Tipping Instructors?

Greetings,

In the US, is it customary to tip your music instructor? For an in-person lesson that is.

I used to make my living off of tips, so I'm into it. Everyone knows you're supposed to tip a bartender, but some professions, like say a ski instructor or a river raft guide, you should tip, but a lot of people don't even know that it's ok. Wondering where music instructors fit in.

Thanks,
Buoy

Originally Posted by: BuoyGreetings,

In the US, is it customary to tip your music instructor? For an in-person lesson that is.

I used to make my living off of tips, so I'm into it. Everyone knows you're supposed to tip a bartender, but some professions, like say a ski instructor or a river raft guide, you should tip, but a lot of people don't even know that it's ok. Wondering where music instructors fit in.

Thanks,
Buoy

The few times I took lessons, I never tipped them. Heck, I didn't know you could or should! I would buy them beer though. Does that count?

I never tipped any of the teachers I've taken lessons from either. I did however buy the one I liked the most a Christmas present.

I teach, and I wouldn't expect tips. To be fair I'm in the UK, but we still have a tipping culture over here - not quite so much as the US but it's still there.

I get Christmas presents from some of my students - depending on the age of the person it's usually either a bottle of wine/scotch or whatever or a drawing they did of me playing a guitar.... bless 'em...

Your teacher will obviously be grateful, but he/she won't expect a tip or be offended in any way if one isn't offered.

In Canada tipping is expected.
It's um... a hundred dollars ... yeah that's it...
I mean two hundred... yeah. And... Xmas presents too


Actually never heard of it before, but hey.. if students wanna start slipping me some extra cash, who am I to refuse :)

If it was an instructor at a school, who's working off minimum wage, then yeah... I could see it. If it's is an instructor who is giving you private lessons, they are already getting 100% of the money anyway, so I see no need whatsoever to tip an instructor. That's like saying "oh, wait a minute... you didn't charge me enough. Here, have some more money." :rolleyes:

yeah... I actually feel guilty taking the money sometimes cause all I did was sit here and jam for 1/2 hour. It always suprises me when they sign up for a month of lessons... inside I'm thinking "ya wanna pay me $25 for a 1/2 hour lesson... really? Like.. $100 a month?..holy crap. Ya wanna pay a year in advance?... holy friggin $#@. New computer.. woohoo.."

Seriously, I wouldn't worry about it. Teachers are making excellent money for what they do. If you have a long term relationship with a teacher, birthdays and xmas are usually observed but that goes both ways & I buy gifts for the students too. It's never anything serious... maybe a kewl book to read or a novelty item or beer or whatever.

Originally Posted by: PRSplayaIf it was an instructor at a school, who's working off minimum wage, then yeah... I could see it. If it's is an instructor who is giving you private lessons, they are already getting 100% of the money anyway, so I see no need whatsoever to tip an instructor. That's like saying "oh, wait a minute... you didn't charge me enough. Here, have some more money." :rolleyes:

Yup, thats pretty much what I think. The tricky part comes in when you have a private lesson with an instructor, but he works for a company. I remember when I was in 8th grade, the local guitar shop had about 6 instructors that would teach private lessons in back rooms. I'm assuming part of their money goes to the business, but at the same time they get paid too I would imagine. I don't think a tip is necessary or expected by them since you are already paying for the lesson. I did give Xmas gifts to him though.

heh... just to bring back an old thought...
I never used to tip the hairdresser (barber..whatever) cause I had no idea of the concept of tipping. Never heard of it, and nobody ever said anything to me.
Years later I'm thinking 'so that's why my haircuts were always crap'

I never even thought about tipping my instructer. The way I look at it.... he quit drinking..... so he dosent need the extra beer money now. :)

Cool, thanks all for the feedback - looks like tipping is a town in China in this case.

I never used to tip the hairdresser (barber..whatever) cause I had no idea of the concept of tipping. Never heard of it, and nobody ever said anything to me.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I never knew you should, but don't have to, tip the maid/housekeeper when you get a hotel room. Then I met a new friend and she did that work. She's the one that edjumacated me on that.

Lots of times I'll shine it, especially in a cheezy room for one night, but if you're staying for more than one night, a small (10%) tip will buy a *lot* of discretion.

Thanks,
Buoy

I would say if s/he goes the extra mile or does something that's out of the norm, take care of them.

My instructor has gotten many a tip from me because he spends so much time with me. The average (around here at least) lesson lasts 30-35 minutes and costs $25. My instructor, Lamar Dean, if you happen to be in Tampa, sits with his students for at LEAST an hour for $25. I took approximately 15 lessons from him and my shortest lesson was an hour and a half. My longest? 3 hours. He charges $25 per lesson, regardless of length. I often gave him an extra 5-10 bucks. Sometimes it was just because I didn't have correct change, but most of the time it was because they guy cared enough about my progression to spend extra time with me making sure I understood what he was saying.