Hi everyone!

I'm new to the forums and this seemed like the best place to post an introduction Anyhow, I'm a 39 year-not-old man who just had to finally learn how to play the piano, and I started lessons today. My teacher is a performing pianist/organist who seems like a really patient, encouraging type of instructor, with very good technical skills to boot. He charges $60 per lesson(1hr). Is this too expensive for a beginner like myself? I should mention that I am not a novice to music in general, just piano.

Thanks,
Jeff

Depends on where you live. That is the price I pay for my son's piano teacher--$1 per minute--in Southern California (45 min. lessons). I have a friend who teaches piano in NYC, and he charges $100 per hour, I think.

My daughter has a different teacher who only charges $15 per half hour, but she's not as serious or experienced.

Sounds reasonable, Jeff. Maybe a little high for rural Oklahoma, a little low for Washington, DC. The important thing is that you can afford it. Beyond that, the important things are those you have already told us, especially that your new teacher is both patient and encouraging. Hard to put a price on that.

Give him and yourself a fair shake at this venture for at least six months: that would be my professional advice. And keep us posted if you wish!

Peter (who specializes in the adult beginner at the piano)

Thanks for the input you two. As far as affording it goes, it's going to be a stretch, and it might pose problems in a few months if work doesn't pick up. I really, really want to do this, and of course I have time to devote to practicing right now ... oh, the irony!

I agree with Peter K Mose, the support and relationship you will have with the teacher is far more important than the price. I speak as an adult beginner though, not a teacher. I hope it turns out brilliantly and that you really enjoy your piano journey - congratulations on your new teacher!

Thanks Toastie. Oh, and by the way, did I mention I get to play on a beautiful 6'(or so) Kawai grand?

There is no stage as important as the beginner stage, since you are being set up for everything. Even if you have a background otherwise in music, this is a new instrument.

I think you can always measure value by the time and effort you put in as a student. I think you'll always get more for your money that way.
Good luck!

rada

Where I live, all the teachers charge higher than $60/hr. You may be able to find an occasional semi-retired teacher charging that rate around here. Very rare.

Thanks for all the info, it appears I have stumbled upon a good teacher at a fair price. Now, I just have to figure out how I'm going to keep affording the lessons over a long period of time

BTW, any of you familiar with the Schaum "Adult at the Piano" series? After a bit of an "audition" if you will, he started me on book 3. He also mentioned getting the Faber series. So excited about this, I just can't stop practicing!!