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How much do you pay for music tuition in your school?

33 replies

musiccost · 17/09/2026 08:17

Our school (well, the provider) has just increased music tuition in school by over 60% in one year and Im just curious what others are paying if you wouldn’t mind?

Last year we paid £505 for the whole year (split into terms) for 20 minutes (private) sessions. This year they’re increasing to £825 which equates to £25 a session. I don’t think they differentiate between instrument.

Is this average or a lot for you?

(State school in the midlands).

OP posts:
DrCoconut · 18/09/2026 19:05

I'd love to set up a fund for children who can't afford it to have music lessons. My late dad was a music teacher and it would be a great way to remember him (I lost him when I was very young). It was all free (for the kids) when I was at school and Saturday morning orchestra too. My DS couldn't do GCSE music as so few opted for it, music is dying in state schools as families are slowly priced out.

TeaandHobnobs · 18/09/2026 19:06

Rates for 30 min lessons:

  • £21 - strings
  • £24 - voice
State school

£27 at an independent.

Home Counties

musiccost · 18/09/2026 19:09

@DrCoconut I do think it’s such a shame, our school has completely reduced their music, dance and drama offering, also a lot of the technology subjects. They’re struggling financially. I think a well rounded education is so valuable, but they just can’t afford to offer it any more. I remember my school had 2 full time music teachers, my children’s school now has none. My son is not academic, music tuition really helps to build his confidence.

OP posts:
NewYearVibes · 18/09/2026 19:10

I'm paying £100 a term (3 terms a year) in a Hampshire state school. It's provided by the county music service.

Favouritefruits · 18/09/2026 19:10

My goodness you all pay so much , my children don’t take additional music lessons but at their school they are £6! Just £6 a week for any instrument that includes hire of the instrument apart from drums!

NewYearVibes · 18/09/2026 19:15

Favouritefruits · 18/09/2026 19:10

My goodness you all pay so much , my children don’t take additional music lessons but at their school they are £6! Just £6 a week for any instrument that includes hire of the instrument apart from drums!

It depends if it's a group lesson or individual. My daughter school are either 1:1 or 1:2. Her primary is a group lesson and it's cheaper.

I don't know if everyone is priced out. I live in a well off area and the school is still struggling to fill the orchestra and bands. I think it's also that kids have a lot more on then just music. I see parents spending a lot on sports for example. Also, many parents don't believe in playing instruments. At primary, both my children have full class lessons learning a variety of instruments with the county music service. Many parents refused to take the instruments home so the kids can't practice even if they are interested. One of the instruments they learned is the ukulele so it's not just orchestral ones.

NewYearVibes · 18/09/2026 19:20

For comparison about cost, I'm paying £25 for 45min of private violin lessons. The girls also do figure skating and it's £30 per half hour for their coaches. In addition I have to pay £85 a month to get on the ice. Music is very cheap in comparison. The music service ensemble is £57 a term only. The school ones are free.

SukiPook · 18/09/2026 19:25

I am a music tutor in a grammar school in N.Ireland, the school sets the tuition rate at £16 for 30min lesson.
Outside of school my rate is £20 per half hour.

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