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Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A
how much to charge for lessons?
ok, i got another one and i'd really appreciate some input.
i've been asked several times for lessons. i dont want too many students because that will take up practice time. but i really enjoy teaching and the extra cash would be nice.
how much should i charge for an hour lesson? what happens if i have to drive to their place (which i would actually prefer)?
Posts: 1025
Joined: Oct. 14 2009
From: New York City
RE: how much to charge for lessons? (in reply to at_leo_87)
Rates vary depending on your location and experience. Obviously you have to charge more per lesson if you go to the students' homes. There is the cost of gas, and of course much more of your time is involved.
I charge fifty dollars a lesson in the students' homes. But I never end a lesson until and unless I am satisfied that it has accomplished what I want it to.
The best way to determine a good fee is to see what other teachers in your area are charging – just as a broad general guideline. Then adjust your fee accordingly, taking into consideration things like your own experience, and if you are teaching only flamenco, because there aren't that many flamenco teachers around. Whatever you do, do not charge too low a fee. You might cause resentment among other teachers, and you diminish your own standing as a performer and teacher.
Whenever you're ready to start, if you want to give me a call I'll be happy to give you whatever advice I can about how to get started, and about teaching in general, as I'm sure would the other teachers on the Foro.
RE: how much to charge for lessons? (in reply to Ramon Amira)
I cant really help you this time because guitar lessons in Andalucia can cost as little as 15 euros per hour....even the pros don't charge 50 per hour, there are just so many teachers and players. I would say that in the United States you can charge a proper fee and you should see what other music teachers charge. Flamenco is a speciality outside of Spain so you should charge a professional rate.
Posts: 15348
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC
RE: how much to charge for lessons? (in reply to at_leo_87)
quote:
i dont want too many students because that will take up practice time.
Well man what do you think playing something over and over again, examining the details of the techique and breaking it down for someone IS??? Honestly my best practicing time is spent teaching, especially fundamentals and compas, and I actually get PAID for it!
So I dont' charge as much as some others might. $40 per hour cash only, they have to come to me. Couple guys take 2 hrs, and I often get tips. No house calls.
Skype I am doing $35 for a half hour and $50 for an hour, but you don't have to leave home AND you get a video out of it. Most people are doing the half hour so far.
Posts: 377
Joined: Nov. 22 2005
From: Quepos / Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
RE: how much to charge for lessons? (in reply to at_leo_87)
quote:
The best way to determine a good fee is to see what other teachers in your area are charging – just as a broad general guideline.
I have had a few students for regular basic guitar lessons, and I only charge $10. Now I dropped the price to $6...per hour! But thats because of where I live. I only do it because I have lots of free time and I love to teach. In Vancouver I used to pay $40 per hour for Flamenco lessons.
Posts: 3055
Joined: Aug. 30 2008
From: Boston, MA, U.S.A
RE: how much to charge for lessons? (in reply to at_leo_87)
thanks for the input, guys! super helpful as always!
quote:
But I never end a lesson until and unless I am satisfied that it has accomplished what I want it to.
i do that often too and end up hanging out and talking for 5 hours. i should be getting paid!
quote:
I cant really help you this time because guitar lessons in Andalucia can cost as little as 15 euros per hour....even the pros don't charge 50 per hour
speaking of which, i think i still you owe you a beer or two because i got a lot out of our lesson!
quote:
10 dollars/hour - for nice ladies
quote:
5 for not so nice ones.
LOL. i use to teach for FREE for the interesting ones.
quote:
Well man what do you think playing something over and over again, examining the details of the techique and breaking it down for someone IS??? Honestly my best practicing time is spent teaching, especially fundamentals and compas, and I actually get PAID for it!
ok, very good point! i actually do learn a lot whenever i teach. it's insane how much some of the stuff i do is on autopilot, especially the simple stuff, and then they ask me how i do that and i'm like... "ummm.... " so it definitely forces me to break things down and think which in turn creates new ideas.
quote:
I have had a few students for regular basic guitar lessons, and I only charge $10. Now I dropped the price to $6...per hour!
wow! i'm going to costa rica for some lessons then!
a local professional here, very awesome player, charges 65 an hour. and he teaches at home.
so i think i'll do 40-50 for house calls. i prefer going to the student's home because if he ever has to use my bathroom and my girlfriend finds out a stranger dribbled on the toilet seat or dropped a dookie, she's going to be pissed.
RE: how much to charge for lessons? (in reply to at_leo_87)
I am amazed by the prices asked for lessons! Something like $15 per half hour looks more suitable to me.
Lower prices, more interest I suppose. Or are you guys so busy giving lessons that $50 is even to low?
It looks that there is no uniformity, also with the online lessons. I think online lessons, or skype, are great. But some sites you pay for the lessons and you can use that lesson a lifetime, but there are also sites you pay per month, and if all of sudden you have a busy month, than you've wasted your money because you need to re-apply for another month.
Anyway, charge the same for woman, if you lower the price for them, they are very pleased with it, but they don't think you are a real man
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Honestly my best practicing time is spent teaching, especially fundamentals and compas, and I actually get PAID for it! 
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