Thread: Spin off: How to price teaching gig?

I have a possible teaching gig for college students at a local university. My friend who did this last year said that there were so many students attending the mini-workshop (75-100) that it was too hard to teach. So this year we may split it up into two sessions.

I gave the event coordinator my hourly rate and I am wondering if I should just stick to that. Basically she is asking if I will have a higher fee if I have to do two sessions (um duh), but I am trying to be diplomatic about it. Also, she just wants instruction, which means no costume or fancy prep time, and the university is 10 minutes away from my house.

Whaddya think? Should I charge a flat rate or an hourly rate?

I would charge an hourly rate but put a cap on the number of participants. For myself, I'd generally say $50/hour (plus travel expense, if applicable) up to 25 students. After 25 students, they'd need to start registering for a second class time.

They could keep their cost down by offering two or more classes consecutively on a Saturday afternoon (only one set of travel expenses).

If they balked at that agreement, I'd offer them the option of me PLUS an assistant handling a class size of 25-40 people for $15/hour more. Assuming they can provide a wireless headset mike and a large, well-mirrored room, of course.

I can't imagine teaching a class of total beginners bigger than 40 people, even with an assistant. Experienced dancers, yes.

What Lauren said sounds just about right...