Where Does My Tuition Go?

Music education is a great investment!  Both in music knowledge, but life skills as well: problem solving, analyzing patterns, and perseverance (because there will be times when it is not easy) are just a few.

While lessons need not be boring, learning an instrument takes dedication … from the student AND teacher.  Below are some of the things your tuition fees cover.

  • Time spent with the student:
    • During lesson
    • Checking progress on apps & assigning home challenges, if available.
    • Answering questions in between lessons, if student or parent calls.
  • Time spent in preparation for the student :
    • Lesson planning
    • Finding & testing out online music
    • Development of curriculum (researching & creating new)
    • Bookkeeping
    • Evaluating new curriculum and technology
  • Teacher Training:  Keeping current on new teaching materials and trends
    • Professional development workshops and conferences
    • Professional journals and publications
  • Performance Opportunities:
    • Recital costs: online hosting, video storage for backup plans
    • Recital preparation: Creating marketing & support materials (both print & online), testing out tech so it is a smooth experience for attendees.
  • Studio Expenses:
    • Creating & purchasing sheet music, technique/rhythm/theory worksheets, weekly practice pages
    • Computer software
    • Incentive programs, including online prizes
    • Music books and audio files:  Includes studio copies of music so both you & your teacher have the same music
    • Piano music & games clubs: Provides a wide base of material for teacher to use in lessons.  These are subscription based with a monthly cost for the teacher.
    • Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs low for students: Everything from apps we use during lesson to music subscription services.
  • Self-Employed Expenses:  IMT’s (independent music teachers) do not have anyone to match these costs and must cover the full amount themselves.
    • Insurances: Health, disability, life, etc.
    • Taxes
    • Retirement savings
    • Yearly cost of living increases

For each HOUR enrolled in piano lessons, you are investing TWO hours of the teacher’s time!