What Rates To Charge?, "Beginner" teachers' tuition rates Options

[gaspard_de_la_biere]

Hello,

I am 24, and recently returned to the UK to begin work in a non-musical field after scientific education abroad. Until the age of 16 I was training with a superb private teacher and concert pianist (with whom I still enjoy occasional lessons) to be a professional pianist but decided to do science as a career instead. I obtained my grade 8 at age 15 and have kept up my piano work ever since, steadily improving over time. Now I have more time to devote to the piano I am about to start preparing to take the DipABRSM in the winter of this year and hopefully, the LRSM the following summer. I have in the past, given piano lessons to two adult beginners who already had some musical knowledge (one was my former clarinet teacher!) and the feedback from both was very positive. Now I'm back in the country I'd like to take up teaching to supplement my income and involve myself more in the music world. The questions are: What kind of hourly rate should someone of my level be charging? Should I accept complete beginners or aim to take people with some prior musical education? Up to what level is someone like me 'entitled' (for want of a better word) to teach? How, if at all, does the recommended private tuition rate change after being awarded the DipABRSM and again after getting the LRSM?

Any answers to these questions would be greatly appreciated.
Chris.

[guitargirl03]

My piano teacher, who, although is not a concert pianist, she is very good, and is above grade 8 standard, and she has a degree in music.

I pay £6 for half an hour, but I know some people who are charged £15 for half an hour with different teachers....

[sbhoa]

Depends a little on the local going rate too.

Whether you take beginners or not is up to you really.
Do you think you have the patience, especially as it seems as though you may have found learning a bit easier than some of us? ;)
Sometimes people who had little or no difficulty learning a skill find it harder to relate to those who find it hard.

[Ayshah]

The Incorporated Society of Musicians have clear information on charges/rates for performances, teaching, broadcasting, weddings etc. Its a good place to start and a good idea to become a member!

http://www.ism.org/info/02_13.html

Good luck and you should also perhaps think about an 'Information Sheet' so that your pupils/students know whats what when it comes to absences!

[sl123451]

it can be a good idea to start off at a low-ish rate, and make an increase, perhaps annually, and before you know it you will be in an enjoyable and lucrative profession! hehe! this is what my piano teacher found out. She teaches full time now, but a few years a go she was an accomplished concert pianist. I started with her when i was 6, and she charged about £25 per hour, but now she charges about 33 or 34 quid per hour, and seems to have an exceptional reputation. Use that as a marker.