Here are a few additional costs to keep in mind:

• Plan on spending about $50 a year on music.  Just as children need a variety of books to learn to read language, they also need a variety of books to learn to read music.
• Plan on spending about $100 a year to have your piano tuned.   If your piano is a klunker, consider donating it and purchasing a reasonable instrument for practice.  Nobody wants to practice an out of tune or otherwise terrible instrument.
• A metronome will be needed to help develop rhythm skills.   A battery powered metronome is easier for beginners to use and connect to different tempo settings (like Andante or Moderato, since they’re spelled out on the metronome dial); one can be purchased for @ $20.
• Many students (and teachers) are finding iPads or a computer near the piano with portable speakers to be a helpful practice companion.There are some excellent educational music apps which help students learn sight reading, counting and other skills while playing pieces in all genres with an orchestra accompaniment.  I also record accompaniments to pieces for student practice.
• Students who are interested in playing independently graded assessments should plan on spending approximately $100 per assessment (usually once every year or two).
• Students who plan on playing assessments should also plan to double up on lessons for 2-3 months prior to the exam to make sure all material is well-prepared.
• Recital opportunities at Kerrytown Concert House or Schoolcraft College may require a $25 fee.
• Other programs and master classes may involve additional costs.