Rates for Instruction

[A Strohman]

I'm a self-taught player (been playing for about 15 years) and I've identified some specific problem areas in my playing which may (or may not) be cured with some formal instruction. I figure it can't hurt anything and will likely help me become a better player.

My question is about rates. I've been corresponding with a couple of instructors but when it comes to evaluating the cost, I don't have much of a benchmark to look at. I suppose rates vary quite a bit from state to state or town to town, etc. So my question is - what would you pay (or charge if you're an instructor) per hour? Is $40/hour considered a lot?

[JeffC]

that seems about right, I pay $20 per half hour.

[DocBop]

I charge $40 an hour for lessons and still take lessons myself and my instructor gets $60 an hour. Rates vary according to area, level of the instructor some master level teachers are $80-$100 or more. But I would say $40 an hour is a very normal rate.

[Jeff Moote]

It depends who the instructor is. For a respected pro, $50-$100/hour is perfectly reasonable. For your local "guy who knows more than you do" I would expect to pay less.