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What is the average cost of piano lessons?
By Janice | April 14, 2008
What should my piano teacher be charging me?
How much should a regular piano lesson cost?
Whats the average price and cost structure – by the week?, by the month?, by the term?
I wish that we could give you a better response to this question! We’ve surveyed and researched the internet to find the average prices as advertised, and we’ve really found that asking this question is a little bit like asking……….What is the average cost of a car?
A car can vary from a twenty year old beat up mini to a brand new Ferrari.. so asking the question is really quite pointless!
However, you can ask of course what is the average price of a two year old ford focus, and you’ll get a much more suitable response!
Therefore, when asking this question you need to take into account:
1) The experience and qualifications of the teacher
2) The success that the teacher has had with similar aged children to yours
3) What you want to get out of the lessons for your children.
Our research on the internet shows that in the United states (as well as many other places around the world) lessons range from $15 to $30 per half hour, and when offered hour long lessons can be $50 – $100 per hour. IN the UK we found that lessons were offered from 8GBP – 30 GBP.
My advice would always be to focus on point #3 above… what you want to get out of the lessons for your children.
If you know this before you start, then you can find an appropriate teacher that will be able to get your desired outcome.
For example, some piano teachers are excellent at preparing students for examination, and really know exactly how to get excellent results for their students in exams.
Other teachers are excellent with young children, and know how to communicate the fundamentals of music to them in a young child way.
It doesn’t take a genius to work out that if you choose an exam teacher to teach your five year old who really prefers working with older children that you won’t get full value for money.. despite the fact that the teacher is extremely well qualified and a very gifted teacher.
The reverse is true – if you are trying to prepare for an exam with an inexperienced teacher in that area then you’ll find that your money is not as well spent as it could be
I suggest that you ASK the teacher when you start.. and take their advice. If their advice is not to start lessons before 8 years of age.. then follow their advice and don’t start them (with that teacher) at five!
If however you are lucky enough to find a teacher who teaches loads of five year olds.. then go to them for a few years, and then back to your preferred teacher at the age of eight!
Remember to focus on the child.. and what the child needs.
Music is a wonderful thing for children, and it has been proven to in numerous studies it has been shown to improve their thinking and reasoning skills.
So stop worrying about dollars.. save some money on other things and make sure that you put your child first!
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!Topics: General Advice, Piano Lessons | 78 Comments »
December 5th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Thank you. This article was very helpful. I teach in a rural area and only charge $15.00 per 30 minute lesson. I consider the fact that people in the rural area have to drive out to my house. Still, some people think this is too much. It always helps to have a source such as yours to prove a point.
December 18th, 2008 at 3:26 am
WOOOOWWWWWWW I MEAN WOW THATS ALOT I REALLY WANT TO LEARN BUT WOWWWWWWW
February 4th, 2009 at 2:38 am
I have been teaching piano in my home for 7 years and have always charged $15 for 30 minute lesson. I have just raised my rates to $20 per 30 minute lesson. Is this a fair price and increase? Some of my students have been with me all 7 years and I am hoping that I will not loose any student because of this increase.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:59 am
I only charge $8.50 for 60 Mins and $10.00 for 45 Mins.
May 21st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
In response to comment #2, I have been a piano teacher for 15 years. When I started, $15 for a 30 minute lesson was the going rate in Maine, where I lived at the time. Currently here in Oregon, I charge $22 for 30 minutes and $30 for 45 minutes. I think that is completely reasonable.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I charge $15 for a 30 min lesson. But I only charge $10 each for siblings. I come from a family of 8 so I know how expensive lessons can be if you have more than one child. Of course, this is Arkansas where costs are not very high.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Usally is 100 dollars per hour and up.
August 27th, 2009 at 2:46 am
I charge $10 per half hour, but then again I’m just a high school student.
I was wondering if $15 would be too much, considering I haven’t ogne to college yet. I have been playnig for 9 years at an advanced level, and been teaching for 2 1/2 years.
August 29th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
I charge $10 per lesson for children and college students and $20 per lesson for adults. When the child is able to read, I’m willing to begin working with them on basic things. My lessons typically last 1 hour; however, I will takke longer if necessary.
September 8th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I was wondering what was a fair price. I use to charge $20/hr but now I charge $15/hr. I have not gone to school for music so I kinda thought that might be too much. Allthough I am a young college student and have been playing for 20 years and have played at many public events along with weddings, perties, funerals, churches etc. Should I go back to $20/hr. or more?
September 17th, 2009 at 5:22 am
The usual rate in MA is between $23 and $35 a half hour.
