SSPM rates
The SSPM's most widely known service, even among non-members, is its indicative tariffs for private music instruction. But many are unaware of how these rates are set and what they include.
SSPM rates are set by those present at the AGMs of the 15 sections. If a new tariff is decided, it is normally applicable immediately. Sections are free to decide whether to set half-yearly rates, individual hourly rates or both, whether there are also rates for group lessons and whether, in addition to the rates for 60 and 40 minutes, other rates are also quoted for other lesson durations. Prices for adult courses are slightly higher than those for children and teenagers. Some sections define a percentage discount on the adult rate, while others set specific rates for teaching children and teenagers.
In 2024, we received many requests and wishes concerning rates, and I can only urge all those who also want a rate for group lessons or for a 30-minute lesson, or who find their section's rates too low or too high, to go to the AGM, present these wishes and put them to the vote. Interestingly, many non-members called to say that they didn't need the SSPM, but would like to see this or that change on the rate lists. Of course, they have no say in the matter.
Tariffs are always a subject of discussion at meetings. There is the position that fees should be adjusted each year in line with inflation, and there is the position of those who would prefer to lower fees, lest higher fees discourage potential students.
Rates are indicative, which means that no member can be forced to actually charge these rates if he or she loses many students in the process. Nevertheless, it's a good idea to deviate from the rates as little as possible when setting prices for private lessons. It's often surprising what adult students are prepared to pay for quality tuition. After all, it's not just the prices that are adjusted to keep pace with inflation, but also, more often than not, the salaries of our students or their parents. And we mustn't forget that, in addition to the teacher's actual salary, teaching fees must cover all social security contributions (AVS, CP), classroom rental and infrastructure costs, professional accident insurance, company insurance, instrument maintenance costs, such as piano tuning, sheet music and other teaching materials. Depending on the number of students, there's not much left over, even with a rate of 120 francs per lesson.
One of the tasks of the SSPM, as a professional association, is therefore to insist that rates are not too low, and to encourage its members to actually charge the indicative rates. We know our students, and if someone is particularly gifted but can't afford to pay the normal rate and therefore only attends classes irregularly, we can make a gesture towards that person and "offer them a little time".
Private music schools and other platforms often write: "Rates correspond to SSPM rates". Here, too, fees influence teachers' salaries. It's vital that we stand up for reasonable rates that generate sufficient income to ensure the livelihood of private teachers!
