Fergus Black - Why are lessons so expensive?

Here is a letter to The Guardian on 15^th October 2005, that might help to explain the cost:

"Why do people always assume music doesn't cost anything much and that we do it for love? (re: letter from Julie Hawes, October 1). I would estimate that a piano teacher has more over-heads than a driving instructor. A de-cent piano costs about the same as a small car, and needs to be tuned every six months. But the teacher also must live in a property of a certain size to have the space for a piano.

Then there's the training. To reach "Grade 8" and be able to play a Mozart sonata and Chopin nocturne would take seven to eight years. And all the music needs to be bought. Then you would need three or four years at music college or university. I don't think it takes that long to train as a driving instructor.

Helen Powell, email"