The Race to the Bottom

When I go to Walmart, it's when I'm in a pinch to pick up supplies and there isn't enough time to order from Amazon.

But there are only certain items I go to Walmart for. Paper, pencils, pens, the occasional extension cord, that kind of thing. 

Why?

Because I'm looking for the cheapest pickup option possible. And I'm not particularly picky about the quality of any of these items.

In contrast, I wouldn't go to Walmart to shop for clothes. I certainly wouldn't expect to even get any advice or guidance on clothing options there.

When I visit a Walmart, I'm not expecting a remarkable shopping experience. I know most of the employees won't be very helpful.

When I have to ask for help finding something (as a last resort), most Walmart employees just tell me they have no idea where it is. Assuming they speak English, of course.

I'm not bashing or making fun of Walmart. Just pointing out that it's part of the experience for all of us.

We don't go into a Walmart expecting much more than the cheapest price on items we're okay with getting the cheapest of.

The challenge is when this concept of cheapest crosses over into the world of music teaching.

Lots of music schools, especially the online ones, are in a race to the bottom. Trying to get to the cheapest price possible to get the most students.

A Facebook ad I read this week said: Julliard and Oberlin Trained Musicians. Starting at $29 an Hour.

I wasn't sure which part made me want to weep more.

That Julliard and Oberlin graduates were teaching for barely more than minimum wage.

Or that there are people paying this tuition thinking they're getting a remarkable teacher.

This is where cheapest comes back to haunt us. At least at Walmart, we know what we're getting. When it comes to music lessons, most parents don't.

At first, a conservatory-trained teacher at $29 a lesson sounds like a great deal. But in the end, it's the music lesson version of Walmart. Except, no one told us.

Being a great teacher isn't a requirement to graduate from Julliard and Oberlin. And less than $29 a lesson (the teacher likely being paid half of this) is not a livable enough wage for even a good teacher to be excited about working with students.

It doesn't work out for anyone.

And so, as a society, we need to shift our thinking when it comes to giving and taking lessons. That it's not a matter of finding the lowest price or the most convenient option.

But finding teachers who will create magic. Who will give their all to their students. And have everything they need financially so they're able to give their all to their students.

Because you can't give your all to anything when you're worried about how you're going to pay your bills.

When we avoid participating in the race to the bottom, that's when students learn to play for a lifetime.

And you can't put a price tag on that.