Private Music Lessons Are Not Frugal! Or So We Thought....

**pollypurebred39** · 03-14-2010, 10:34 AM

Our DS15 has developed a passion for the keyboard. He kept begging for one for Christmas. Thinking it was a passing fancy like so many other short lived interests we did not buy him a keyboard, his DGM however did.

Well since the day he opened his present he's spent hours fiddling around with it, he now has learned how to play several songs from ear and not Mary had a little lamb either, they're complicated pieces. Realizing that this kid just may have a real talent here we decided private lessons were in order.

If you've ever priced private music lessons you know they do not come cheap. They also are extremely expensive when you have a child who is not a traditional learner and requires a music teacher who has the education to accomodate such students.

Feeling a bit stunned by the cost, but undaunted my husband persued the music lesson path, determined he was going to find someone to teach our son. My husband decided to ask our churches choir director about keyboard lessons. She is an extremely accomplished/learned lady. Our choir director plays all instruments and also teaches them. She is a conductor. She gives singing lessons and teaches all choir members how to control their voice. She is a wealth of talent that could be raking in the dough, but her passion is teaching elementary school kids to love music. But now the best part! She not only teaches non traditional learners she has agreed to giving our son lessons for $10 lesson! Talk about divine intervention! So glad my husband did not give up in helping our son persue his passion.

**imagine** · 03-14-2010, 10:43 AM

Awesome

He will enjoy that.

Is an lesson an hour or an half hour?

**Jamielane** · 03-14-2010, 10:50 AM

Excellent!!

**dcompton** · 03-14-2010, 02:19 PM

I'm so glad you found a way to do this. What a wonderful woman your choir director is.

**pollypurebred39** · 03-14-2010, 03:27 PM

Donna, We think she's wonderful too! My husbands in the choir and under her tutorage my husband's singing voice has truly developed. He always had a beautiful voice, but his solos can and do bring you to tears.

Ha, I just reread that! He'll bring you to tears in a good way! LOL!

Imagine,

The lessons are a hour, at her house. At ours it's $15.

**Libby** · 03-14-2010, 03:59 PM

Polly thats totally affordable!! Great stuff!

**shoiji** · 03-14-2010, 06:14 PM

That is great. I learned how to play as a child from the church organist.

**AmyBoz** · 03-14-2010, 07:18 PM

That's great! As a private piano teacher, I'm glad you didn't give up!!!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 03-14-2010, 09:43 PM

Wow!! What a GREAT deal!! Cool!!

**ladytoysdream** · 03-15-2010, 06:43 AM

Sounds like a good deal on the lessons

I have a blind sister who plays by ear. She has never had a lesson. Self taught. Can play any music instrument that she has been introduced to. Her favorite is the keyboard. Our mom could play the piano and the harmonica. It was rare we could get her to play though. And or maybe she did it when we were not in the house.

**craftypam** · 03-15-2010, 09:43 AM

You know how you said she could be raking in the dough. Here is a great lesson of life. What goes around comes around and she is getting far better blessings in life than money.!!!!!!

**Pianolady** · 03-15-2010, 01:21 PM

I'm glad you were able to find a teacher! As a piano teacher, I've found there are many ways to help a student afford lessons, however we can't help you if we aren't told there is a problem. I have one student on "scholarship" by an older couple that recognized his talent. Another church has a scholarship fund set up to pay for lessons that is being unused at the moment. I'm not sure if it's lack of interest, lack of need, or parents uncomfortable asking. The money just sits there.

Don't be afraid to ask about financially assistance options for lessons, the teacher might know something you don't. Church is always a good place to start with inquiries if the teacher can't help.

**leighcat** · 03-16-2010, 08:57 AM

That is so awesome!! I wanted to learn to play piano since I was little. My mom favored my sister, however, who got to get several expensive instruments. She never did get me a keyboard or piano. Now I am a single mom and cannot afford lessons. I did sing in district chorus. It is important to allow kids to use their talents. I still hold a grudge against my mom for dissing me.

**Dutchie** · 03-21-2010, 03:30 AM

Because this teacher is so passionate about her teaching, your son will get so much enjoyment from these lessons.

**elphaba** · 03-23-2010, 08:26 PM

How wonderful!! Music is so helpful in all areas of life...Wish my D's cello lessons were more affordable...$44 hour. ACK!!! We scrimp and save to be able to afford this but still....
Enjoy the beautiful music your son will be making!