September 17th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
I actually charge $30.00 per hour, and $17.00 per half an hour. I am located in Michigan. However, I try to keep all material costs to an absolute minimum. I print and type out every lesson plan myself. I just require that each student or parent purchase one book, and one main piece to work out of. I always make sure to order and pick them up myself to get them as much of a discount as I can. I also tend to have my lessons run long. If it is a half an hours lesson, it ALWAYS seems to turn into 45min to an hour.
Melody Piano
http://www.melodypiano.net
http://www.melodypiano.blogspot.com
October 13th, 2009 at 3:02 pm
[...] lessons can run $30 to $150 for an hour. The Parents Music Guide agrees with this. And on Answers.com someone makes the good point that (read carefully!) “In my opinion, [...]
October 17th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
In London £30 seems to be an average sum charged per hour. I take £20 for 30min and £35 for one hour, however some of my friends charge as much as £50 (for lessons in student’s house).
I suppose £8 somebody mentioned earlier must be for a 15min session?
November 26th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
My wife and I teach piano in our home in the northern New Jersey suburbs. We have 120 students bewteen the two of us and I’m surprised at some of the prices for lessons quoted here. We charge $35/half hour with 45 and 60 minute lessons being proportionally higher.
When we moved to this town 20 years ago we started charging $15/half hour and we have raised the prices $1/half hour each year. In all the years we have been doing this we have only lost one student because of an annual price increase. As far as we can tell, the $35/hour hour fee is the going rate in this area – we still have over 40 students on a waiting list.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
I charge 30 per half hour and 55 per hour. I give a 10% discount for siblings. I live in a fairly expensive neighborhood (thank goodness we bought here 25 years ago when it was affordable) in a large city and find that people are willing to pay more for the convenience of having someone close-by to teach.
I started by charging $22 per half hour about 10 years ago. I use the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to calculate increases or decreases to my rate. E.G. if the cost of goods and services goes up by 3% a year, then I increase my lesson cost by that amount. If it goes down then I decrease my lesson cost. This keeps my income, relative to expenses, more stable.
Clients are accustomed to seeing pricing changes associated with fluctuations in the economy for all products they buy. Why should the cost of lessons be different?
As teachers, we need to be sure to protect our own purchasing power and not charge less than our valuable knowledge and expertise is worth. In addition, we need to charge enough to offset the many hours of preparation, scheduling and billing that are part of the business, but unbillable.
February 12th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Almost everybody has a serious spelling error from 2-10… loose or lose? Purties or parties? Likk or like? Come on! Don’t post your website if you can’t spell! You are just shooting yourself in the foot. I definitely won’t be sending my children to you. Sorry.
February 22nd, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Cori, It’s too bad everyone can’t be as perfect as you… I charge $15 for half-hour lessons also.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:13 pm
I just wanted to add that I have a sliding scale for families who are having financial problems. Currently I have lowered my 30 minute rate from $22 to $10 for certain families. Also to Cori, just because someone mistypes a word, doesn’t make him/her a poor teacher. As well, a perfect speller may be the worst teacher:)
February 27th, 2010 at 9:31 am
The cost of piano lessons pale when campared to its value. Hopefully the diverse pricing mix makes it possible for each child to access one of the most powerful experiences that can maximize their learning efficiency.
March 10th, 2010 at 7:08 pm
I think the point is being missed here. Piano teachers are running a business. This isn’t their hobby; it is their livelihood. Nobody would expect to walk into a department store and pick up some goods and say they can’t afford them, so can they have a reduction or even free, so why should they expect it from piano tutors?
Like all businesses, they have to consider the time they have available to teach, to prepare, to write reports and all other admin, to market their business, to calculate the amount of students they can take and their expenses and in order to remain solvent, they have to calculate the amount that they need to charge to cover that, plus something for themselves.
Students don’t always come to lessons and when they don’t come, the teacher doesn’t get paid. During holiday times they don’t get paid. The fees have to cover that, regardless of how many letters they’ve acquired after their names. Some students will think they’re great; others won’t relate to them. That’s life. A full-time teacher cannot afford to give away their time because they feel sorry for students and it devalues their service if they do so. Once you launch a professional teaching practice, you are running a business.
March 18th, 2010 at 2:02 am
I still think that people without the capability to pay full price should have the chance to receive lessons. To me, a good “business owner” has a little lee-way every now and again to offer lessons to those that can’t afford the full rate. The dollar difference I lose is not important if it means a child (or adult) can have music in his/her life. It’s called Karma and paying it forward. No price tag for that. If I wanted a steady and reliable paycheck, I wouldn’t have become a piano teacher.
