How much do music lessons cost?
How much do music lessons cost?
$40 – $90 cost per hour (private)
$150 – $400 cost per month (4 – 5 discounted lessons)
Average cost of music lessons
Private music lessons cost $40 to $90 per hour on average, depending on the teacher, location, and instrument. Group music lessons cost $20 to $50 per session. Online music lesson prices are $35 to $70 per hour. Ongoing music lessons cost $150 to $400 per month with a prepaid discount.
| Lesson type | Average hourly cost* | Average monthly cost* (4 – 5 sessions) |
|---|---|---|
| Piano | $40 – $80 | $150 – $360 |
| Guitar | $45 – $70 | $170 – $315 |
| Violin | $50 – $80 | $190 – $360 |
| Cello | $45 – $85 | $170 – $380 |
| Drum | $50 – $75 | $190 – $340 |
| Flute | $50 – $80 | $190 – $360 |
| Singing | $50 – $90 | $190 – $400 |
*For private, in-person lessons
Music lessons cost by instrument type
Piano lessons
Piano lessons cost $40 to $80 per hour for private piano classes. Prices for a 30-minute session start at $30 minimum. If you'd like to learn in a group, it can cost from $20 to $50 per session. These ensemble classes are typically available at schools.
Guitar lessons
Guitar lessons cost $45 to $70 per hour for one-on-one classes. Group guitar lessons are cheaper at $25 to $35 per session, and this type of instruction is best for those joining a band. Online guitar lessons cost $35 to $55 per hour.
Violin lessons
Violin lessons cost $50 to $80 per hour. Group violin lessons have lower prices of $20 to $30 per session, which is good supplemental education for those training to play in a quartet. If you plan to take violin lessons every month, it costs $190 to $360 with the prepaid discount.
Cello lessons
Cello lessons cost $45 to $85 per hour for private sessions. Learning in a group costs $20 and $35 per session. You can also take cello lessons online for $35 to $70 per hour from the comfort of home instead of transporting a large instrument to a studio for in-person classes.
Drum lessons
Drum lessons cost $50 to $75 per hour. Ongoing monthly lessons cost $190 to $340 for 4 to 5 classes at the typical prepaid rate. Group drum lessons cost $20 to $40 per session. Online drum lessons cost $40 to $60 hourly to access more teachers with different drumming styles.
Flute lessons
Flute lessons cost $50 to $80 per hour. Private flute lessons are preferable for mastering the minute adjustments in playing positions, but cheaper group flute classes cost $20 to $40 per session. One-on-one flute lessons for a month cost from $190 to $360 when booking a month upfront.
Singing lessons
Singing lessons cost $50 to $90 per hour. Group singing lessons in a small ensemble or choir cost $25 to $50 per session. Online vocal lessons cost $40 to $70 hourly. The cost to hire a vocal coach is $190 to $400 per month for 4 to 5 sessions in person.
Music lesson considerations
Cost factors vary greatly for taking music lessons:
One-time vs. long-term rates – Monthly, semester, and ongoing music lessons typically cost 5% to 10% less than one-time lessons.
In-person vs. online lessons – Conventional in-person lessons cost more than their online counterparts due to expenses such as the tutor's travel or studio rent. Online music lessons cost $35 to $70 per hour.
Lesson type – Lessons specifically designed for certain music genres tend to be pricier due to the personalized curriculum preparation required by the teacher.
Length & frequency – Tuition fees are subject to change based on the length of the class, with sessions varying from 30 to 60 minutes.
Teacher expertise – More experienced and highly skilled tutors typically charge higher hourly rates.
Travel – Any travel expenses for the tutor or student can increase the overall cost, especially for home tuition. Charges differ based on the travel distance.
Geographic location – Tuition rates tend to be higher in urban areas where the cost of living is greater.
Books and materials – Costs for sheet music and books range from $30 to $80 annually. Extra equipment such as a metronome, tuner, and music stand may incur additional costs.
Instrument rental – The monthly cost of renting an instrument varies depending on the type, brand, and quality of the instrument.
Accompanist – Additional charges may apply when practicing with a professional pianist who performs alongside the student during recitals, concerts, auditions, or exams.
Music lessons FAQs
Are music lessons worth it?
Music lessons are worth it to develop professional techniques faster while building discipline and good playing habits. An experienced teacher provides the best feedback that's customized to each student.
How often should I have music lessons?
You should have music lessons 1 to 2 times weekly to achieve your progress goals. Allow enough time to practice in between lessons to get the most benefit from private instruction.
What's the best age to start music lessons?
The best age to start music lessons is anywhere from 4 to 9 years old. A child needs to be able to focus, hold the instrument comfortably, and have a desire to learn first. Adults can start music lessons at any time.
How long are music lessons?
All types of music lessons are 30 to 60 minutes long on average, according to the student's ability. Longer lessons are sometimes available by request after students have developed more concentration and require greater challenges.
How many music lessons do I need?
You need weekly music lessons over several months to learn how to play a simple song on most instruments. The total number of lessons needed varies according to your current skills, practice frequency, and your personal goals.
Mastering most instruments typically takes 10+ years.
Are music lessons tax deductible?
Music lessons are tax deductible if:
The coaching is part of training for professional performers or musicians.
A certified therapist verifies these music lessons as a treatment for a behavioral problem.
You are a professional music teacher maintaining your training skills.
Music lessons as a personal hobby or for a job you don't already have won't qualify. Ask a certified accountant for advice according to your circumstances.
Getting estimates from music teachers
Before hiring a music teacher or finding music lessons near you:
Compare at least 3 music lesson estimates.
Study their reviews on Google and Lessons.
Request references from current or recent students.
Ask other parents in the school how their children felt about the teacher.
Collect a written contract and schedule prior to the first session.
Set a payment plan instead of paying for everything upfront.
Questions to ask
To find the best music teacher, ask these questions:
How many years have you been teaching?
Can I try a lesson for free?
Which type of webcam or video call app do you recommend?
What kind of music degree do you have?
How old are most of your students?
What kind of instrument should I buy to practice on?
How often should I practice on my own?
Can you change your teaching style to help different kinds of learners?
What books should I buy, and do you know where I can buy them used?
Will you give me homework like memorizing songs?
What should I bring to class, and how long is each one?
How soon should I cancel a class, and what if it's due to an emergency?
What music genres do you specialize in?
Can I have a copy of our class schedule, agreement, and payment plan?
Will you let me choose some of my favorite songs to study?