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Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have a lesson in the event of inclement weather?
I leave it up to the student and his/her parents to decide whether or not it is safe to drive to a lesson when there is inclement weather. If Fairfax County Public School activities are cancelled, the absence will be excused (provided that I receive a cancellation call prior to the lesson starting time), and the absence will not count as one of the 5 allowed absences. If Fairfax County Public School activities are not cancelled, the absence will also be excused (provided that I receive a cancellation call prior to the lesson starting time), but the absence will count toward the 5 allowed absences. If I do not receive a cancellation call before the start of the lesson, the absence will be considered unexcused, and payment will be expected.

How do I sign up for private percussion lessons?
There are two ways to sign up for private lessons:
1. If you have received my phone number, please call to find out whether or not I have any openings in my studio. I will let you know if I am able to give you a time slot or if I will need to put you on a waiting list. Please leave a detailed message with a return phone number if I do not answer. You should hear back from me within a few days. If you do not get a response within one week, try leaving another message or email me at lessons@dougwallacepercussion.com.
2. If you prefer to email, or do not have my phone number, please contact me at lessons@dougwallacepercussion.com. Include the following in the email: student's name, student's age, student's current school (if applicable), parent's name (if applicable), and contact information. I will respond to your email as soon as I am able. Please keep in mind that I receive a high volume of emails and calls at certain times during the year, and that it may take a few days to get back to you. If you have contacted me, and have not heard a response within one week, please send me another email.

Where are lessons given?
Private lessons are given at my percussion studio in Vienna, Virginia. The exact address and directions will be emailed to students who are accepted into my private studio.

What is the cost of a private lesson?
Private lessons at my studio are $35 for a half-hour and $70 for a full hour.

When and how are lesson payments made?
Payments are to be made at the beginning of each month for all lessons expected in that particular month. Payments can be made in cash, by check, with a PayPal account, or with a credit card (small fees apply to payments made with PayPal or a credit card). Checks should be made out to Doug Wallace or Doug Wallace Percussion. For more information on payment procedures, please review the 2007-08 Contract for Private Lessons with Doug Wallace.

At what age are you willing to start a beginning student?
I am willing to start any student over the age of 8, provided that the student is committed to practicing regularly, and is willing to learn a variety of percussion instruments including snare drum, mallet instruments, timpani, and drum set. I do, however, give priority to students who are enrolled in their school music programs.

What equipment will I need to start lessons?
To start lessons, students will need a pair of snare drum sticks, a drum pad or snare drum, a metronome, and books. Intermediate students will also be asked to purchase keyboard and timpani mallets, and will be strongly encouraged to either rent or own a real snare drum and a mallet instrument (bells or xylophone). I will evaluate the equipment needs of advanced students on an individual basis. For more specific equipment recommendations, click here.

What is your attendence policy?
Students are allowed 5 excused absences per school year (September-June) free of charge. Any additional absences will result in the student being charged for the lesson(s). Students are responsible for full payment in the event that an absence is not excused. For more information on the absence policy, please review the 2007-08 Contract for Private Lessons with Doug Wallace.

What books will I need for lessons?
My recommendations for books will vary from student to student. Students will be told what books to get when they begin lessons with me, and I will advise students throughout the course of our teacher/student relationship as to when additional book purchases are neccessary. One book that I will ask all students to purchase is my method book, Percussion With Class, published by FJH music.

What snare drum should I buy?
Please read my equipment recommendations. If you still have questions, email me or speak to me at a lesson.

What drum set should I buy?
Please read my equipment recommendations. If you still have questions, email me or speak to me at a lesson.

What sticks and mallets should I buy?
Please read my equipment recommendations. If you still have questions, email me or speak to me at a lesson.

Where should I research and/or purchase books and equipment?
In regard to purchases, I encourage you to research, shop around, and make decisions that you are comfortable with. There are countless local and online music stores, but listed below are a few that I have had good luck with. You will also find shopping, equipment recommendations, and many helpful links right on this website.

Recommended Local Music Stores
Foxes Music, Falls Church (books, mallets, sticks, metronomes, tuners) – 703-533-7393
Chuck Levin’s, Wheaton (instruments, mallets, sticks, metronomes, tuners) – 301-946-8808
Music and Arts Center, McLean (books, sticks) – 703-356-9394
Music and Arts Center, Oakton (books, sticks) – 703-281-0400
Maley’s McLean Music (books, metronomes, tuners, some sticks and instruments) - 703-532-4009
Guitar Center, Falls Church (instruments, metronomes, tuners, sticks) 703-533-8500

Do lessons continue in the summer?
Regular weekly lessons are not available in the summer, however...
Lessons are given at my studio on certain days throughout the summer. This is how it works:

Sign up begins in late May or early June, at which time specific dates and times are made available.
Lessons cost $35 per one half hour.
Students may sign up for as many lessons as they wish and are not limited to a single time, single day, or even one lesson per week.
Full payment for the entire summer will be expected at the first lesson. If a student misses a lesson for any reason, money will not be refunded. In some special cases I will try to make up the lesson, but I cannot promise.
If I have to miss a lesson, I will either refund your money or make up the lesson. It is your choice.