Cheap Music Lessons

Over the years, I've noticed trends when people call about piano lessons.

When the first question is, "How much does it cost?", I already know it's not going to work out.

Because asking this question first implies that the prospective parent is looking for the best deal. Not necessarily a remarkable experience.

The conversation usually ends with the prospective parent saying, "I need to talk with my spouse, and I'll get back to you."

Translated, "You're more than I'm able or willing to pay, but I'm not comfortable just saying it."

We both know there will be no getting back. And that's okay. It just means we're not the right fit.

But notice this doesn't happen as often in other fields. 

People don't seek out the cheapest lawyer. They seek the lawyer who will serve their needs. 

People don't call around for the cheapest doctor. They want the one that will take care of their health.

Somewhere in the course of history, music lessons became a "race to the bottom" kind of situation. For decades, music teachers have long had to walk a fine line between charging what people are willing to pay and making enough of an income to make ends meet.

The problem is, there is no licensing required to legally collect money for piano lessons. Therefore, anyone on the street can charge $15 an hour for lessons. 

Which is anyone's right to do.

The problem is, it creates issues for legitimate music teachers. And it confuses parents as to what good music teaching is.

And so it is up to us as music teachers to create experiences that are truly remarkable. To create something worth talking about. To give our students something they will be thanking their parents for 20 years from now.

To push the envelope on everything we ever thought about teaching and community.

Otherwise, the average parent sees all music teachers as being equal.

And, like any product, when music teachers are perceived as equal, people will always pick the cheapest option.

Every time.