The Average Cost of Piano Lessons: 2024 Complete Guide
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Learning to play the piano offers a ton of benefits, spanning from emotional expression to cognitive enhancement.
It involves understanding music theory, learning how to read music, and honing various techniques. However, many parents are curious about the cost of piano lessons for their child.
Stephanie Fuller, the Regional Manager of 10 Chicagoland Ensemble Schools, says, “We feel that piano lessons are a great way to start a musical journey for any student, especially if they are not sure what instrument they want to play yet, or for smaller children who are not yet ready for any other instrument. This gives them a foundation of music that they can apply to other instruments!” Taking professional piano lessons is the best route for aspiring pianists:
- An instructor will teach you proper form and prevent you from developing any bad habits.
- You can ask any questions that you may have and receive direct feedback.
- Your curriculum is customized to accommodate specific preferences and requirements, guaranteeing a tailored learning experience.
The following guide will delve into the cost of piano lessons to help you determine if they are right for you.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Piano Lessons
Several factors can influence the cost of piano lessons, including the instructor’s experience, the lesson length, and the lesson location. Here is a more in-depth look at some factors affecting cost.
- Instructor’s Experience: Educational background, performance history, and teaching experience will all impact how an instructor or school will price their lessons. Before starting lessons, feel free to ask for an instructor’s biography to get an idea of their history before starting lessons.
- Location: The cost of piano lessons varies by location. Larger cities typically command higher rates due to increased demand. Meanwhile, prices tend to be lower in smaller towns where demand may not be as high. Online and in-studio lessons are a similar price, while in-home lessons are a bit pricier (10-20% more) since you are paying for the teacher’s time and gas to get to your home.
- Lesson Length: Lessons are typically either 30 minutes, 45 minutes, or 60 minutes weekly. The duration of the lesson will impact the price. Most instructors and schools suggest adults take at least 45 minutes to get the most out of their lesson. While most young children opt for 30 minute lessons due to their attention spans.
- Annual Fees: Some music schools charge an annual membership fee, which goes towards studio maintenance and any supplies used during the lesson.
- Private vs. Group Class: Private lessons generally come with a higher price tag compared to group lessons, primarily because of the personalized attention and tailored learning experience they provide. On the other hand, group classes offer a more communal atmosphere and serve as a more affordable alternative.
- Performance Opportunities: Some schools offer students the opportunity to perform in an annual or biannual recital. This could result in a performance fee, or even result in purchasing a piano recital outfit.
The Average Cost of Piano Lessons in 2024
With those factors in mind, here are a few locations around the nation to provide you with an idea of cost and some insight from General Managers in those specific areas. These averages are derived from a variety of schools in each region.
The Average Cost of Piano Lessons Around the Nation
30 Minute Lessons | 45 Minute Lessons | 60 Minute Lessons |
$47 per lesson | $70 per lesson | $87 per lesson |
The Average Cost of Lessons in Austin, Texas
The average cost of online or in-studio piano lessons in Austin, Texas is $48 for 30 minutes, $66 for 45 minutes, and $88 for 60 minutes. The Musicians Woodshed is a great example of how enrolling in monthly lessons could save you money. Their individual lesson cost is $55 for 30 minutes, while their monthly plan, which consists of 4 lessons, is $200 for 30 minutes (saving $20).
Director of Operations, Gina Bretzke says, “The diversity in teachers, live performance stages, and the friendly studio” sets these schools apart from others in the area. Ian Shown, manager of Velocity Music Academy and Northwest School of Music, emphasizes the high standards for teacher selection at the Austin schools. He states, “Not only are all of our teachers thoroughly vetted for experience and consistency, we also hold our hiring to a high standard. We only hire dedicated teachers – generally degreed professionals (with at least a Bachelors if not a Masters or Doctorate) or active musicians in their field.”
The Average Cost of Lessons in Chicago, Illinois
The average cost of online or in-studio piano lessons in Chicago, Illinois is $50 for 30 minutes, $78 for 45 minutes, and $98 for 60 minutes. However, at Flatts & Sharpe in Rogers Park and Norwood Park, which has been around since 1976, the rates are slightly lower at $45 for 30 minutes and $90 for 60 minutes. Additionally, choosing their monthly plan offers savings at $160 for 30 minutes (saving $20) and $320 for 60 minutes (saving $40).
Christian Bender, General Manager of Flatts and Sharpe music school, said the following about the establishment: “Though we have some staff who have music education degrees, we like to hire gigging musicians who bring real world experience to our schools and students. One of the coolest aspects of this is you can get a piano lesson from your teacher and then go and see them play at venues such as The Green Mill, Beat Kitchen, Schubas, Hungry Brain, etc.”
