Thread: Private Session Fees

I know this is a hard one to determine because each teacher is different and has different levels of experience. I am gonna ask it anyway - is there a base rate we should stick to?

I am in the Northern Virginia area (Loudoun County to be exact) and I have talked with teachers in the area about rates. Some charge in the $30's for an hour, some $45, and some up to $70 an hour.

I have been getting a lot of emails about private sessions but when I state my rates ($50/hr which includes the cost of renting the dance space and my fee - I charge less for students that sign-up for multiple sessions), I get no response. I feel that some people are expecting to pay the rate they would pay for my standard class with other students.

I explain, in my response, the justification for my fee and what it is based on. I also explain how this will benefit them as a student and the importance of private sessions.

Just feeling frustrated. ,f::

Ravena- you're right on the money for this region.
The people who think they're going to pay the same (or close to the same) for privates as for regular classes are just ignorant. Let them call around. All the quality instructors are in the upper part of that range.

Thanks Samira

So you would say average is like $40-60?

I'm not from that region, but I think $50/hour is reasonable, especially since it includes studio rental. I don't know of any instructional profession that would charge the same rate for privates as it would for group classes. I agree that if people are expecting that, they're just plain ignorant.

It's probably not so much your price as the fact that they want to think carefully about if it is worth it to them. I think very few students actually take privates unless they want to become professional. I think $50 is very reasonable for a good instructor, but they may not be at the level where they think it is reasonable yet.

Originally Posted by ravenadesigns

Thanks Samira

So you would say average is like $40-60?

I personally haven't heard lower than $45 (that was in the teacher's home studio, so no rental involved). That doesn't mean it doesn't exist of course.
I charge $60 - plus rental if needed.

thank you all so very much.

Good to know that I am in range of other teachers.

Lately, the ladies contacting me have been first timers "never took a bellydance class but interested in learning". Anyway - I think they are shocked by the amount. I have encouraged them all to take a group class (with me or someone else) to find out if this is what they like. Less of an investment on their part and will help prepare them for where they want to go with it.

Thanks again!!!

the rate is on a par with other teachers and is NOT too much for specialized, one-on-one training.....you won't pay less than that for a reputable, certified personal trainer............so stick it out.....clearly these students aren't serious enuf(yet anyway) to invest in personalized training, so your suggestions of group classes for them is right on the money (pardon the pun :p)

I've seen rates from $30 to $75/hr, but generally around $40-60.
I think private lessons are good for more than just aspiring professionals. I've found it to be very helpful to my students who are "in between" levels, i.e., better than a total beginner but not ready for intermediate...sometimes a student comes with experience from another teacher, but does not know my format, and a private lesson will help them "catch up" to a class where they feel challenged.
I've also found privates are great for teaching props (esp. sword!).

I use the privates as an opportunity to focus on my weak areas, so I don't waste the time of the other advanced students or my troupe members when we're learning new choreography. Think privates are awesome, and I'd pay whatever the teacher was asking, no problem.

I charge $40/hr, which is about typical for this area. There are a few bigger names who charge $50 or $60.

Posting rates on my web site seems to cut down on the number of casual inquiries.

If they balk at the price, I suggest that they attend my group class, or bring a friend for a semi-private lesson.

It hasn't come up, but I did some research and found that I'm charging about the same as math tutors in my area. And they don't have to deal with lesson planning and sweating. :)