Where does my tuition go?
We're so happy your are choosing to participate in music lessons.  Music lessons are a lifetime investment.   A study by Dr. Agnes S. Chan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, published in July 2003 in the Journal of Neuropsychology, found that school-age students who had participated in music scored significantly higher on verbal memory tests than their classmates who had not.  Medical research and reports from business schools and corporations increasingly acknowledge the long-term impact of serious music study on health and business skills.

WMTA, the professional association for independent and collegiate music teachers in Wisconsin, in support of its' members, has adopted a code of professional ethics and standards of business procedures, which form the basis of the Teacher-Pupil-Parent relationships.

Those teachers who hold national certification (NCTM) by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), have demonstrated their competence as educators, and hold degrees, or their equivalent, in their applied field of music, as well as proven experience in teaching.

1. What Does Tuition Cover?

Your music tuition pays for your teacher's expertise.  All independent music teachers (IMT's) differ in handling of business practices.  In order for the teacher to work effectively, he/she must be assured the same economic stability enjoyed by other professional members of the community.  The qualified music teacher offers the necessary training to meet college entrance requirements in all institutions of higher education.  He provides the private student with an enriched program of musical instruction, working always toward the total development and encouragement of the student.  He also strives continuously for self-improvement in his profession.  The tuition of nearly all teachers covers the following:

• Individual Lessons, master classes, group lessons

• Lesson preparation/bookkeeping (usually 2 hours prep for one hour of lesson)

• Professional organization memberships (these not only enhance the teacher's skills but also provide the student with opportunities to participate in auditions, master classes and other performance events)

• Studio Expenses (photocopies, computer software, student incentive programs, newsletters, instrument maintenance)

• Recital Expenses (programs, facility rental, refreshments, etc.)

• Continuing Education (workshops/lessons/conferences that keep your teacher current on methodology and techniques)

• Music Books/Listening Library

• Certification costs (MTNA certified teachers pay to be re-certified every five years provided they have met their continuing education and studio requirements)

• Taxes, Insurance, etc. (Employee fringe benefits generally adopted as business practice of schools do not exist for the independent music teacher.)

2. But Are Music Lessons Worth The Price?

Music lessons may seem expensive, but they are a lifetime investment.  At WMTA, we recommend that instead of merely asking question, "what's your lesson rate?",  we suggest parents of students do a little research on the musical background of the prospective teacher, and should not hesitate to ask about the teacher's credentials to teach as well as their affiliation with the professional association--WMTA.  You will want to be sure that your music teacher provides what are important to you in addition to those which are important to a student's musical development.  Please refer to our page "How to Choose A Music Teacher" for more information.

WMTA members endorse the mission of MTNA which is "to advance the value of music study and music making to society and to support the professionalism of music teachers".

Most assuredly, find out how the prospective teacher demonstrates a commitment to excellence in music education.  Your investment in your child's education will provide them with a skill they will enjoy a lifetime.

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