the Price of Music Lessons

The service we paid for was a series of lessons for expertise in playing the brass instrument euphonium, commonly called a baritone. The lessons were given by a music major who had recently graduated from college, and who played a number of brass instruments. The lessons were for my high school freshman son, who had been playing with the school band for a few years and who wanted to be good enough to go to state competition for his instrument. The lessons were 40 dollars for ninety minutes, and the sessions were once a week. My son ended up having the lessons for three months, during which time he was also playing his instrument daily in band class at school. The lessons included practice in sight-reading and proper technique in breathing and fingering the keys or buttons. Sheet music was provided and he was able to keep these materials for further practice. My son was able to use the instrument provided by his school so there was no additional cost for materials. We did have to travel to the home of the teacher providing the lessons, which was the major expense other than the class fee because it was an hour round trip.

We were very satisfied with the music lessons because my son quickly improved to become first chair in his school band, and he excelled at the band competitions with other school. The music teacher was always prepared and didn't waste time, so we got our money's worth. The only disadvantage was the hour round trip drive to attend.

My only tip would be to make sure your child does his homework practice, reviewing what the lesson instructed, so time isn't wasted during the lesson reviewing, and your child can get the most out of it. Also, try to find someone nearby, or perhaps someone who could come to your house. This teacher didn't offer group lessons, but individual instruction is best.