Private Lessons Dont Need to Be Expensive - Heres How to Save

Private Lessons Dont Need to Be Expensive - Heres How to Save Suzy S. Want to learn how to play guitar? Speak a second language? Step up your selfie game with new photography skills? These days, there are plenty of ways to get started and many routes to reaching your goals. But if you want the best learning experience, theres no question that hands-on lessons and classes are the way to go. Sure, youve got options for online programs and video series that cost next to nothing. But for most students, working with a teacher one who will hold you accountable, correct your mistakes in real-time, and customize your lessons just for you is  well worth the price. Worried about your budget? Heres the good news: private lessons dont need to cost an arm and a leg! Keep reading to find out some of the ways our  budget-conscious students decrease their costs and make room for music lessons, language lessons, and more. Opt  for  online. Many TakeLessons teachers and tutors offer online lessons and our research has shown that, on average,  students taking online lessons spend  20% less than those taking in-studio lessons. Its a convenient option for both student and teacher: theres no need to commute anywhere, which saves you money on gas or public transportation. Moreover, online lessons allow you to work with teachers from all across the U.S., giving you more options for finding the right teacher, at a lesson price that works for you. Money-Saving Example:  If youre in a major city  and want to find cheap lessons, you might see  a teacher charging $35 for a 30-minute lesson, while an online teacher in another location might charge $25  for the same duration. If you take lessons once per week, this saves you $520 over the course of a year. Here are some example  prices from TakeLessons teachers: Teacher:  Julia H. Lesson location:  In studio  Seattle, WA Price:  $35 for a 30-minute lesson Teacher:  Kevin M. Lesson location:  Online Price:  $25 for a 30-minute lesson Choose your teacher based on price. For some students, finding a teacher who offers the right availability is important. For others, price is the most important. Thats why we leave it up to you:  we let our teachers set their own prices, so you can find the one that best suits your needs. And with our handy search filters, finding those teachers is easier than ever. Once you run your initial teacher search, youll be able to see their starting price for lessons immediately; click into their profile to see how their rates change by location and duration. Money-Saving Example:  If budget is a concern, even a $5 difference will add up over time. In fact, if youre taking weekly lessons, this saves you $260 over the course of a year. Keep in mind, though: the price a teacher sets doesnt indicate whether one is better than the other.  Your specific needs and goals should also influence your decision. Aiming to be the next breakout singer? Working with a vocal  teacher in Los Angeles or New York with experience in the industry might be non-negotiable for you. For others, you  might work best with a teacher who doesnt have 20+ years of experience, but is still enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Here are some examples of  how violin  lesson prices can vary by teacher: Teacher:  Leanna L. Lesson location:  In-studio Austin, TX Price:  $35 for a 30-minute lesson Teacher:  Megan  C. Lesson location:  In-studio Austin, TX Price:  $25 for a 30-minute lesson Adjust  lesson length frequency. Yes, learning a new skill takes time. But that doesnt mean you need to cram it in as a beginner! While some students  can certainly benefit from an hour (or longer!) lesson, most teachers agree that starting with a 30-minute lesson, once per week, is perfectly fine. (You can always bump it up when youre ready!) A shorter lesson time gives you the opportunity to really gauge your interest in the subject, without overwhelming yourself or overcommitting. Its also ideal for younger students, who have a shorter attention span and tend to get antsy during lessons. Another option, although risky, is to switch your weekly lessons to every other week. Heres the kicker: if you must go this  route, most teachers will recommend upping your commitment to practicing outside of the lessons. To stay on track, youll need to supplement your lessons with other learning methods, such as online classes or  apps. Money-Saving Example: If youre looking for cheap lessons, consider booking a 30-minute timeslot to start. Youll likely see a $10-$15 difference in price compared to the 60-minute timeslot, which saves you $780 over the course of a year. Here is an example of guitar lesson prices based on lesson length: Teacher Brian P. Lesson Location:  In-studio Culver City, CA Price:  $40 for a 30-minute lesson $45 for a 45-minute lesson $55 for a 60-minute lesson Shop around for your materials and gear. Most hobbies require some additional purchases: instruments and books for music students, cameras and software for photography students, mats and workout gear  for yoga students, and so on. And those materials  can add a good chunk of change to your learning expenses, theres no doubt about it. The good news is, its totally OK to start out slow and postpone  the pricey purchases until later, after youve been learning for a while. As a beginner music student, for example, it’s not necessary to buy a brand new top-of-the-line instrument.  Used instruments can be just as good as new ones, depending on how well the previous owner cared for it. Younger students can also rent instruments from local music shops. Ask your friends or family if they have extra instruments they arent using, or look on eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon for used instruments at heavily discounted prices. Your teacher  can also be a  great resource for this;  before you book your lessons, feel free to use our  Ask a Question feature  to get their  insight and recommendations. Hold yourself accountable. The best way to save money on lessons is to avoid wasting your money. Weve shared how to stop  wasting money on language lessons, specifically, and that  also applies to music lessons, art lessons, and everything else! Hold yourself accountable and commit  to practicing in between your lessons. As you practice, take notes of what youre struggling with, so you can review it  with your teacher. And during your lessons, stay focused! Youre paying  for your teachers time and expertise, so make the most of it. Mastering a new skill can be a  fantastic  experience. And when youre speaking Spanish fluently, performing a killer guitar solo in front of a crowd, or simply feeling confident at karaoke night, youll realize those lessons were money well spent. Thousands of students have started new hobbies  and  reached their goals with TakeLessons teachers will you be next? Photo by  Andrea Rose Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher