Doris Merritt Performer and Piano Teacher - teaching adults how to have fun playing the piano.a
As a professional musician, Doris is available for teaching lectures and musical performances to various groups.
When Doris first began to teach, most of the available instructional books for piano were geared to the mental level of children, and were unsatisfactory for adults. To fill the gap, Doris constantly wrote new material for her studio lessons and as students progressed that new material eventually became her "Merritt Method" books.
So many people were interested in learning her method of playing without music that she wrote the book, "Play it by Ear" which is available to the general public.
' , and published it so that it would be available for sale to the general public.
Keywords: Piano performer, piano instructor, piano lessons for adults.
Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
More than 20 years.
What is your primary product or service?
Teaching adult students how to have fun playing the piano.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
After being a professional entertainer in clubs, concerts, etc., I was asked to teach at a music school. After a while I found it more comfortable for the students to come to my home studio. They relaxed more and learned faster.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
I do not teach children. I teach adult students how to read music, learn chords, read and play fake sheets, improvisation, ear and generally how to have a good time playing the piano. The students range from total beginners to professionals. I teach them as adults, not children, and they respect this, enjoy their lessons and learn faster. I have two pianos in my studio and find it an excellent way to teach rhythm.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
One. No expansion plans.
Provide detailed directions to your location
My studio is in my home at 3261 S. University Blvd. in Englewood, CO. That is half way between Dartmouth (3100 S.) and Hampden Ave. (3500 S.), and is one house north of Floyd Ave on the west side of University. Easy to find and plenty of parking in my circular drive.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash and check.
Which areas do you service?
My students come from as far Northwest as Boulder, Greeley, Fort Collins, and from Wheatridge, Denver, Littleton, Centennial, Aurora, south in Castle Pines and Castle Rock and most of the surrounding cities and towns.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
I do.
What are your hours of operation?
9:45 AM to 6:30 PM.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
To say they had a wonderful time learning. They usually leave with a big smile and a thank you after their lesson.