The cost of music lessons is usually the first thing parents and adult learners ask about, and it is a fair question. However, the honest answer is that prices in Sheffield vary quite a lot. In addition, the headline price per lesson rarely tells the whole story. Therefore, this guide explains what you are actually paying for, what the hidden extras are, and how to work out whether a lesson is good value.
What affects the cost of music lessons?
1. Lesson length
This is the biggest factor. Most one-to-one lessons are 30 minutes, which is right for the majority of learners. However, younger children often do better with less. For example, at AS Music School, 6 to 8 year-olds take 15-minute mini-lessons, which cost less and suit shorter attention spans. Meanwhile, advanced students preparing for higher grades sometimes move up to longer lessons.
2. One-to-one or group
Group lessons spread the tutor’s time across several students, so each place costs less. As a result, they are a brilliant, affordable way in for very young children (our Early Learning classes for ages 3 to 6) and for adults who want something sociable, like a ukulele group. One-to-one lessons cost more, but they move at exactly your pace.
3. Who is teaching
Anyone can advertise as a music teacher. However, a qualified, DBS-checked tutor with real teaching experience will usually charge more than a student earning pocket money, and the difference shows in how quickly you progress and whether you pick up bad habits that need undoing later.
4. Where the lesson happens
Lessons in a tutor’s front room, lessons in your own home, and lessons in a dedicated music school are three different things. A school has overheads, but in return you get proper studios, good instruments (in our case, three grand pianos and real drum kits), cover if your tutor is ill, and other musicians to play with.
5. How you pay
Paying monthly by direct debit is normally cheaper per lesson than paying as you go. In addition, it spreads the cost evenly across the year. Also ask whether the school charges for holidays and what happens if you miss a lesson.
Extras that add to the cost of music lessons
- An instrument. You do not need an expensive one to start. For example, a decent beginner guitar, ukulele or digital piano is plenty, and your tutor can advise before you buy.
- Books and materials. Usually you need one or two books a year. See our recommended music books.
- Exam fees. Graded exams are optional. However, if you take them the exam board charges an entry fee, which rises with each grade.
- Travel and parking. This is easy to overlook, but it adds up weekly. We have parking on site at Cobnar Road.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Take the free first lesson. Every new student at AS Music School gets one, so you can try before spending anything. See the government guide to Tax-Free Childcare for another saving.
- Use the family discount. We offer a discount when more than one family member is enrolled.
- Use Tax-Free Childcare. We accept payments through Tax-Free Childcare accounts, which can cut the cost of children’s lessons for eligible families.
- Start young children in a group or a mini-lesson and move up when they are ready.
- Practise between lessons. As a result, ten minutes a day makes every paid lesson go much further.
Is the cheapest lesson the best value?
Rarely. In fact, a cheaper lesson with an inexperienced teacher can easily cost more in the long run, because progress is slow or the student loses interest. Therefore, better questions than “how much?” are:
- Is the tutor qualified and DBS-checked?
- Can I try a lesson before committing?
- What happens if I need to rearrange?
- Are there chances to perform or play with others?
- Can I take exams on site if I want to?
The cost of music lessons at AS Music School
The cost of music lessons with us depends on the lesson length and format that suits you, so the simplest thing is to ask. Call 0114 274 8939 or email info@asmusicschool.com and we will give you a clear price for exactly what you need, with no obligation. Above all, book your free first lesson and see the studios for yourself. You can also browse our music lessons or read the FAQ.