Sometimes we get asked- why is my tuition so high?
We want to clarify how our jobs work:
Having a regular job often includes the luxury of many added benefits including, health, dental, prescription vision and disability insurance, Often there is a 401K or some sort of retirement plan along with paid time off, paid sick leave, workers compensation & more! As self employed music teachers we have to provide all of our own coverage. In addition to providing coverage, we also have to pay all of our own State and Federal taxes. Unfortunately if for some reason we are unable to work, we simply have nothing to help us.
Ever wonder where your tuition dollars go? Parents often ask how much we charge “per lesson”. Well…we don’t have a “per-lesson” fee. We’d like to give you some insight on what your yearly tuition fees cover, so you can better understand what exactly we as a music school provide for you.
Teacher experience, Formal & Informal Education, continuing education. Some of us are lifelong learners. We believe there’s always more to be studied! Teacher Development. Learn new music, practice. Teacher accomplishments and continued affiliation in other music organizations. We often belong to State, National and local organizations. Groups include (but are not limited to) MMTA, NFMC, MTNA, SSMTA, AVMTA, MMTF. All of these groups have monthly meetings that help each teacher with ideas for to help better their learning experience. Student’s gain countless benefits from these organizations. They also charge dues to belong.
- Teacher Salary/Teacher Retirement planning. Health, vision, life, dental insurance has to be paid for ourselves.
- Continuing courses to prepare for State and National organizations for student testing. Giving students exact knowledge of testing procedures. This is why our students do an exceptional job on these events.
- Staying up to date on State, National & local performance opportunities.
- Being an involved member to all local groups. Maintain all studio handouts & online accounts such as FaceBook, You Tube, Website, Twitter etc.
- Produce new products/games etc. to help students learn more efficiently.
- Researching and purchasing software and technology for students. Learn new software-teach to students how to utilize. Keeping Student library stocked for students use. Keeping track of inventory and replacing missing books.
- Preparing & researching & ordering items for students. Paying shipping and handling fees for students. Travel expenses. Providing binders, sheet protectors, photocopies, book repairs for students.
- Subscriptions to online music training sites.
- Keeping up to date on Teacher Publications.
- Researching & purchasing of high quality instruments. Maintenance and tuning of instruments. Specialty instrument care/humidity controls to maintain quality instruments.
- Office supplies, stickers candy & other incentives for students. Purchase, and organize Awards program.
- Bookkeeping, preparing and filing tax information. Paying quarterly sales, property & other taxes.
- Book recital venue, choose music for students to perform, arrange recital programs, etc. to assure everything goes smoothly recital day. Recital Preparation-organize snacks, drinks, treats, obtain all needed supplies for the venue. Preparing recital programs, printing and folding, sorting.
- Lesson Scheduling. This task can be very intimidating when working with 50+ students! Time spent planning lessons.
- Preparing testing programs for each individual student. Test preparation & special event preparation. Students participating in State or National exams require many more teacher hours. Filing and registering and preparing all materials are a very extensive process. Keeping up to date on all new requirements for exams students.
- Group lesson planning and execution. Purchasing supplies-drinks, treats, prizes, handouts etc. Cleaning up afterwards.
- Summer programs planning and execution.
- Bill collector.
- Choosing a course of action and devising a lessons program that is appropriate to each individual student.
- Career coaching. Provide college recommendations to students. Write letters of recommendation for students.
- Scholarship preparation and research.
- Plan and enforce studio policies.
- Learn songs by ear to teach students when there is no music available.
- Actual lesson time.
- Maintain studio cleanliness.
