Raring to start learning music, but when you see the price tag on instruments, does your brain go, “Ah ya, too expensive lah, cannot”? If that’s you, let me break down the costs of music education and show it’s not as daunting as it seems.
Instruments
Getting your own instrument is the first step. Industry veterans shared their insights on balancing price and quality.
For an acoustic piano, which is a significant investment, you’re looking at RM30k to RM50k for a top-notch, durable option. However, for beginners, a digital piano is a better choice. With RM2k to RM5k, you can get a good quality digital piano that not only replicates the feel of an acoustic but often offers extra functions, which can last you up to a decade with the right amount of maintenance.
Guitars? Far less intimidating. For RM800 and above, you can get a decent one to kickstart your musical journey.
Drums, though—be prepared. A drum set can go up to RM6k+ to RM10K, takes up space, and is quite loud! But digital drum on the other hand will cost you RM2k to RM6K, comes with all sort of features to let you get started.
While renting instruments is an option, it’s not common in Malaysia, as rental costs can add up, often exceeding the price of buying outright.
Lesson Fees
Lesson fees vary, but they typically start at RM200+ for multiple sessions, like at Tutti. It’s less about the price and more about finding the right teacher with the right frequency.
Private teachers charge anywhere from RM150 to RM350 per hour, depending on their experience and qualifications. Be sure to check their teaching style and ability to communicate progress effectively.
Exam fees also increase with each grade, starting from RM200 and onward, all the way up to Grade 8. Finally, there’s also learning books that can cost just from RM100 onward that depends on your skill and familiarity with the instruments you want to learn.
Conclusion
When you compare these expenses to other hobbies—ice skating, bicycling, a game console like PS5, game titles, weapons, a gamer’s spec computer or an iPad—music is no more costly. Every hobby has its price. Some brings you good but some do you harm.
Hope this clears up your concerns about music education costs. Thanks for reading!
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