How Much Do Piano Lessons Cost?

If you would like your child to learn how to play the piano, or if you are looking to learn yourself, piano lessons will be your best option.  When deciding on a teacher and on a price you’re willing to pay, you should take a few things into account.  First, what are the qualifications of the teacher?  How long has he been teaching and what is the level of his education?  Second, you should talk to a few of his students and see what success he has had in the past.  Finally, you need to decide what the purpose of piano lessons is – are you hoping your child will go somewhere with piano playing someday, or are you just allowing the child to learn something new and be well rounded?

How much is it?

• The price for piano lessons in the United States can range from $10 per half hour to $100 per hour.  This price range is comparable to the price in other countries as well.  The most commonly paid and charged price is $15 per half hour.  For a teacher that may have a Master’s or Doctorate degree, this hourly rate can significantly go up.
• For a beginner or a small child, lessons that are longer than a half an hour will probably be too much.  Hour long sessions should be used for more advanced players.
• Most people offer piano lessons once a week, sometimes twice.  At one lesson per week for the common price of $15, you will pay about $780 per year.
• For do-it-yourself lessons, books and DVDs can start at $10 and go up from there depending on the type of lesson purchased.  There are also online websites that can offer virtual lessons for a minimum monthly fee.  For example, Alfred’s Teach Yourself To Play Piano retails for $20 to $30.

What is going to be included?

• Learning to play the piano should include learning how to read music as well as learning the notes on the piano.
• Most lessons include practicing specific songs as well as finger exercises that help with coordination.
• Most teachers will assign a specific amount of practice time to be completed each week.

What are the extra costs?

• Because children learn more quickly than adults, lessons for adults can sometimes be more expensive.
• While some teachers may lend the student a few piano books, most require that you purchase piano books according to your level of play.  These can cost $5-$15 per book.
• In order to practice playing the piano, you will need to have access to a piano.  Pianos can be rented or purchased.  For more information on purchasing a new piano, read “How Much Does a New Piano Cost.”
• Some teacher’s may offer the student the opportunity to play in a recital or concert.  These type of events may have a participation fee that starts at $5.

Tips to know:

• Before hiring a teacher, ask them what their experience and education background is.  This will give you a good idea on what they can do for you in terms of lessons.
• Ask for referrals and ask to see a sample lesson guide to give you a good idea on what you’re going to be able to learn.
• Ask the teacher what kind of method he/she uses.  Some of these methods will include Traditional, Alfred’s and more.  Each method is unique in it’s own way.

How can I save money?

• One way to save money on piano lessons is to teach yourself how to play.  There are many books that you can use, such as Alfred’s Teach Yourself to Play Piano (Book and DVD). Learning on your own is going to take a lot of discipline, but can be worth it if the right materials are purchased.
• Consider talking with a college student to see if they can offer music lessons at a discounted rate.  Check with local colleges or even online through sites such as Craigslist.
• Many teachers will be more than happy to give a discount to those that pay in bulk.

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