For anyone who's taken lessons...........

[DansNutz]

I've been playing for about 2 months and I will be starting my first "offical" lessons this week from my local music store. They're charging $20/half hour once a week which seems pretty average from what I've seen. I've been in there a few times and they seem pretty professional and know their stuff. But what I'd really like to know is since this will be my first time, is there anything specific I should be looking for from the instructor? Or I guess what certain traits should a drum instructor have that makes him/her a good instructor? I just want to know once I start I'm not wasting my time or if I need to look elsewhere.

[Michael G]

$20 for a half hour is a rip off, I pay that much for an hour of instruction.

You can definitely find a private teacher that is just as good and who charges half as much so you can get a full hour rather than 30 minutes, which is so much better.

[jonescrusher]

$20 for a half hour is a rip off, I pay that much for an hour of instruction.

You can definitely find a private teacher that is just as good and who charges half as much so you can get a full hour rather than 30 minutes, which is so much better.


Interesting. What is the average hourly rate for private tuition in the States then. I know the cost of living is cheaper, but I can't see how an instructor can get by charging $20 an hour.

Anyway, pretty harsh to call him a rip-off. What do you know of the teacher's style and ability, or of his teaching facilities?

To OP's issue - take the lesson and see how you feel afterwards. If it's your first lesson, you won't be lookig to see that he's turned you into Weckl in half an hour, but check if feel you had fun most importantly. Was he keeping a close eye on you, or was he disappearing every five minutes? Did he go over getting comfortable behind the kit/ stick choices? Did he outline what you might do in the future? Did you feel engaged by his style?

[DansNutz]

Interesting. What is the average hourly rate for private tuition in the States then. I know the cost of living is cheaper, but I can't see how an instructor can get by charging $20 an hour.

Anyway, pretty harsh to call him a rip-off. What do you know of the teacher's style and ability, or of his teaching facilities?

I know nothing of the instructor himself but the actual facilities are top notch from what I've seen.

$20/ half hour seemed kind of pricey to me too but I did a bunch of calling around to different music shops and most were on a half hour basis and were anywhere from $20-$25 so it seemed pretty reasonable...compared to the others at least.

[stasz]

I pay 30 bucks for an hour with a private teacher. Just to let you know.

As far as the lesson, I agree that you should be having fun-- if they can't teach you in a way that you enjoy learning then you won't be motivated to learn. Also think about how dedicated your teacher is, and what their plans are for you. I think it's good when a teacher sees long-term goals for you and your playing, or helps you with the long-term goals that you have. And most importantly-- make sure that you are really learning something and being helped, not just playing without making any progress.

[brittc89]

$20 for a half hour is a rip off, I pay that much for an hour of instruction.

You can definitely find a private teacher that is just as good and who charges half as much so you can get a full hour rather than 30 minutes, which is so much better.

No way man. I dont know where you live but that seems to be standard rate to me. If you are getting ten dollars a half hour you are making a steal. I pay 50 an hour for a guy in denver and 40 an hour for my teacher in colorado springs. And Im happy to play that much because I respect them as musicians and I feel as though Im paying for quality instruction.

[fourstringdrums]

$20 for a half hour is a rip off, I pay that much for an hour of instruction.

You can definitely find a private teacher that is just as good and who charges half as much so you can get a full hour rather than 30 minutes, which is so much better.

It depends on where you live. Around where I live in Massachusetts you can't get lessons for under $20 for a half hour. The store I work at charges that as well as the private teachers. Some private teachers teach a bit more. I'm giving lessons to the son of one of my bandmates for $15 for a half hour, but that's a special situation. That's the only private student I have, but if I had others I'd probably charge $18.

I will say that try and get an hour long lesson. A half is just too short to really go through anything. By the time you go over material from last week the lesson is almost over it seems.

[Drummer Karl]

About that price issue: Can`t tell you whether that`s good or bad, I`m living in Germany.
Anyway, it seems that 20 bucks per 1/2 hour isn`t the best price...but that may depend on where you live - like Rob said - or how experienced and educated the instructor actually is.

I think it`s very important that you can get along with the teacher. You`ll notice that when you talk to him, how he explains...all the comunicational stuff, is he "nice"? Do you feel motivated when being taught? Etc.
Don`t overlook that, if you can`t understand him because you`re not on a similar level, if he can`t impart material it won`t make too much sense.

Another point I personally care for is where your instructor starts with you. Somewhere in between this and that? Or at zero?

Just two points I thought about...

Karl

[howard_roark]

For stats sakes I was paying $60 an hour (then wisened up and only got half hour lessons for $30) from my instructor in his basement.
This was in CT.

[FunkRaft]

make sure you get along. There is no point in paying to sit in an uncomfortable situation for 30 min than come out feeling negative.
Did you feel good about the lesson, motivated, learn something?
Its just money, hard earned, but still just money.
If you find the right teacher the price doesn't exactly matter.

Just my thoughts

Justin

[jazzsnob]

I pay 50$ an hour and it is completely worth it.

[zzdrummer]

Make sure you get along, and i too am from new england and i agree with fourstrings about the price. Also, my first teacher did not have long term goals, and my teacher now does (I switched because of time conflicts), and I find this hugely important and I make much more progress. Also, make sure he teaches you how to read music, because many ppl, especially kids, do not want to "waste their time" with reading, while it is actually hugely important.

[Michael G]

Dang, these are some dramatic price fluctuations based only on location.

Some quality teachers around here are only charging $20 an hour. I am suprised that isn't the norm.

[fourstringdrums]

Make sure you get along, and i too am from new england and i agree with fourstrings about the price. Also, my first teacher did not have long term goals, and my teacher now does (I switched because of time conflicts), and I find this hugely important and I make much more progress. Also, make sure he teaches you how to read music, because many ppl, especially kids, do not want to "waste their time" with reading, while it is actually hugely important.

I can't imagine a teacher who doesn't teacher reading...well I can, I believe we have a guitar teacher who can't read, but it's rare.

My students start reading (just with quarter notes at first) before they even set limb on a full kit. I could definitely teach them the other way around, and may depending on the student, but I like to emphasize the importance for reading right early on.

[jeffwj]

$20 for a half hour is a rip off, I pay that much for an hour of instruction.

You can definitely find a private teacher that is just as good and who charges half as much so you can get a full hour rather than 30 minutes, which is so much better.

Remember, I grew up not too far away from you. I could not demand much for lessons up there either. The going rate is SO much lower than here in other parts of the nation.

$20 per 1/2 hour is the average rate down here in Richmond, VA, although some places charge $22.

[jeffwj]

Back to the question - In my opinion, the teacher should cover reading, technique, coordination, and styles. Every teacher is a bit different, but those are basics which should not be overlooked.

Jeff

[brittc89]

Remember, I grew up not too far away from you. I could not demand much for lessons up there either. The going rate is SO much lower than here in other parts of the nation.

$20 per hour is the average rate down here in Richmond, VA, although some places charge $22.

I would love that. I could get 2 hour lessons for the same price as my hour lessons.

[jeffwj]

I would love that. I could get 2 hour lessons for the same price as my hour lessons.

My mistake - I meant to type $20 per half hour.

[brittc89]

My mistake - I meant to type $20 per half hour.

Ah, that makes much more sense for sure.