March 19th, 2010 at 12:20 am
I have been teaching for over 25 years. Currently, I live in Belgium and I charge the equilvalent to $20 per 30 minute lesson. This price is considered very reasonable for this region. I will continue this pricing structure when I return to the US soon. I am worth much more than this price, but I want to continue to have plenty of students. I teach out of my home and that certainly helps keep costs down. Teaching lessons gives me a degree of flexibility to manage each student as necessary. I almost always have a student or two who are unable to pay. I consider this a very small contribution to the good of the world! Despite this, I am still running a business and I expect to be pain on-time and fully. I also pay my local and feberal taxes as necessary for a small business owner. Certainly there are complexities to this, but it is worth the effort because I love the music, have been blessed with a talent for playing AND teaching, and enjoy the students tremendously. I would not ask for a better job. It is absolutely perfect for me. I hope most of you feel the same!
April 6th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
I charge $22.50 per half hour, and will probably raise it once I have reached capacity (I’m trying to keep my rates a little low until I build a reputation in my area:) I agree with Diane’s post 100%! I always tell my students up front that teaching is my work, not just something I do for fun. As such my time needs to be respected, and my rates taken in stride. I have a degree and 7 years of experience, and if people can’t afford my rates there are probably other teachers who charge less than me. I think it’s tempting to bend the rules a little for someone who can’t afford lessons, but honestly most people who say they can’t afford lessons also have their kids in ballet, swimming lessons and gymnastics and have a decent car and house. My parents paid full price for my piano lessons on a tight budget with 4 kids in the house because it was a priority, and they made it work. At the very least if a teacher wants to give parents a break I’d suggest bartering (“I’ll offer a 50% discount if you clean my kitchen every week:).
April 11th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
I am just beginning to teach lessons; I have attended college for music. I therefore plan to charge 15 dollars for 30min and 30 for an hour; this is more pay than my current job, and seems fair
May 4th, 2010 at 2:08 am
I charge $20 per half-hour, ($30 for 45 min., etc). This is in Kentucky. I have learned to tell people in advance that they will pay me for the month in advance (well, actually the first of the month, and it usually takes most of the month to collect it all), but I do NOT refund for missed lessons. Families are willing to share their phone numbers and the schedule with each other so THEY can make arrangements for needed changes. This has made all the difference, and people will do it. I just tell them up front.
If I have to miss (and it is extremely rare), I credit them for the lessons, and they know this in advance, as well.
May 5th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
I am going to open my home for bith piano and music theory classes this summer. For piano, I lan to charge $15.00 per half hour lesson and for theory $8.50 per half hour lesson. Is this reasonable?
June 7th, 2010 at 5:06 pm
It all depends on the experience and reputation of the teacher as well as the location. Someone living in Podunk cannot typically charge as much as someone in a big city, nor will the clients be willing to spend as much. It’s a broad range. I know that some well respected concert pianists charge $150 to $200 or more for a lesson. Most people don’t need a concert pianist to learn from, of course. You would only pursue that if you were at a very high level and most of them are not going to teach less advanced students anyways. Still, you should have an experienced teacher. At a certain level you should try to find someone who plays very well AND has had success as a teacher, if possible. Not all good performers are good teachers, but I also don’t advise studying with someone who can’t play if you’re at a more advanced level. Perhaps this isn’t quite as important for a 4 or 5 year old who is just learning basics. And it’s VERY true that different teachers have different strengths. Some will be miserable teaching little ones. For others, that’s their forte and they may be out of their comfort zone with advanced students. Certainly there are some teachers who CAN teach all levels, but the ones who specialize at teaching little ones are usually better at it. They really love teaching the kids, while for some teachers it feels like babysitting. $50 to $100 for an hour is not uncommon at all for an experienced teacher in a middle to upper class area in a city. You can always find cheaper teachers and some may be good. Just keep your criteria in mind as you search.
June 30th, 2010 at 12:40 am
I’m going to say this right now – most teachers listed here are not charging enough for their services. Full disclosure: I have a MA in Music Education, I have a successful wedding band, and I am a public school teacher for elementary kids.
I charged $35/30 minutes and $60/hour up until last year; I now charge $40/30 minutes and $70/60 minutes.
I would not “give away” lessons; it is cheapening the product for those making a living. I guess I could understand if you were independently wealthy and wanted to do something nice. Listen, it you want to do charity – go to a community center and offer group lessons for free. We need to make a living here folks!
July 23rd, 2010 at 11:03 pm
so i charge $8 per half hour. i live out in the country and people drive to me. i am only a teenager and dont have a music degree. is raising the rate to $10 or $12 too much for my experience?
