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 monthly tuition cover?
All independent music teachers (IMTs), differ in methods of operation. At Tracy’s Music Studio your tuition covers the following:
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Time spent with the student - lessons, performances and group classes.
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Time spent in preparation for the student - Trips to the music store or shopping online for materials, lesson planning, scheduling, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, etc. It has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour enrolled in piano lessons, you are investing in at least 2 hours of the teacher's time.
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Your teacher's training and experience
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Recital costs and preparations - programs, refreshments, facility rental.
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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.
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Professional journals- Publications to assist the teacher in keeping current on new teaching materials and trends.
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Studio expenses - Copying, technology, website, incentive programs, instruments, tunings, repairs.
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Music books and recordings - Materials purchased by the teacher for studio use.
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Property taxes, self-employment taxes, insurance, retirement - The IMT has no corporation to assist with these costs. Tuition helps cover the increased living costs of your self-employed teacher.
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Continuing education- Lessons, masterclasses, conferences and workshops that keep the teacher current on methods and techniques. Living in a rural community, there are sometimes added travel costs to attend these events.