Comments on: What is the average cost of piano lessons?

By: Judi

Judi — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:33:05 +0000

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.

By: Nyetta

Nyetta — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:01:57 +0000

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.

By: a

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:51:33 +0000

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.

By: Rosa

Rosa — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:15:11 +0000

I would like to find a Teacher that only charges at least $10 per hour. Can someone help me please?

By: DAL

DAL — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:36:23 +0000

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.

By: YU MENGMENG

YU MENGMENG — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 09:53:32 +0000

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

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 05:38:09 +0000

All these comments have been helpful. Thank you for the input.

By: lori

lori — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:43:52 +0000

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!

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 14:29:38 +0000

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.

By: Jane

Jane — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 21:25:44 +0000

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.