July 25th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
To Dj, so, in your opinion, I should say no to the kid who can’t afford my full rate? And down the road, that kid will still be without piano in his/her life just because I couldn’t make $40 more a month off the family? I make a living at teaching piano and I am very proud of the fact that I am able to help out two of my families with variable rates. The gratitude that these families express to me is more than enough repayment. It is not about “cheapening the product” at all, it is about providing accessibility to all families, even those in lower income groups.
November 1st, 2010 at 2:46 pm
After reading how much teachers charge I came to appreciate where I live and how much parents are willing to pay for their children education.
I charge 30 min $35;45 min $55;60 min $70.
November 10th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Well, after reading all of this, I am a business owner and I have taken piano lessons in the recent past. I would say that if you are leisurely teaching piano, meaning in your extra time, or for extra income than keep your rates low. However, if you are in the “business” of teaching piano then your rates should be higher, due to the fact the business owner has more overhead and has to keep books, and accessories in stock.
If I were teaching piano, I would go by the minute: 30 minutes for $30; 45 minutes for $45 and 60 minutes for $60. This way, people have “options” as to their financial comfort level.
Just my input. :0)
November 24th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
To MKD,
To MKD(and others) Exactly, you should say no to the kid that can’t afford your rates. First off it’s not fair to those that pay the normal price. Second, the love of music alone does not pay the mortgage or put food on the table. People, I charge $35/30 min. and $65 an hour, have 40 students.After business expenses, marketing,taxes etc… there’s not that much left over. The next time you go to your accountant, tell them that you can’t afford their rate and see how much they discount it. The best teachers are usually not cheap.
December 8th, 2010 at 4:27 am
I charge $45 for 1 hour of one on one teaching and $25 per hour for group sessions.
December 9th, 2010 at 2:29 am
I want to leaner but damn that is expensive, I think I’ll just watch FREE YouTube videos on how to learn it and keep my money
December 9th, 2010 at 2:30 am
I want to leaner but damn that is expensive, I think I’ll just watch FREE YouTube videos on how to learn it and keep my money. I mean come on the piano itself is expensive. :O
December 24th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
To MKD and DJ. I think you both make a good point. The problem is doing what we do on a livable wage and performing a service that is valued by the customer. Many music teachers are highly educated and would make a lot more in another profession. [They have to pay off those student loans somehow
] But we made a choice out of passion. But if a livable wage were no object, another factor is that parents and students don’t always value a service performed for free.
So I live in Northern Virginia. The cost of living is pretty high here. I charge $130 a month for a half hour lesson. I know tearchers who charge more and some who charge less. Sometimes it me… But A lot also depends on if the teacher teaches out of a store, from their home or at the student’s home. I would charge a lot more if I had to travel from student to student to make up for the time that I could not be teaching and the cost of travel.
December 29th, 2010 at 1:47 am
I was charging $28/half hour, $56/hour.
I am raising my rates to $30/half, $60/hour after researching and finding this site. I have not given myself a raise in 2 years, and have to account for inflation just like everyone else does. Gas prices go up, so everything else has to as well…especially when you are driving to people and doing in-home lessons.
January 6th, 2011 at 4:28 pm
This site is very helpful but confusing because there is such a wide span in lesson fees. 10 years ago I charged 15 dollars for a 30 minute lesson/ 30 for an hour. I left teaching to be a full time church organist. I have now gone part time to spend more time at home and am starting up a studio once again. I have taken on a few students that my high school aged daughter taught for 10>00 an hour. I “grandfathered” these 2 sisters in for the year at this rate, but next Fall I am upping to a standard rate. What should it be. I am thinking double…I have a masters degree in music. Is 20.oo a half hour too much? I live in the suburban Cincinnati area. Thanks for your thoughts.
January 7th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE COST FOR MSIC LESSONS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE? HALF HOUR 45 MIN HOUR?
January 12th, 2011 at 3:19 pm
I enrolled my son for accordion lessons, I paid $2400 upfront & $5 for every 1 hr class, classes are unlimited and guide him until he is pro. Is this a deal?
January 25th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
i’m in highschool and teach piano. i charge $8 per half-hour lesson. but im sure i would charge more if i was trying to make a living on it
February 1st, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Piano Lessons cost $115/per month; that’s four (4) 1/2 hour weekly lessons. As a well-educated and well-experienced traveling piano instructor with 30 students in my studio, this is my only source of income and feel this is a reasonable rate. It is not too high for homes with more than one child, especially if more than one family member is taking lessons, and it’s enough (barely) to live on. I tried raising it to $120 a couple years ago, and some new prospective students flinched. At 115, I never have complaints and feel it’s fair market value for everyone.
