Comments on: What is the average cost of piano lessons? http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons Simple Guide for parents about music lessons for children Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:59:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: MKD http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-2287 MKD Sun, 25 Jul 2010 18:59:55 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-2287 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. 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.

]]> By: DJ http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-2245 DJ Wed, 30 Jun 2010 00:40:13 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-2245 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! 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!

]]> By: Anon http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-2196 Anon Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:06:51 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-2196 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. 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.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-2043 Sarah Wed, 05 May 2010 17:08:21 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-2043 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? 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?

]]> By: mah http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-2031 mah Tue, 04 May 2010 02:08:36 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-2031 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. 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.

]]> By: Sally http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-1865 Sally Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:31:07 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-1865 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 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

]]> By: Sarah http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-1835 Sarah Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:37:21 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-1835 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:). 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:).

]]> By: tess http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-1739 tess Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:20:52 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-1739 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! 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!

]]> By: mkd http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-1734 mkd Thu, 18 Mar 2010 02:02:24 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-1734 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. 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.

]]> By: diane http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/2008/04/what-is-the-average-cost-of-piano-lessons/comment-page-1/#comment-1710 diane Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:08:33 +0000 http://www.parentsmusicguide.com/?p=10#comment-1710 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. 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.

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