The future of music

How Much Do Piano Lessons Cost? Complete Price Guide

March 8, 2023
How much are piano lessons

If you’re thinking about taking piano lessons, one of the questions that probably came up is: how much do piano lessons cost?

Well, the price of piano lessons varies a lot.

After all, there are many different ways you can learn how to play the piano nowadays.

So to help you find the answer to your question, we will go through all the factors that impact the piano lessons pricing.

How Much Are Piano Lessons?

It’s not easy to determine the price of piano lessons because there are many factors to consider first. The exact price depends on your location, duration, frequency of your lessons, and so on.

But it also depends on the type of piano lesson. For instance, hiring a private piano teacher is significantly more expensive than finding an online piano course. 

Also, an experienced teacher will have higher rates than someone who is new to teaching.

So some of the most important factors that affect the piano lesson price include:

  • type of lessons (online or in-person)
  • teacher’s experience
  • lesson duration 

If we take all of these things into account, what is the average price of piano lessons?

Average Piano Lesson Cost 

The average piano lesson cost is between $15 and $40 for a 30-minute lesson.

Private piano lessons usually range from $40-$100 an hour, while group piano lessons typically cost $30-$50 per hour.

Also, freelance teachers who are just starting out will probably have an affordable lesson price (even as little as $30 an hour), while professional pianists with a lot of experience can charge more than $200.

Finally, online piano courses and piano learning apps are probably the cheapest options.

Most of them offer memberships at reasonable prices, and some of them even provide free learning content.

woman using laptop

As a beginner, it’s important to have clear guidance and well-structured classes. So regardless of your goals, make sure you find a good learning source. This way, you won’t regret a single penny invested in your piano learning. 

So regarding the average cost of piano lessons, it all comes down to your goals, preferences, and expectations. 

But there are also some other things that might affect how high or low the prices of your learning might be. 

What Determines the Price of Piano Lessons? 

Length of the lesson

Lesson duration is one of the first things you should check before booking a lesson. 

The monthly price of your piano lessons will also depend on how many times a week you meet with your teacher. Most beginners have lessons two times a week, but it all comes down to your wishes and goals.

Teacher’s experience 

If you decide to take private classes or virtual one-on-one piano lessons, how much you’ll pay for them will most likely depend on the teacher’s expertise and experience. 

Experienced and educated piano teachers charge more than teachers who have less than 5 years of teaching experience. 

However, just because someone is new to teaching doesn’t mean they aren’t skilled or knowledgeable.

On the contrary – young teachers sometimes use innovative teaching methods and are willing to explore different styles and genres. 

person playing piano

Location

The price of your piano lesson will also depend on where you’re located. 

Piano lessons in small towns tend to have smaller prices. However, options in smaller or rural areas are limited.

Besides the area you’re in, the price will also depend on where you take your lessons.

If you have private piano lessons at your home you’ll save some travel costs but at the same time, the price per hour will rise because of your teacher’s travel expenses.

And if you meet with your teacher via Zoom or Skype, the price will be cheaper. Many teachers now offer online piano lessons.

Finally, virtual pre-recorded piano lessons and piano learning apps are by far the cheapest option. So if you want to learn how to play piano by yourself, you’ll probably save a lot of money. 

But can online courses really teach you how to play piano?

Lesson type

There are so many options to learn piano these days – from apps, online courses, and freelance learning websites. 

And learning piano online turned out to be a great option, especially if you want to learn from home and master the basics in a quick and easy way. 

And one of the reasons many people opt for online piano lessons is their price. Compared to private classes and music schools, online courses and apps are definitely budget-friendly options. 

woman using laptop wearing headset

Your skill level 

Besides your teacher’s level of experience, your own skill level will also impact the price.. 

Piano beginners usually don’t have any problems finding a good teacher or a reliable learning source. Plus, many young teachers and piano players offer online piano lessons for beginners that are quite cheap. 

On the other hand, advanced students need to find an instructor who can provide them with the knowledge and guidance their level requires. Experienced and professional piano players tend to have higher rates. 

From that perspective, the higher level you are, the pricier your lessons could get. 

Online vs. In-person Lessons 

As we’ve already mentioned, you have several learning options to choose from – online piano classes and apps and the traditional way of learning.

