How much do you charge?

[Stefan]

I agree that lesson prices shouldn't be too low, but I also think you should consider your experience as a private lesson instructor. In addition, I think that having a BS vs. MM vs. no degree should also be a consideration. Not knowing the community in which you will be teaching, I would say no more than $25.

Also, I think you will find out that 1/2 hour will be plenty of time for a middle school student and maybe even some high school students. I guess it depends on how much you are asking them to prepare and how prepared they are. Anyway, you should consider several price points for different lengths of time.

Also, if you are driving to the student's house, you need to add time and gas to your fee. A lot to consider. Find out what local professionals are charging and use that as a gauge.

Stefan

[MileMarkerZero]

When I was teaching full time, I charged a monthly fee of $60 for 4 1/2 hour lessons and $80 for 4 one hour lessons, one lesson a week. Lessons were done at the student's school. If they pay up front for the month, it's on them (and their parents) if they don't show. But I am assured that the time I sit and practice while waiting on them is compensated.

[tubaribonephone]

Also, think about having a monthly studio class and/or party. We try and get together every month that doesn't end in 'ber. And, because we play tuba, we always have a lot of food on hand.

Actually, I was thinking about doing something like this minus the party part.... but who am I kidding, if you get a bunch of high school tuba and euph players together, goofing off is bound to happen.

I do have a couple questions though, do you charge for the monthly studio class/party? And if so, how much? I've been thinking about this for a while now and I came to the conclusion that if I do something like that, I would probably charge like $5 per student and go for 2 or 3 hours (doing things like listening to CD's, watching some drum corps or even watching movies with good soundtracks in between the times that we'd be getting work done). Let me know what ya'll think.

[Bill Troiano]

I charge a dollar a minute up to $50.00 max. Most of my students take 45 min. lessons. Students who are NYSSMA level 4 and lower get 30 min. lessons. You should consult with other teachers in your area to see what they are charging. Also, a new teacher with no experience should probably not charge as much as a veteran teacher. Just my 2 cents (from someone who's been doing this for some time!)

[sloan]

So, you better watch out, Rick, now that you've set your price.

I think Rick has made a terrible mistake. He's a wealthy guy, but he really can't afford to pay students $200/hour to take lessons from him.