Where does my music tuition go? How does it benefit the student?

Answers to frequently asked questions about music lessons.

Congratulations on choosing to participate in music lessons! 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.

What does my yearly tuition cover?

All music teachers differ in methods of operation. However, the tuition of nearly all teachers covers the following:

  • Time spent with the student
  • Lessons, group events, parent communication 
  • Time spent in preparation for the student. 

Trips to the music store, lesson planning, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, etc. It has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour en-rolled in piano lessons, you are investing in at least 2 hours of the teachers time!

  • Your teacher’s training and experience
  • Recital costs and preparations. 

Programs, refreshments, facility rental.

  • Professional organization memberships. 

Memberships are maintained by the teacher to enhance their teaching skills and provide the student with opportunities for festivals, competitions, and performance events.

  • Professional journals

Publications to assist the teacher in keeping current on new teaching materials and trends.

  • Studio expenses

Copying, computer software, incentive programs, instruments, tunings, repairs.

  • Music books and CDs

Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs low for students.

  • Property taxes, self-employment taxes, insurance, business licenses, retirement

The Music Teacher has no corporation to assist in providing health and life insurance by matching funds. Tuition helps cover the increased living costs of your self-employed teacher.

  • Continuing education

Lessons and classes that keep the teacher current on methods and techniques.

  • Book and music club memberships

This enables many discounts to be passed to students.

This text is Copyright 2003 by Wendy L. Stevens. For more information, please visit: www.ComposeCreate.com