How Much Does it Cost for Piano Lessons? A Quick Guide for Ireland
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Want to Learn Piano? Here's What It Might Cost You
Let's face it - learning piano is an amazing journey, but it's important to know what you're getting into when it comes to costs. There are loads of different ways you could start learning the Piano, from amazing FREE Online Resources like YouTube or Learning from Apps like Simply Piano! Whether you're just starting to tinker with the keys or dreaming of becoming the next Mozart, this guide will help you understand all the costs involved - from lessons to instruments.
How Much Do Piano Lessons Really Cost?
The price of piano lessons can vary quite a bit, and here's what you might expect to pay:
Face-to-Face Lessons
Face to Face Lessons are either where you to go the teacher (in a School or in Their Home) or they come to your home. These types of lessons are pretty much hyperlocal, travelling more than a few minutes for lessons can be stressful (but sometimes rewarding). There are some Benefits to taking in Person Piano Lessons over other alternatives but it’s up to you to choose what suits your needs best.
Here are some typical prices for Face to Face Lessons;
Beginner Private Lessons: €25-55 for a 30-minute session
Advanced Private Lessons: €45-110 per hour
Group lessons: €15-25 Per Person/Per Class
Music School Prices: €35-75 for a 45-minute lesson
ProTip: If you live in a big city like Dublin or Cork, you might need to pay a bit more than if you're in a smaller town. That's just how the cookie crumbles when it comes to city prices!
Online Lessons | Live Or Pre- Recorded?
What Is A Live Online Lessons?
Remember that thing in 2020? Yeah that thing! Well since then we all had to come to the realisation that sometimes things are just easier online! As hard as it was, it opened a literal world of possibilities learning. Want to specialise Samba, Bossa Nova or Choro? Then fire up the Google Machine and find an online teacher in Brazil! (Don’t forget the timezones!)
Here are some guidelines for Online Live Lessons
One-on-one online lessons: €20-45 for 30 minutes
Group online classes: €10-20 per person per hour
Pre-recorded course subscriptions: €10-25 monthly
Piano learning apps: €5-15 monthly
ProTip: The main difference with an Online Live Lessons is that you can ask questions, get immediate answers. Some People won’t have a different price for a Live Online Vs. An In Person lessons. Why? Well on a timetable its pretty much the same, the knowledge transfer is the same even if the mechanics are a little different.
Pre-Recorded? What does that mean for lessons?
Well it’s pretty much what is says on the tin! Its a series of videos which are building on a theme. The theme is broken down into modules which you can complete in your own time, re-watch if you need to get a better grip on a concept or to brush up old skills. Taking Piano as our theme, it could be broken into modules like; Posture, Hand Position, Reading the Stave, Finding Middle C and so on. You can find some great pre-recorded lessons on YouTube but more on this later!
Some teachers will use a Platform like LearnWorlds, UDemy or others so you can track progress and sometimes new course elements or modules don’t open up until you have completed and mastered a topic (Great Ready for some Quizes…)
ProTip: The main difference with an Online Live Lessons is that you can ask questions, get immediate answers. Some People won’t have a different price for a Live Online Vs. An In Person lessons. Why? Well on a timetable its pretty much the same, the knowledge transfer is the same even if the mechanics are a little different.
Can You Learn Piano for Free?
Absolutely! There are so many Free Online Resources to choose from but the main one is YouTube.
Digital Options for Piano Learning in Ireland
In today's digital age, aspiring pianists in Ireland have access to a wealth of free and low-cost resources online. These options can supplement traditional lessons or provide a starting point for beginners on a budget.
YouTube Channels
Irish piano enthusiasts are spoiled for choice with stellar YouTube channels dedicated to piano instruction. Channels like Piano Lessons on the Web, Pianist Magazine, and Josh Wright Piano TV offer everything from beginner fundamentals to advanced techniques. Many feature structured lesson plans that walk you through concepts step-by-step, making them perfect for self-paced learning between formal lessons.
Free Piano Apps
Your smartphone can become a powerful learning tool with free piano apps. Options like Simply Piano, Piano Academy, and Perfect Piano offer basic versions that include note-reading exercises, chord progressions, and even virtual keyboards. While the premium features require payment, the free tiers provide enough functionality to get started and practice core skills without spending a euro.
Online Piano Communities
Connect with fellow piano enthusiasts across Ireland and beyond through online communities. Forums like Piano World, Reddit's r/piano, and Facebook groups dedicated to Irish musicians offer encouragement, feedback, and advice. These communities can be particularly valuable for sharing experiences about local teachers and upcoming piano events in Ireland.
Free Sheet Music Websites
Why spend money on sheet music when so much is available for free? Websites like IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project), MuseScore, and 8notes offer thousands of pieces in the public domain. From classical masterpieces to traditional Irish folk tunes arranged for piano, these sites provide enough material to keep you playing for years without purchasing a single sheet.
