**UPDATE** I received a PROMPT call regarding this situation from Tatiana who runs Garden Music School. She was very quick to apologize for the situation and was happy to refund the charges. As I stated in the first review, Tatiana has been nothing but awesome to work with! I am leaving the initial review of the teacher, but want to let everyone know they are very customer service oriented. Also, be aware that they will charge monthly because it is NOT a monthly service, it is a yearly service that they charge for each month. It is slightly confusing that they advertise as monthly prepaid lessons with no contract. However, benefit of the doubt is I may have misunderstood this. I would recommend Garden Music as long as you speak to/sit in with your student for a lesson or two, to ensure the teacher/student are a good fit for each other.
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We just moved to Florida and we're looking to pick up drum lessons again after a year long hiatus. We signed up for lessons with Marcus. After the first 30 minute session he spoke to me about my son as if he was a delinquent who wasn't practicing drums and took it as a personal affront to himself. We came back even though my son said he didn't like him (should have known then). After the second 30 minute lesson Marcus came outside and proceeded to yell (and I do mean YELL) at my son and launched into a bitter diatribe about how my son is sour, is undisciplined, unmotivated, not college bound (odd???) and that he was going to drive away the people in his life (what??). I sat in disbelief listening to a 21 year old utterly tear down a 14 year old (with a learning disability) and could not believe he was still employed as I highly doubt this was the first time he has displayed such behavior. My son was in tears the whole way home (40 minute drive). I felt horrible for my son and have never witnessed a teacher behave this way. My son wants to play for enjoyment, not for a career. As a teacher myself I know the key to creating motivation is a mix of encouragement and critique. However, this approach and the personal offense Marcus took to my son (who is still learning) and his music ability was appalling and we will not be returning. I'm sure the owner (who is very kind) and the other teachers are great but I would not recommend this teacher! **UPDATE** I was charged for lessons for another month, which I did not authorize! Despite being told there is no contract and lessons are paid monthly...I was charged for lessons I did not request! Do not give this place your credit card information. ~M
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