March 7th, 2011 at 4:19 am
I teach in California, charging $35/half hour. I tell parents you get what you pay for. If you want cheap lessons, you’ll get an under-educated music teacher. Teachers who are well trained and well educated produce better pianists out of their students, and they usually charge accordingly. The lady down the street who happens to be able to play the piano so she’s using it to earn a few extra bucks, I call her the “neighborhood piano teacher”, cannot produce the same results in students. I know of teachers in my area charging $15/half hour. I have had students audition for me coming from those teachers and their playing is absolutely horrific.
March 9th, 2011 at 12:00 am
To cori: Its the internet, you dont have to spell so perfect. Thats just a waste of time. :/
March 11th, 2011 at 3:13 am
To drumr, I don’t share with students’ families if and to whom I may offer a sliding fee, it is no one else’s business. As well, I don’t believe that it isn’t fair to my families who pay my full rate. I stand by my belief that certain families deserve a lowered rate. Why punish a child because of a family’s financial situation. It is a gift to be able to teach and to learn and sometimes it needs to be approached as such: a gift. I, too, rely on the income I generate from teaching, I have a self-employed husband and 2 children to raise. I use personal discretion when and with whom to offer a lowered rate. To me, it is not black and white: pay all or get nothing. To those out there that believe full rate is the way to go and there is no alternative, I hope you never find yourself in a position where you may need a little help in any area:)
March 13th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Thanks for your insight MKD…In this economy who makes $1 a minute…and the fact that drumr thinks this is OK is hogwash…I went to school for business and work in a professional position with 14 years of experience behind me and I don’t make $1 an hour…but you think you deserve that and on top of your unrealistic price for services would not offer any discounts to lower income families if you know their situation…you are truly the reason the rich get richer in this country and the middle class is becoming non-existant…I’m all about capitilism but not taking advantage of a situation…anyway, I’m considering paying for lessons for my niece, my younger brother is 21 and cannot find more than part-time work and has 50% custody of my niece…while our family can’t afford a lot, I’d like for her to have the same opportunities as other children and find something she is passionate about so I’m willing to pay for her lessons but I cannot afford more than $15-20 per half hour especially if she will need an hour weekly…seriously…some of the logic on here is shameful…
March 13th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
If anyone knows a tutor with a reasonable rate in Cincinnati, OH, I would greatly appreciate it…
March 15th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
I am a high school student (10th grade) and I am going to charge $8 per lesson. If I went to college for music and I was trying to make a living $10 or more would be reasonable… but this 20 and 30 dollars for half and hour, I don’t buy it if you live in a small community… I have parents who want to get there child involved in music and some who have had to quit lessons because the couldn’t afford it… Give them a break. Why sacrifice their love for music just because the parents can’t pay 20 dollars for lessons if you are doing it with your heart!! God said He loves a cheerful giver, I don’t think that just means money I think it means other things such as this
March 15th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
ALSO-
If you love kids and love music, give your knowledge with a loving heart!! I am so excited to begin teaching and I am praying about it!! I have a friend who also teaches piano and I think she is just as excited as I am
March 22nd, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I live in the UK and charge £14/30 mins and drive out to my pupils in neighbouring towns which is a really good deal for them as most other teachers I know charge an additional £5 to drive out which I do not charge. £30/hr is average in the UK. I will be increasing to £15/30 mins beginnning of next year (or £28 for a full hour). I was getting a few people cancelling at the last minute or having a couple of weeks on and then missing lessons for a week or two, so now I waive the fee for a missed/cancelled lesson in any one 14 week period and any other lessons cancelled or missed during said 14 week period are chargeable or can be rescheduled subject to my availability. I do reduced rates for a couple of students who are strapped for cash but ask them not to divulge this to anyone else. Not sure if this helps anyone.
March 25th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
If a lesson at a music store is $20 or $25 for a 1/2 hour lesson, how much does the teacher actually make?
April 29th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
I don’t think Master of Music takes less than a 45- 50$ an hour. I lived in many places in Canada and USA. I am a classical pianist, teacher for 12 years. The less you charge, the worst your business will be since you are attracting very unreliable/unmotivated clients. Might as well start giving lessons for free instead of charging little. After all, this business is not for a poor people.Arts are always been supported by the rich and middle class. Mechanic charges 50-100$ per hour to fix something on your car. So let’s be real. $ 50 for a lessons with a Master is not that much.
April 29th, 2011 at 1:01 pm
And consider this: a cleaner in a Toronto major hospital, or Food handler makes 20/hour starting salary without any education or experience. I consider all these people giving lessons for 10-15$ complete fools. 90% of the people I know who did similar “cheap” lessons are out of business after few short years. Needless to say that most of them had no qualifications to teach whatsoever. 100% of the parents that order such lessons will see their kids quit in a month or 2 or will be forced to look for another teacher. This my personal experience, I’ve worked for many schools seen many teachers and their business.
