their music.
Thank you for empathizing with the realities of my situation. I truly cherish my time with each of my students and do not take the privilege of teaching anyone for granted. This policy adjustment has been weighing on my heart because I strive to be a compassionate and patient mentor to my students instead of an enforcer of rules and policies. However, I knew it needed to happen when everyone else close to me was exhorting me to implement this cancellation policy as they witnessed how much anxiety financial insecurity induced. So, the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year seemed like the perfect time. Thank you all for your trust and understanding. I will continue to give my students an abundance of knowledge, energy, and care– Lord willing.
Warmly,
Thomas Dotson
Dotson Piano Lessons