What does my monthly tuition cover?
All independent music teachers (IMTs) differ in methods of operation. However, the tuition of nearly all teachers covers the following:
- Time spent with the student
- Lessons, performance classes, group lessons.
- Time spent in preparation for the student
- Trips to the music store, lesson planning, bookkeeping, development of curriculum, etc. It has been cited by professional music journals that for every hour enrolled in piano lessons, you are investing in at least 2 hours of the teachers time!
- Your teacher's training and experience
- Recital costs and preparations
- Programs, refreshments, facility rental.
- Professional organization memberships
- Memberships that are maintained by the teacher to enhance their teaching skills and curriculum.
- Professional journals and online memberships
- Publications to assist the teacher in keeping current on new teaching materials and trends.
- Studio expenses
- Copying, computer software, teaching aides, instruments, tunings, repairs, website maintenance.
- Music books and CDs
- Materials purchased by the teacher to keep costs low for students.
- Property taxes, self-employment taxes, insurance, business licenses, retirement.
- The IMT has no corporation to assist in providing health and life insurance by matching funds. Tuition helps cover the increased living costs of your self-employed teacher.
- Continuing education
- Lessons and classes that keep the teacher current on methods, techniques and personal performance skills.
- Certification costs
- Yearly membership fees to Music Teachers National Association, North Carolina Music Teachers Association, and the Cape Fear Music Teachers Association
- Book and music club memberships (This enables many discounts to be passed along to the students)