April 29th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
many people suffer for common misconceptions: Art must be cheap. Becoming a pro musician is easy. It takes very little time to learn a instrument. Art is for everyone. Everyone can become musician/artist.
The truth is: it takes very long time, effort and a lots of money to grow a pro musician/artist. Only select group of very intelligent and hard working people will succeed. Art is not for everyone. Art will never be cheap or will not be art. Art is for whoever values it the most. Art is not a dollar store merchandise.
May 3rd, 2011 at 5:14 am
I agree with Cori (#17)(See 18 and 19 also.) It has nothing to do with being a good speller or not. Everyone knows how to look up a word. It has to do with conscientiousness. That is what I would want from my child’s teacher.
May 7th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
To daivd, I don’t think that everyone who seeks out piano lessons is looking to become a professional musician. Yes, sometimes cheaper lessons can also be “cheaper” instruction, as well, sometimes it can be great! In certain parts of the country, $10 – $15 is the going rate for a lesson, it doesn’t make the teacher a “fool”! I have been a piano teacher for 14 years and a musician all my life. I understand the work and dedication that goes into reaching this level. I do my best to instill in my students that same knowledge of the work it takes to have continuous growth. What I have discovered is that it doesn’t matter what I charge when it comes to the dedication of a student to practice and “succeed”. You are right to say that art isn’t for everyone, however who are you to measure the success of another?
May 11th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I used to get lessons from age 8-14, and back in the 80s they were $10 a half hour. These were the neighborhood/lady down the street type teachers. It was OK and it taught me an appreciation for music, but the teaching wasn’t very focused and I wasn’t challenged very much. The pieces they teach are expected to be learned in a couple weeks (with very little practicing), and then you move on to something else. Even when I was 14 I was learning simplied versions of everything.
I picked it back up now in my 30s. No lessons, but I just print out sheet music and self-learn stuff that I find interesting. Some of the easier Chopin waltzes/nocturnes(non-simplified) and some of the non-Entertainer Joplin rags. All of which are way harder than anything I learned at 14 after six years of lessons.
June 14th, 2011 at 2:03 am
I teach in the Chicago area and at one point I was charging as little as $10/half hr lesson and people were basically bringing me kids to babysit. So now I charge double that for students who come to my apartment and a travel fee of $5 – $20 to travel to a student’s home depending on distance. When you charge more, you tend to attract more students who have respect for the arts. Growing up, we never had much money so I struggled to teach myself by learning to read music and watching people on the internet. I was practicing 4 hours a day and playing Chopin Scherzi before my parents were willing to buy me a real piano and pay for a teacher so in order for me to offer someone a lower rate, they have to show they are worthy (practice a minimum of 2 hrs/day). So far, I haven’t met anyone deserving of a scholarship….
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:43 pm
I charge $30 for a half hour lesson and am actually considering raising it. In fact, I was told by one of my parents that my rate is really cheap and that I should consider raising it to $35 for a half hour lesson. I have a music ed degree and have been teaching in the DC area for 3 years now.
June 27th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
It seems piano teachers are charging far too much these days, especially with the economy in this condition. $10-15 seems reasonable, but with the time I spend in a piano lesson, I could be working, or begging. I think a reasonable solution would be to have the piano teacher reimburse me for my lost time. With that in mind, a good $5-6 every half-hour seems reasonable.
July 5th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
I entirely agree with daivd that many people do not appreciate the commitment that an experienced teacher has made to his/her craft. I have been playing piano for 30 yrs, perform professionally on occasion, and have released several CDs of original music. Yet when I tell people that I charge $35 for a lesson (50 min), many of them are shocked at how high that is! Wait a minute… isn’t that comparable (or even less) than you would pay a personal trainer? One can become a licensed personal trainer in a matter of months, but one cannot adequately teach an instrument without many, many years of work. One can go to law school for 3 yrs and then make 3 to 5 times the rate that a private music teacher makes. Personally I think many of us undercharge for lessons, but this is what the market will bear. It is important for the public to recognize the true worth of a qualified music teacher. (P.S. I do support a sliding scale for lower-income students).
July 13th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Cost should be based on the teacher’s merit, music degrees, and the teacher’s full dedication and responsibility.
