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 | Group Lessons: $25-$55 per month |
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 | Medium: $15-$35 per half hour lesson |
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 | High: Can Run $40-$75+ per half hour |
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| Typical costs: | - It's usually $15 -$35 for a private weekly half-hour lesson, but it can run $40 -$75 or more for a half hour with a teacher who has a master's or doctorate degree in music, or other special qualifications. Fees vary based on the teacher's training and experience, if the lessons are at a center or in your home, and whether the teacher offers other services such as performance opportunities or a computer lab. In rural areas, the charge may be $10 -$15 per half hour. Many teachers charge monthly, in four-week blocks.
- Small group piano lessons run $25 -$55 or more a month, depending on the length and size of the class, and the expertise of the instructor. Some group lessons use digital pianos with headphones.
- Piano dealers often offer lessons in their showroom, usually included with the purchase of a piano. Typically these are standardized audio lessons heard through headphones and monitored by an on-site teacher.
- Do-it-yourself lessons start around $8 -$30 for basic books or audio tapes, and can run $50 -$350 or more for packages with multiple DVDs, play-along CDs, music books, finger charts, chord charts and other options. Many online lesson sites offer a few free beginner lessons, in hopes that you will purchase more.
What should be included: | - Under the Suzuki Method, young children learn by hearing and repetition rather than reading music. With the traditional approach, a student learns to read music a few piano keys at a time, using books designed for beginners.
- Many people prefer private one-on-one lessons because a trained teacher can make immediate comments and give encouragement. A half-hour lesson is typical for beginners, because an hour of instruction can be overwhelming. Generally a teacher will review assignments, listen to the student play, provide feedback, explain the theory involved in a particular exercise or piece, and play the assigned work so the student can hear it performed with proper technique and styling. Typically there will an assignment to practice before the next lesson. A teacher may provide a list of books and other materials that will be needed for the lessons, or sell them direct to the student.
- Some teachers specialize in young students; others in adult learners. Either way, the material covered is usually geared to the students' musical interests. The Piano Manufacturers Association discusses piano lessons for preschool and school age children, as well as adults.
- The nonprofit PianoEducation.org offers a website geared for kids interested in playing piano plus tips for learning to play the piano, including what to expect from your teacher and more. The site also provides tips on studio etiquette, a guide for learning without a private instructor and the Top Ten Qualities of a Successful Piano Student.
Additional costs: | - Beginner piano books average $7 -$15 or more each; expect to spend anywhere from $35 -$75 or more each year for music books.
- Many teachers also offer their students performance opportunities such as home concerts or recitals. Participation fees can start around $2 -$30 to defray the cost of informal events, but can run $40 -$250 or more depending on the nature of the activity.
Discounts: | - Some performing arts centers offer sliding-scale fees or scholarships for lessons for children from extremely low-income families; ask around in your area. However, often the family must own a piano to qualify.
- College music students may offer lessons at a lower rate; check with the music department of any colleges or universities in your area.
Shopping for piano lessons: | |
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Article updated August 2008 |
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