[TPIN] Rates for Private Trumpet Instruction

[Andy Del]

Hi Jeanne

I can understand your hesitation in having a fixed lesson fee, I makes me
uncomfortable at times as well. The flip side is that you can't get a
plumber, sparky, dentist, school hall, tow truck for a reduced rate very
often, as they are all 'in business' and need to make a certain amount of
income to be viable. Altering or waiving the fee would be the exception, not
the norm.

This exact thing came up last week with a new student, who is all of 8 years
old. His mom made the comment 'but he's 8', and my only response was to let
her know (gently) that while this was the case, he was still getting the
same 30 minutes and for that time, I'll be working with him, for him so he
can move along in his playing and enjoy it more. Also, if we didn't hit it
off and he was uncertain / unhappy to have lessons with me, that was fine:
no harm, no foul.

Monday night, and another happy little boy strutted off into the sunset
wanting to play some more... His Mom let me know that lat year he was
involved in one of those places where the medium kids teach littlies, big
kids the medium, young college students big kids, and adults the college
kids. Owner charges the same amount and lowers the fees the 'teacher' got
younger... (Shakes head in disgust)

Cheers

Andy


-----Original Message-----
From: tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu [mailto:tpin-bounces at tpin.okcu.edu] On
Behalf Of Jeanne G Pocius
Sent: Friday, 2 March 2007 12:57 AM
   
My professional fee for a 3 hour chopcheck is $200. (although I've been
known to adjust that, or waive it, when circumstances warrant it).
   
I use sliding scale fees for students, from no charge to $30/45 minutes for
students and needy senior citizens, to $75/hour for those who are willing
and able to pay it.
   
I feel really uncomfortable setting a fee and saying *that's the fee, take
it or leave it*
  
I couldn't afford private lessons when I was a kid, and so I try to stay
sensitive to the needs of other trumpet players, which is why I do so many
freebies (in person and on the phone)....
   
   
  YMMV,
  Take Care!
Jeanne