Costs Associated with Studying Music

Nobody talks about how expensive being a singer is. It is a taboo topic institutions are too shy to speak on for fear of deterring artists from the industry. What a shame considering how much of an impact it has on each individual. Fear not, I’m here to give you all of the details.

Voice lessons vary in cost depending on the level of expertise and status of the teacher. I have seen some teachers charge $25 while others $300 per hour. The highest I have paid for private lessons outside of school is $125 per hour. Because of the high costs of living in California, I would often have lessons every other week instead of once a week. Word of advice to those who are singing beginners, do not waste your money on teachers who charge such an extreme amount unless you have an extreme amount of talent. Get the basics of reading music, pitch, and rhythm accuracy before investing high costs in a private teacher. All of these topics are covered thoroughly on YouTube for free.

Equipment costs can be high depending on quality. The first that is important to have is a piano/keyboard. I invested roughly $2,500 in a high-quality keyboard, bench, pedal, stand, and speakers. This is not necessary in the amateur stages of learning, however, it is highly recommended to advance your skills. If this is understandably not within budget, consider asking a nearby church if you can use their keyboard or volunteer at a facility with a piano (senior living community, schools). When you’re ready to purchase your instrument, consider what brand/quality you’d like. I recommend keyboards with 88 weighted keys. These cost more but are worth the investment. If you have room in your household, there is the option to purchase an acoustic piano/upright. You would be surprised at how many you can find for free online as long as shipping costs are handled. This is how I acquired my acoustic piano and paid a total of about $400 for shipping/setting up the piano

Clothing for interviews, performances, masterclasses, etc will play a role in how others perceive you. I recommend investing in professional clothing for these occasions. Men will undoubtedly need a suit and tie along with dress shoes. Women should invest in comfortable performing shoes, a floor-length gown for classical singers, a mid-length cocktail dress, slacks, and a nice blouse. These items do not need to be expensive. You can find all of these items at discount stores, on sale at well-known clothing department stores, eBay, etc. The important idea is to find quality clothes that you will take care of for longevity use. It is important to conduct research to gain knowledge about the event and the people involved. Always present yourself in a professional manner. The music industry is tight-knit and it is important to maintain a good reputation. I did my best to always dress professionally and leave personal problems at home. Though this is challenging, with practice it is achievable.

Travel is an expense that is out of our control should we want to gain performing experience. It is unfortunate that many singing programs give last-minute acceptance notifications making it difficult to bargain shop for flights and hotel accommodations. Many programs offer scholarships for such expenses for qualified singers, though this supply is very limited. Travel expenses can also be negotiated/covered if performing with a company. Whatever the situation, I recommend putting a percentage of your income away for travel expenses as this can be the most costly aspect for up-and-coming singers.

Your time is costly whether you are professional or amateur. Always remember that a certain amount of time is never guaranteed on this earth. Every moment you spend learning your craft, going to interviews, and traveling for auditions is a representation of your time. Use it wisely.

Tuition fees in the United States have skyrocketed over the last decade. It is a shame it is unaffordable to receive a degree. I have two degrees and from personal experience, I may have the unpopular vote: a degree can be a complete waste of time, money, and energy. Success in this business is a result of close relationships with influential people, an incredible amount of talent, and luck. If institutional training is not in the foreseeable path, there are alternate routes to finding success in this field. The first step is to find a solid team who are experts in their field. Depending on the level of talent, a team should consist of a voice teacher, vocal coach, and manager. With the correct plan, your voice teacher and vocal coach can put together a curriculum of assignments that would be valuable for the singer. This would include learning full roles, character development, ear training, and sight-reading. They should also be able to recommend books to help you throughout your singing journey. If any of your teachers are experienced professionals, ask them about contracts, the tone of the music industry, rehearsal expectations, extensive travel, etc. The only advantage an institution can offer is performance opportunities, though these are not guaranteed. The majority of institutions require auditions in order to be considered for a performance opportunity during the school year. If performance opportunities entailing full roles are not guaranteed, I would not recommend the institution. You can gain the knowledge schools would offer through books, online learning, and your local community college at a fraction of the cost. Below is a breakdown of tuition fees for popular conservatories. Keep in mind these costs do not include room and board, food, health insurance, transportation, or school supplies.

1. Oberlin College & Conservatory ​​$60,243 (2021-2022)

2. San Francisco Conservatory of Music $51,300 (2022-2023)

3. Boston Conservatory at Berklee $48,000 (2022-2023)

4. New England Conservatory $54,210 (2022-2023)

5. Johns Hopkins Peabody Institute $59,128 (2022-2023)

6. Juilliard $52,250 (2022-2023)

One of the most valuable quotes I’ve heard in regards to being a music professional came from Lisette Oropesa: “being an opera singer is expensive.” These words couldn’t be more true. I have invested tens of thousands of dollars in my craft. It is not a pretty picture but a realistic one. If I can give you any financial advice it would be the following: find multiple streams of revenue to support your ambitions and ask for help. I would not be where I am today without the emotional and financial support from others. People who believe in you will invest in you. This is why it is of the utmost importance to maintain genuine relationships and give thanks to those who have helped you along your path.