The Average Cost of Lessons in East Bay, California
The average cost of online or in-studio piano lessons in East Bay is $50 for 30 minutes, $66 for 45 minutes, and $85 for 60 minutes. However, New World Music in Pleasanton, Dublin & Alamo, CA offers lessons for $48 for 30 minutes.
Britten Kinley, the General Manager overseeing these schools, emphasizes that these rates cover “one-on-one private lessons with a professional piano instructor and a book curriculum.” Despite offering some of the lowest rates in the Tri-Valley Bay Area, quality is not compromised. Piano instructors at these locations are proficient in teaching music theory, composition, and hold RCM accreditation.
The Average Cost of Lessons in Tacoma, Washington
The average cost of online or in-studio piano lessons in Tacoma, Washington is $36 for 30 minutes and $73 for 60 minutes. A school like Capella Music Academy, which has three locations in the Washington area, offers the highest caliber of music lessons. Their monthly prices are $148 for 30 minutes and $296 for 60 minutes. They also provide great summer programs, an excellent way to save money!
Ways to Save Money on Piano Lessons
Enroll in Group Lessons
Group lessons are a great way to save money when taking piano lessons. The savings can often exceed fifty percent compared to private lessons. For instance, at Green Brooms Music Academy in Santa Monica, California, while the monthly fee for 60 minute private lessons is $354, taking a 60 minute group class reduces the monthly cost to $125.
Group settings give a sense of community to participants, allowing them to connect with fellow learners who share similar interests. However, the only difference is that it does not allow for one-on-one time with an instructor that people get from private lessons.
Self-Teaching Using Online Resources
Using a free online resource would allow you to learn at your own pace. Many individuals on YouTube provide beginner-level piano courses. By doing a Google search, such as “free online piano course,” you can access a bunch of options. While these courses may begin as complimentary, they might introduce charges as you progress.
One advantage is the ability to revisit any challenging sections as needed. However, a drawback is the absence of direct interaction with the instructor, preventing you from gaining clarification on specific questions.
Hire an Instructor Currently in College
Hiring an instructor who is currently getting an undergraduate degree will guarantee lower prices. Teaching piano is likely a part-time gig for them to gain experience. The prices will, on average, be from $20-$30 for 30 minutes and $40-$50 for 60 minutes.

Additional Costs to Consider
Purchase a Piano or Keyboard
Purchasing a piano or keyboard is essential for consistent practice between lessons. Having a piano or keyboard at home will enhance your creativity and familiarity with your instrument.
- Keyboards are a cheaper alternative to a standard piano. A beginner pianist can find an 88-key keyboard online for $100-$300. Used keyboards online start at $30+.
- Upright pianos are much more expensive but offer a full sound that keyboards can’t quite give. Brand-new upright pianos range from $3,000 to $10,000, while used upright pianos online start at $500+.
- Grand pianos are the largest and offer superior sound quality. They cost about $30,000 but used grand pianos online start at $1,000+.
Maintenance Cost
Purchasing a piano requires maintenance to ensure sound and performance is at its best. Getting your piano inspected once to twice a year will keep it in tune. When buying a secondhand piano, ensure there is no significant damage affecting its sound quality.
Older pianos may require more frequent tuning and voicing. The average piano maintenance cost is $100-$300 depending on location.
Music Books
Your instructor will require music books when taking lessons. These books can easily be purchased online or in some schools where supplies last. The average cost is about $8 for entry level books.
Students are sometimes expected to purchase the lesson, performance, and theory books, so the total price would be around $25 for all three. Borrowing method books from your local library is a way to save money. Another affordable option is downloading sheet music from websites like Musescore.

Benefits of Taking Piano Lessons
There are many benefits to taking piano lessons that contribute to cognitive development, creativity, and discipline.
- Cognitive Benefits: Playing the piano stimulates brain activity and enhances memory. It contributes to cognitive growth by engaging multiple senses at once. Both hemispheres of the brain are used at once when playing the piano, strengthening cognitive function.
- Creativity: Playing the piano offers people a creative outlet and a form of self-expression. Once individuals are strong in their piano playing, they can begin writing their own music. Or they can jam to their favorite songs!
- Discipline: Piano lessons instill discipline through schedules and daily practice. Students are expected to practice each day to make the most of what they are learning in their lessons. Setting goals with instructors and working towards achieving them takes hard work and discipline.
By enrolling in professional piano lessons, students gain access to a wealth of vital resources and expertise. Whether one pursues piano as a hobby or a profession, learning the piano strengthens creativity and musical appreciation. While the prices may seem steep initially, there are a number of ways to reduce them and find a budget-friendly solution. Piano lessons are a great investment and a fun hobby to carry throughout your life.
Author: Madison
Madison is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Gender & Women’s Studies with a concentration in Media and Communications. As an independent recording artist, her music has received critical acclaim from the likes of EARMILK and Wonderland Magazine. Apart from her involvement with Ensemble Performing Arts, Madison performs shows across California.