In-person piano lessons have a reputation for being pricey. But if you take into account what you’re getting for that price, they’re not expensive at all. 

The biggest advantage of traditional piano lessons is the teacher’s guidance and personalized approach. It’s important to have clear guidance when you’re starting out.

And it’s just as important to get quality feedback. And if you have a teacher by your side, they will be able to point out your weak spots and help you improve them. 

So when it comes to in-person piano lessons cost, you’re paying for the teacher’s time, guidance, and expertise. 

brown paino

However, online piano programs and apps can also meet individual needs. For instance, some programs are ideal for people who prefer choosing their own material, and others are made for people who want clear guidance and structured learning.

Online piano learning platforms also offer flexibility and freedom to choose your own learning path. You can also learn at your own pace and learn in a fun way (through online games, quizzes, interactive lessons, etc.)

However, online courses sometimes don’t provide direct feedback and they lack the personal touch, and that’s why they tend to be quite affordable.

But at the end of the day, you need to choose a learning source that fits your needs, goals, and learning style. And once you determine what you want, you’ll be able to determine the price of your piano lessons more accurately.

If you’re still not sure in which type of lesson you should invest your time and money, let’s quickly summarize the most important pros and cons of online and in-person piano lessons.

In-Person Lessons 

Pros:

  • direct feedback
  • clear guidance
  • educated, experienced teachers

Cons:

  • can be pricey
  • lack of flexibility

Piano Learning Apps 

Pros:

  • affordable
  • fun and engaging 
  • you can choose your learning material
  • extensive song libraries 

Cons:

  • lack of quality feedback
  • lack of advanced lessons

Online Piano Lessons

Pros:

  • affordable
  • convenient (learning from home) 
  • flexible 

Cons:

  • lack of quality feedback

Combining Methods 

You can also combine different learning methods. For instance, you can meet with a piano teacher once a month, and practice with a piano app or an online program in the meantime.

This way, you’ll save some money but you’ll still maintain regular practice. 

With so many affordable and convenient options, why not take advantage of all the possibilities? 

After all, your piano learning journey should be enjoyable and motivating, and adding versatility to your learning routine will certainly help.

man playing piano with headset

Additional Costs 

When thinking about the total price of your piano lessons, you should also take into account some additional costs.

For example, the price of your piano learning will depend on the type of piano you’re playing. If you’re taking private piano lessons, you will learn on your teacher’s piano, but you’ll also need an instrument to practice on at home. 

And the price of pianos and keyboards varies. If you don’t have a piano at home, you can check our 88-Key Weighted Keyboards Buying Guide to see what to expect. 

Other expenses you should take into account are piano accessories costs. As a beginner, we recommend getting a metronome, and you should also get piano books and learning materials. 

If you want to save some money, you can check out websites that offer free sheet music and learning tools. 

How Much Do Piano Lessons Cost? – Final Thoughts 

The average price of piano lessons is between $15 and $40 for a 30-minute lesson. But the exact price depends on the location, the teacher’s expertise and experience, your skill level, and the type of lesson.

So, if you want to know exactly how much you’ll spend on your piano lessons, you should think about your goals, expectations, and learning habits.

Either way, it’s important to find a qualified teacher or a well-structured online program and make your piano learning versatile and effective. That way, it will all be worth it! 

Will Fenton

Will, the founder of MIDDER, is a multifaceted individual with a deep passion for music and personal finance. As a self-proclaimed music and personal finance geek, he has a keen eye for futuristic technologies, especially those that empower creators and the public.

view profile

How to tune a piano
Previous Story

How to Tune a Piano: 8 Easy Steps for Piano Tuning

Learning piano as an adult
Next Story

Learning Piano as an Adult: 10 Easy Tips & What to Expect

Latest from Piano

Can Piano Be Self-Taught?

Can Piano Be Self-Taught?

The journey of learning the piano has traditionally been associated with in-person lessons, music schools, and structured curriculums. But in today’s digital
best keyboards for beginners

10 Best Keyboards for Beginners

If you’re looking for the best keyboards for beginners in 2023, you’re in luck. Keyboards have become the go-to instrument for those