Pricing, Tuition, & Memberships

Pricing: How Much Do Music Lessons Cost?

The cost of music lessons varies based on certain features that include individual private or group instruction, instrument (piano, voice, guitar, strings, drums, ensembles, early childhood music), course duration (in some cases), membership level, and selected payment plan. With these choices and variables in mind, the cost of weekly, hour-long (60-minute) music lessons for one student presently is $219 monthly for small group classes or $368 monthly for individual private lessons. We presently require a 30-minute introductory lesson for $49 (in-studio) or $79 (in-home) for most instruments and lesson formats. A la carte one-time 60-minute music lessons cost $149 and can be scheduled on a lesson-by-lesson basis.

The Dennis Frayne Music Studios operate on a membership / tuition basis, much like traditional schools, academies, colleges, and sports leagues. Each quarter term consists of eleven weeks of lessons and one recital (twelve weeks total), and generally includes one week “off” per quarter. Typically, this means 11 weekly 60-minute lessons and 1 recital per quarter (12 weeks total, with 1 week off). (Twice-weekly and double-hour courses are exceptions; please inquire.) Each quarter term also includes our weekly optional Forum.

For private instruction, we encourage students and families to commit to lessons on a yearly or annual basis. This is not required — you can end lessons as desired at the end of each month or term. Each student’s and each group’s place is held in the studio schedule and guaranteed as long as you remain enrolled. Schedule changes can be accommodated based on student and family needs.

Please see our Price for Life Guarantee below (under More about Pricing) - your tuition rate will never increase for as long as you maintain continuous enrollment. Monthly, quarterly, and annual payment plans are available. Membership / tuition is prorated if starting mid-month or mid-term. For group instruction that involves a planned course (only some do), we ask students and family to commit to the full course term, which can range from one week (such as summer camps), to six months, to two years.

Financial Assistance Offerings.

We know that piano lessons done right can seem expensive. If costs are a concern for you, please consider the following options and opportunities. We are striving to make quality music lessons possible for everyone! Click here to read about our music school memberships.

Financial assistance options on request:

Senior, Military, & First Responder.

At all Dennis Frayne Music Studios, including our Laguna Niguel and Lake Forest music school locations, we offer helpful senior discounts, and with gratitude, military & first responder rates, which are 10% lower than our regular pricing.

We sincerely thank you for your service and your families for their sacrifices.

Sibling / Family.

At all Dennis Frayne Music Studios, including our Laguna Niguel and Lake Forest music school locations, we offer, upon request, sibling and family assistance, which includes a) 50% off second, third, and fourth student annual registration and materials fees (any additional students are free), and b) 10% off our regular monthly membership rates for each student after the first student. Families with four children or more may receive additional assistance for small group lessons, or for our customizable 30-30-30+ in-home lessons. Please ask about these options and opportunities.

We appreciate our families and all they contribute to our communities and to the world.

Quarterly Payment Option / Discounts.

At all Dennis Frayne Music Studios, including our Laguna Niguel and Lake Forest music school locations, we offer a quarterly payment option that can result in an additional 5% savings. Students and families paying quarterly agree to complete the full quarter term. Students and families are eligible for the quarterly payment option at the start of their first full quarter. Please ask about this option.

Lock in Your Rate: Price-for-Life Guarantee.

Your membership rates for music lessons will never be raised as long as you continue lessons (remain enrolled) uninterrupted. Your price will be locked in, for life – forever! Read more about our Price-for-Life Guarantee here.

Small Group Lessons & Classes.

Small group lessons & classes can reduce costs and provide additional opportunities for students. Small group classes of 2-6 reduce per-student membership rates from $368 to $219. Students must be able and willing to participate cooperatively and productively in a group setting.

Help us start a weekday morning-time small group class and get free lessons for a year!

If you help us put together a small group class of 4 total students (including yours), we will give you free lessons for your student in the class, for one year. All the other students will receive a 35% discount, for the year. Classes must take place between 7:00am and 2:15pm on a weekday morning, and require an annual commitment.

Referral Program.

Click here for more information about our referral program. You and your friends can earn rewards, plus we give to organizations that help children in need.

Scholarship Opportunities and Financial Aid.

We have special scholarship opportunities and provide financial aid to families in need of tuition assistance. Please inquire. (We work closely with the non-profit organization, Scholarship Squirrel.)