How Music Studio Owners Raise Rates

MOST music teachers undercharge for lessons. 

I think it's because as teachers, we care more about giving our students the gift of music than the money we make from it. 

THOSE hearts are what make us great teachers! 

The problem is this:

Music teachers who do not make enough money for their hard work eventually burn out. 

We can also become consumed with worry about how to pay bills...

Which means we're NOT giving our students our "A" game!

Not to mention the fact that we're undervaluing ourselves, making others undervalue music lessons, and negatively impacting our self- esteem...

In fact, I think all of our TSC Members have raised their rates AT LEAST once! 

And if you're wondering if they had a mass exodus of students or anything from it...

So, what do you do? 

How do you know when to raise rates and by how much?

Start by researching the going rate for lessons in your area from other teachers and music schools. 

You don't need to be grossly undercharging for your area. 

What if you want to set your pricing low as a ministry? 

Let's talk about this one, because I hear it a lot. 

Before I opened my studio I was working as a worship leader while also giving lessons in a local church. I received $20/ lesson. 

My original goal was to max out my schedule so I could pay my bills.

But once I maxed out my personal schedule at 70 students (not exaggerating here!) I was BARELY making enough to pay my bills.

And my students? 

Some had the luxury (and my personal disadvantage) of taking Summers off to spend the season at their beach homes. 

My 8- 10 year old students received the newest ipads and iphones for Christmas while I was just proud to receive new strings for my guitar. 

I even offered scholarships to students who said they couldn't afford lessons, then later found out they were still going on Summer vacations while I was struggling to buy groceries! 

The truth is, I lived in an affluent area and $20/ lesson was a STEAL for my students.

It might as well been a minimum wage job for me. 

KNOW your area and the type of students you teach and KNOW YOUR WORTH! 

And hey, if you charge a fair rate that fits both you and your students' budget, then you can save money and GIVE scholarships to those students who really need it! ;)


Once you figure out what your music lesson rates should be, it's time to set a date to raise rates. 

Do it sooner rather than later! I always suggest going for the next term of lessons.

​But if you can't pay your bills and are about to have to shut down your studio, you need to do it ASAP. 

Either way select a date. Then, set a routine rate raise for future dates! 

(Inflation guys.) 

Raising rates at about 5% a year is a good base to start with. 

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Are you ready to start valuing yourself and raise your rates?
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Grab your free guide and THE email template ALL OF THE Music Teachers 👆in the screen shots above used to notify their students and parents of their new rates!