The cost of piano lessons can range anywhere from $20 per lesson to more than $100 per lesson. Piano lesson rates depend on your location, the experience level of your teacher, whether they have formal credentials, and how advanced the student is.
For example, a college student who teaches piano as a part-time gig can charge as little as $20 per lesson. This teacher can be excellent for very young children or casual hobbyists.
On the other hand, a teacher with a graduate degree in music and/or certifications from a conservatory can charge $100 or more per lesson. Generally, piano teachers charge more for more advanced students.
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START PLAYING NOWKeep reading to learn how to find the cost of piano lessons in your area, what other costs to consider, and how to save money.
Many piano teachers don’t advertise their rates online. But if you want to know how much piano lessons cost in your area, try the following.
If you’re in the United States, you can use the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) directory.
Canadians can browse organizations like the B.C. Registered Music Teachers Association or the Ontario Registered Music Teachers Association. The Royal Conservatory of Music also provides a directory of RCM-certified teachers.
Many music retailers offer music lessons. These may be slightly more expensive than independent teachers if the retailer gets a cut. But you’ll be certain that your teacher has been vetted.
If you know someone who plays piano, ask about their learning journey, what worked and what didn’t.
Places like Craigslist and Kijiji often have ads for piano lessons. As it’s more difficult to gauge the identity and quality of teachers in a public directory, be careful! Ask your prospective teacher lots of questions.
Finding a good teacher can make or break your learning experience, so take your time. To learn more about choosing teachers, check out How to Find a Piano Teacher.
Keep in mind that piano lessons are typically 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes. Many teachers offer a free trial lesson and discounted lessons if you decide to stick with them long-term. A teacher who comes to your home will cost more than going to the teacher’s studio yourself.
Lessons won’t be the only purchase you’ll make as a budding piano player. Take, for instance, buying the piano itself!
Piano prices also vary widely. You can get a brand-new entry-level digital piano for around $500. Acoustic uprights can be very cheap or even free. Meanwhile, a new grand piano can run you five or six figures.
🔥🎹 HOT TIP: Buying your first piano can be overwhelming, so be sure to check out our free guide on what to look for when buying yours.Your piano teacher may also require you to buy books and accessories, and pay recital fees. And don’t forget about travel time and gas money if you need to commute to your lesson. These costs can quickly add up.
| Piano Items | Cost |
|---|---|
| Weekly private piano lesson @ $40/lesson x 52 weeks | $2,080 |
| Entry-level digital piano (estimate) | $500 |
| Method book (estimate) | $25 |
| Metronome (estimate) | $35 |
| Pedal, if not included with keyboard (estimate) | $50 |
| Bus fare @ $2.50 x 52 weeks | $130 |
| Total: | $2,820 |
If you’re on a budget, online courses may be something to consider.
For example, one month of Pianote costs just $16.42. Meanwhile, a month’s worth of in-person private lessons at $40/lesson will cost $160.
Online lessons have other advantages. You can learn whenever you want and at your own pace. And at Pianote, you can connect with an online community of like-minded musicians and learn directly from world-class coaches like Jesús Molina.
Of course, one-on-one attention has its advantages. If you like individual attention, you can combine online lessons and an in-person teacher. For example, do an online lesson every week and check in with a real-life professional once a month to make sure your technique is up to snuff.
Not only will you save money, you can save a beautiful instrument from the junkyard! Cheap (even free) used pianos, especially acoustic uprights, are often sold when families need to move. Check your local Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
If you’re not sure whether piano is something you want to commit to, ask a local retailer whether they have instruments to rent or a rent-to-own program. You can also rent piano studio space.
Some retailers and teachers offer group lessons at a lower price. Two friends or two siblings may get a good deal on lessons if they learn together.
There are many piano method books available. If you’re not sure which one is a good fit, try it first through your local library.
While popular songs are often copyrighted, most classical repertoire can be downloaded online for free because copyright has expired. The Petrucci Music Library has tons of downloadable PDFs of piano classics. 8notes also has a large library of easy beginner tunes and lead sheets.
Intermediate and advanced piano students are sometimes interested in teaching, either to improve their own abilities, share the joy of music, or make some extra money. If you live near a music school or university, ask whether any students offer lessons. They may teach at a discounted rate!
There is a wealth of piano knowledge online. Make sure you subscribe to Pianote on YouTube—we release a FREE lesson every week!
If online learning has piqued your interest, check out How to Learn Piano Successfully Online in 2022. Or try Pianote for free for seven days.
Charmaine Li is a Vancouver writer who has played piano for over 20 years. She holds an Associate diploma (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music and loves writing about the ways in which music—and music learning—affects the human experience. Charmaine manages The Note. Learn more about Charmaine here.
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