Remember that while these digital options offer excellent value, combining them with even occasional professional instruction can dramatically accelerate your progress at the piano.
ProTip: You can absolutely learn by yourself! There are tonnes of great resources available but in some cases you may need a little extra attention and might consider going to take Piano Lessons. Be upfront with your teacher, tell them your goals, explain what you have been doing and you will get a better outcome from a short Term / Few Lessons to help you get over a slump.
Old-School Methods
Community Options for Piano Learning in Ireland
Finding budget-friendly piano instruction in Ireland doesn't always require a screen. Here are three community-based alternatives that offer hands-on learning experiences at minimal cost.
Community Center Classes
Look to your local community centers for affordable group piano lessons that typically run in 6-8 week blocks. The supportive group environment creates natural motivation, and you'll pay significantly less than private lessons while still getting structured instruction in piano fundamentals.
School Music Programs
Students should leverage existing school music resources. Many Irish schools offer extracurricular music activities with access to instruments during breaks or after hours. Some schools partner with local teachers who provide student discounts—an opportunity not to be missed if you're already in the educational system.
Finding a Practice Buddy
Partner up with another piano enthusiast to share costs, resources, and feedback. This creates built-in accountability and makes learning more enjoyable. Check bulletin boards in music shops throughout Ireland to connect with potential practice partners at your skill level.
Remember, while these options provide excellent starting points, occasional sessions with a professional teacher can help prevent bad habits and accelerate your progress.
ProTip: Group Music Lessons are a fantastic way to dip your toe into a new skill! Any of the ETBs offer Classes across a wide range of subjects including Piano. If Apps/Online aren’t your thing and you are not sure if you want to commit to individual lessons either at home or in a school then Night Classes are a great option! If you get bitten by the Piano bug then sign up for Private Classes as they will be tailored specifically to your needs!
How Much Will a Piano Set You Back?
Well, the choice is yours on how you would like to start! Honestly, in my experience you can start very cheaply with a Digital Keyboard (If you can afford, touch sensitive). If you are taking standard lessons and not trying to learn just songs, then you should get about 18months to 2 Years from it. If you still have the love for learning by then, treat yourself to a full size Digital or Acoustic Piano.
Acoustic Pianos (The Traditional Ones)
Basic upright: €2,500-4,500
Mid-range upright: €4,500-9,000
High-end upright: €9,000-27,000
Grand pianos: €13,000-90,000+
Digital Pianos and Keyboards
Simple keyboard: €90-270
Starter digital piano: €450-900
Better digital piano: €900-2,700
Pro-level digital piano: €2,700-4,500
Other Bits and Pieces You'll Need
Tuning (for acoustic pianos): €90-180 each time (1 -2 times a year)
General maintenance: €180-450 yearly
A decent piano bench: €45-270
Music books and sheets: €90-270 per year
What About Piano Apps?
Simply Piano
Not completely free (despite what some might think!)
You can try it for free though
Monthly cost: €22.49 - Individual, 2 Week Free Trial
Cheaper if you pay for a year upfront
You can try some basic lessons for free
Other Popular Apps You Might Like
Flowkey: The search results do not provide specific pricing for Flowkey. However, typical pricing for piano learning apps often ranges between €10 to €20 per month.
Piano Marvel: Piano Marvel offers a premium account for $14.99 per month, which is approximately €13.50 to €14.50 depending on the exchange rate. There is also an annual subscription option for $129.99, which is about €117 to €12215.
Playground Sessions: Playground Sessions costs $24.99 per month, which is roughly €22.50 to €23.50. The annual subscription is $149.99, or about €137 to €14226.
Synthesia: Monthly and annual subscription plans starting at $29 per month for the Starter plan3. There is no indication of a one-time payment option for Synthesia.
ProTip: Set yourself a goal, think about what you want to get out of the lessons. If you kit your target then reward yourself with something like an Upgrade from Keyboard to A Digital Piano or even an acoustic. If you thinking about lessons for kids, set them goals. “Get your first 10 songs learned and we will upgrade the Piano” etc.
Is it worth it? Absolutely!
Learning piano doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, but investing in good quality learning tools and teaching can really help you progress faster. Think of it like learning to drive - you could teach yourself, but having a good instructor usually gets you there quicker and safer!
Mix and match different learning methods to find what works for your budget and goals. Remember, even the greatest pianists started somewhere, and there's no shame in starting small and working your way up. The most important thing is to enjoy the journey and keep practicing!
It doesn’t have to cost the earth, you can break it into stages by starting cheaper and upgrade when progress is made. Thinking about In Person or Live Online Lessons in Ireland? Checkout what we offer for Piano Lessons here.
About The Author
Hi, I’m John. I own Blanch Music. Established 2008, we have been giving Piano lessons to students Young & Old. I hope this article helps you on your Musical Journey!