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!