I, too, agree that we should be empathetic. Times are tough financially-for musicians too. However, some of the most gifted students might be from poor families. There are more possibilities that should be considered (often at the first interview,) and if the student truly wants to learn (not pushed to make a decision by a parent,) custom make the $ according to many ideas- not available until actually meeting a student. Get to know them as well as is possible; custom make lessons to each student’s temperament, skill, passion,etc. There are, however, people with money who feel like they aren’t getting their money’s worth if the $ isn’t high enough. The point is-size up parents, and pay special attention to the desires of the pupil.
Money is needed, of course, but feeding the soul is as important (or more so) as feeding the wallet. If we wanted to be businessmen, we wouldn’t have gone to music school, in most cases.
Don’t charge too little; for those who can afford it, a fair price if $50/hour…perhaps less in dire cases.
July 22nd, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Could someone help me out? I am a primary school teacher and music is my specialist subject. I used to teach piano 10 years ago and now I am planning on starting this again. I haven’t put any children through grades and I have taught both children and adults. I would be teaching from home. What should I charge for a half hour lesson?
July 24th, 2011 at 12:46 am
The humanity, compassion, and the love of music displayed by piano lesson givers herein range from 2 to 10 on a scale of 10 in my opinion. I would select lessons on this basis and just totally forget the price.
August 5th, 2011 at 5:19 am
I teach piano in a small town in central IL. The going rate for piano lessons around here is $12-$15 for a 1/2 hour lesson. I currently charge $12.50, partly because I teach in a school part time and that’s what the previous 2 teachers there charged, and partly because I was fresh out of college and wanted to get a solid base of students.
For families with 3 or more taking lessons from me, I only charge $10/student. I remember my parents struggling to pay for lessons for just 2 kids, so I realize that many parents need a break on the expense. I would rather let these kids have the opportunity to learn music at a discounted rate than deprive them of the chance because their parents can’t afford it.
Now that I’ve been here for 2-1/2 years and have built up that solid base of students, I’m thinking of raising my rates a little, maybe to $14 right now and up to $15 or $16 in another year or 2. In our small town, everything moves slowly, so I have to take baby steps to increase my rates to more than people are “used to.”
August 8th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
I was looking for current pricing ideas since it’s been about 18 years since I taught. I’m a certified elem/jr high teacher, but not in music – self taught there w/ some lessons along the way. I teach to give children a basis in music in a relaxed, fun, non threatening environment. I won’t charge high prices because I do this on the side for extra while providing nursing care for my husband. I think all children should have opportunity for a few years experience in music – if they like it & are talented & committed THEN they can go on to the Master Teachers. I dropped out of some music because of criticism instead of encouragement from one of those Masters who believed all should be able to play by ear.
August 9th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
I teach in the upstate NY area. I teach piano, theory and jazz improvisation. I charge 70. per hour, however I don’t insist on weekly lessons. My lessons are dense and are designed to be worked, expanded and reworked (i.e. in all keys). If someone has the time and money to practice that frequently then they will go with weekly lessons. Otherwise, bi-weekly or whenever. It depends on the need of the student. Right now I do have to travel to the student’s home since I don’t have a studio at the moment but will probably keep the same rate when I do acquire a studio.
I also agree with many above about the quality of instruction and the fact that we as teachers must also make a living like everyone else and do not get medical insurance, retirement and many other things paid for including materials, such as a public school teacher would get.
It is a business. And a very dedicated business / specialty.
I can’t tell you how many people and students I meet that had a teacher that taught them how to play the piano but can’t do anything without music in front of them and don’t understand what is happening with the music except what their fingers should do.
It should be worth something to teach the student MUSIC and keep it with them with the rest of their lives whether they are a professional, semi-professional or amateur.
August 18th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Unfortunately there is no regulation or even requirements for setting up a business to teach piano. Ultimately there are hundreds of people teaching who have NO business doing so. They are not trained and should better leave teaching to those who actually know how to play and how to teach. In the NY metro area the going rate for lessons from a TRAINED professional is $75 – $100 and much higher for the truly serious student.
I have taught for many years and have taken students who began lessons with the local neighborhood Mom/teacher. These teachers are doing a great dis-service to the children. These kids are crippled because they have been given NO foundation or tools to continue, with irreparable bad habits and eventually they become frustrated and quit.
Anyone who charges low fees is OBVIOUSLY not qualified and should seek other employment.
Teaching is a serious responsibility!
August 25th, 2011 at 5:38 am
All these comments have been helpful. Thank you for the input.
September 10th, 2011 at 9:53 am
Dear teacher
I want to learn piano lesson,my level is beginner,and every weekend I have free time,could you help me to find a teacher and tell me how about charge,thanks a lot
KIND REGARD
YU MENGMENG
September 11th, 2011 at 12:36 am
I’ve found this website because I’m researching prices on piano lessons. I must say at being a little dismayed that some professionals think that if they charged less for their services that the clientele would be thought of more as riffraff then honest, hard working people but on limited income.
