The Music Teachers' Association of NSW sets out recommended base rates for accredited music teachers in private studios. These figures represent a minimum professional standard and are used as a reference point for negotiations. A variety of factors affect teaching rates, including employment status, years of experience, and whether the teacher travels to the student.
2026 Recommended Base Rates
The following rates represent the professional standard for the MTA NSW Accredited Teachers:
| Tuition Type | Rate (ex. GST) | Rate (inc. GST) |
| Individual Private Tuition | $115.00/hour | $126.50/hour |
| Group Tuition (3-6 students) | $155.00/hour | $170.50/hour |
Past recommended teaching fees can be viewed here
- These rates serve as the recommended baseline for fully accredited members.
- Members and Student Members are encouraged to use their discretion to ensure their fees accurately reflect their specific credentials and experience.
- These are base teaching rates and do not include superannuation, annual leave, leave loading, or workers' compensation insurance.
- Individual private studio charges and school-based employment arrangements remain subject to negotiation by either party.
The recommended base rate is designed to reflect the full scope of professional responsibilities required to deliver high-quality music education. It is understood that for every hour of face-to-face instruction, significant additional work and costs are incurred, including:
- Lesson planning, repertoire selection, and individualised curriculum development.
- Progress reporting, parent consultations, scheduling, and administrative correspondence.
- Invoicing, fee collection, tax compliance, and general studio management.
- Provision of teaching spaces, utilities, high-quality instruments, and sheet music libraries.
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, ongoing professional development (CPD), and industry memberships.
Factors Influencing Professional Fees
The Association acknowledges that many members will set fees above these recommendations to reflect their specific professional standing. Factors such as advanced degrees, years of pedagogical experience, and specialised studio offerings are key drivers in determining a teacher’s actual rate. These rates are a guide to fair, reliable fees, ensuring a sustainable industry while allowing teachers the autonomy to value their services according to their market position.
Conversely, rates may be adapted where an organisation provides the teaching space, equipment, insurance, and administrative services, or where the teacher is an employee receiving full benefits and superannuation.
The MTA NSW Board of Directors reviews these base rates annually. Increases reflect CPI adjustments and take into account national industry standards, historical data, and the need to maintain a fair, sustainable music industry.
Future Recommended Fees
As per our strategic direction and alignment with our status as a charity, future setting of teaching fees may be undertaken by another organisation like the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA), via the Musicians Australia which is a member-led initiative to build a better, fairer and more sustainable music industry. As the new union for working musicians, Musicians Australia will define the sensible floor of professional standards and behaviour; set a guide to fair, reliable fees; and partner with industry to rebuild confidence in our live music industry.