It is indeed important to consider the market in which you're teaching
and the demand for services in that area, as well as what others in your
line of work are charging. Try contacting others in your area who do
what you do (or related jobs) to see
What the going rate is.
I am in a high-tech area where there are three major universities as
well as a number of smaller colleges. Here in Chapel Hill, there is a
constant demand for music lessons (I am president of our local music
teachers association, so I am including other instruments) and not
enough teachers to fill the demand. The number of good voice teachers
is even more limited. Therefore, I can charge a higher rate than were I
living in a rural area with lower demand.
I have also found that, to a certain segment of the population, a
professional who charges too little for his or her services might not be
as respected as one who charges more. It took me a long time to feel
comfortable about raising my rates, but I finally gave in when a
psychiatrist friend queried, "Do you provide a unique and valuable
service with measurable results? Wouldn't you be on a par with a
reading specialist? I paid one $45 per hour for my son several years
ago. Get over it! Charge for your expertise!" So, while keeping the
market rate in mind, don't undervalue yourself.
One other thought. I am considering raising my rates yet again in the
Fall, but I think I will do it the following way: Continuing students
will have one more year at their current rates, while new students will
be charged a higher rate to begin lessons with me, and will have to
audition to be accepted into my studio. This is in line with the fact
that I will be the "senior"
Instructor in my studio, where I now employ one other full- time
instructor and may add another part-time one, so that those who wish to
pay less have other options still within our studio family.
A note for Lee Ann: You are VERY lucky to be charged so little for
quality lessons. I was paying that rate 15 years ago in rural
Delaware!!!
Sharon Szymanski
The Szymanski Studio -"encouraging excellence in the vocal arts"
|