I am a single mother of 2 daughters and work in an Emergency Room as a Tech. My first, a 16 year old (Trumpet player) has started my 3 1/2 year old daughter getting interested in the Piano. My little one truly wants to learn. Sooooooo….Even tho I’m a hard working mom but I am a ‘Poor person’, is my child less desirable to teach. And well…the arts have always been supported by the Middle and Upper Class (yes that is quoted from someone else, and yes I say it dripping with sarcasm). To the other professionals using this site that have more compassion for families who are struggling, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Going now to watch my 3 1/2 actually get notes out of a clarinet.
September 11th, 2011 at 10:15 pm
I would like to find a Teacher that only charges at least $10 per hour. Can someone help me please?
September 12th, 2011 at 12:51 am
Everyone has their good points. I pay £16 for 30mins term time lessons. I believe my piano teacher is an extremely good teacher and music has always been a passion of mine. Unfortunantly the price of art such as music and paintings etc. Are being increasingly undervalued by the general public. To some paying £16 instead of £8 is excesive, I beg to differ. Only those who truly appreciate these art forms will pay more but I agree that the goals of your lessons do need to determine wheree you go and how much you pay. For those who wish to take exams and write music £120 a lesson from a professional would be worth it, for others who just want to be able to play a well known song, £8 is more reasonable.
There’s no reason why teachers shouldn’t offer lowered rates to certain families. I can completely agree that it may be slightly unfair however if a teacher is happy to do it then why shouldn’t they? Just because one family can afford £30-120 lessons doesn’t mean they appreciate it on the same level that a person who has to be given free/discounted lessons. The person who gets lowered rates may have more potential and in todays society money has a nasty habit of preventing individuals from reaching goals and fufilling their dreams and if a teacher gives a free lesson then I applaud them because its more than just about money for them.
I also understand that for those who teach piano as a business freebies and discounts simply aren’t an option and may feel offended by those offering lower rates and free lessons. To those who see teachin piano as a business, you have bills to pay, food to put on the table etc. Just like the rest of us and don’t see why you should give out free lessons. I agree with that too as when you walk into a shop and can’t afford something you don’t pay the shops half rate or get the item for free but don’t criticise those who choose to give out free lessons because for them it could be a means of extra cash or they may see potential in a child and feel its their duty to give that child a chance. You both have different aims but both want the best for your students. As long as the parent/student understands why a particular rate is charged, I don’t see an issue with a lesson costing £8-200 for every 30mins. The student payin more may be payin for ur expertise and believe you are the best of the best and advanced enough to really push them to the top. For others, making music their careers is not their goal, simply knowing a few bits of music is all they want and a cheaper rate does the job. In saying that, a cheaper rate does NOT mean a less advanced teacher.
October 6th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
When I started teaching piano lessons after earning my college degrees (Bus. Edu & Music Edu) 22 years ago, I mainly targeted lower income families that not only the parent, but also the child showed an interest in learning music. This was my 2nd income and my way of giving back (charity). I started at $10.00 an hr for 1 day a wk. However, I could not get enough students until I raised my prices. I kept my trend of helping those less fortunate, but I found myself needing students WHO WILL PAY! Now, I charge $30/hr and additional $10 if I travel to them. I have a “no-call” fee which is the cost of the lesson which must be paid at the next lesson when a student does not show and did not call to cancel. When teaching music from my home becomes my only income, I will charge $30 for half hr & $50 per hr just to cover my overhead expenses and my time.
October 19th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
I came looking because some of my pupils’ parents have asked me if I shouldn’t be raising my price, and friends have relatives in other states paying much more for their children’s lessons. I live in Alabama. When we moved here 14 years ago from PA, the teachers there were charging $5.00/30 min. in the school system, so I charged the same. Over the years I raised it to 6, then 7, then 8, then 9, and now have been charging 10 for the past 3 years. We paid $12.00 for violin lessons, but am paying $40.00 an hour now, for a professional teacher from the Mobile Symphony. My daughter is just starting with her first violin pupils now, and is planning to charge $12.00/30 minutes. I am shocked to see what some teachers are getting. I even drive to some of their homes.
July 17th, 2012 at 2:56 am
I think the moral of these comments is that teachers who want to know what to charge should find other teachers IN THEIR AREA and find out what their rates and experience are. I have a BA in Piano Pedagogy and live in a small town in central IL where the going rate is $15-$20/half hour lesson. My MIL teaches in northern VA (think Washington DC area) and charges $30, which I think is low for the area, but it’s just a side hobby for her, not her main job like it is for me.