Whenever a prospective parent inquires about piano lessons, the topic about ‘how much’ always comes up. And that’s completely understandable because that is how business is done. As customers we want to make sure we can afford the product or the service we are interested in purchasing.
But it is after I say my price that makes rest of the conversation interesting. These are some of the actual responses I get:
- “Their previous piano teacher was cheaper. Can you match that price?”
- “We cannot afford your price, is there some sort of discount?”
- “If two of my kids will study with you, can you teach the third one for free?”
- “Oh that’s great! We thought it would be more expensive. When can we start?” (Another variation: “Oh that’s what we expected. When can we start?)
- “Well we can afford it. I just hope it doesn’t go to waste.”
- No response, and I don’t hear from them again.
I truly understand your desire as a parent to get a bargain. But what I hope you understand is that unlike a tangible product that will depreciate within a certain amount of time, music lessons are services that you pay for because that person has acquired a certain amount of skill set that you want to develop too or want to benefit from, as well.
The skill and knowledge you learn from that person doesn’t depreciate. In fact, you are paying for a service that will benefit you for a lifetime!
Nonetheless, it is still true that teachers are priced differently. Unfortunately, some parents do not know any better and allow the price tag to be the major deciding factor in choosing the teacher for their child.
Next time you’re looking for a piano teacher, don’t just ask ‘how much?’ If the price is higher than what you expected, don’t be afraid to ask why. Chances are, they have a good reason why.
This Is Where Your Piano Tuition Goes
So in case you’re wondering where your tuition goes or why your lessons are priced a certain way, a teacher of good quality will tell you that it goes to:
- Time spent with the student || Lessons, performance classes, group lessons.
- Time spent in preparation for the student || Lesson planning, bookkeeping,development of curriculum, and tailoring the curriculum to individual students can take up a lot of time! It has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour enrolled in piano lessons, you are investing in at least 2 hours of the teacher’s time!
- Your teacher’s training and experience || The more experienced your teacher are, the higher the cost.
- Recital preparation || It takes time to rehearse with students outside of lessons, plan the recital, and coordinate the schedule
- Professional organization memberships || Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enhance their teaching skills and provide the student with opportunities for music camps, festivals, examinations and performance events.
- Professional journals || Publications to assist the teacher in keeping current on new teaching materials and trends.
- Studio expenses || Music apps, newsletters, website, repairs, incentive programs
- Music books and recordings || Materials made by the teacher to keep costs low for students
- Continuing education || Lessons and classes that keep the teacher current on methods and techniques
- Certification costs || Your teacher pays to be re-certified every year provided they have met all the continuing education and studio requirements. This keeps the teacher accountable to a professional organization.
- Book and music club memberships || This enables many discounts to be passed to students.
Music has been found to enrich the lives of all who participate in its creation or in its enjoyment. When you choose to take music lessons, you are choosing to learn a skill that will benefit you and bring you joy your entire life!
No price can be put on such a beautiful art as music. Yet, obtaining the skill will certainly require assistance from a professional — your music teacher.
Your teacher has chosen to make music their business and their occupation. As with any business, costs are calculated to both ensure that the highest quality product is given and that the business makes enough profit to continue providing their services.