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Events / PRICE GUIDE

Pianist Cost

Understand the factors behind the price and prepare for a more useful quote.

Previously published low estimate
$150
Previously published high estimate
$160

These estimates come from an earlier version of this guide; the original review date is unavailable. They are not a current quote or a guaranteed range. Scope, location and the unit of pricing matter. How we label older estimates.

Whether you’re looking for a wedding performer, an accompanist or a piano teacher, hundreds of musicians around the country are available to help make your next event perfect or take your musical education to the next level. Professional pianists can adroitly play a wide variety of music, from jazz standards to classical pieces to Broadway show tunes — any song to fit any event, including Mendelssohn’s 'Wedding March' and The Beatles’ œHey Jude. The main factors in determining costs are the skills and professionalism of the musician and the length of the service performed.

Pianist as accompanist

Professional pianists are often available to accompany singers and other musicians, either in the studio or on stage. Pianists may charge either by the hour or per song for accompanist services. Ferlito in Goodyear, Arizona, charges $100-$200 per song to record audio demos, depending on whether vocals are required.

Party performers

Pianists are often hired to play at wedding ceremonies and receptions as well as cocktail parties and other events. Most party performers are paid by the hour — the amount of time they’re at the venue, not just the number of minutes they’re playing music — but wedding musicians usually charge a flat fee for the event.

Sweet Harmony, a collective of special event musicians in Plainfield, New Jersey, offers solo keyboard services that start at $250 for the ceremony. Playing at the rehearsal as well costs an additional $150. Additional fees are charged for rehearsing with a singer as an accompanist.

Travel fees

A pianist may also charge travel fees to get to the event venue. These typically range from $25 to $50.

Piano lessons

Many professional pianists are also teachers, offering lessons to children and adults. Both Tara Buzash, of Sweet Harmony, and Ferlito offer lessons. Buzash teaches lessons both in the home and at the French School of Music in Plainfield, New Jersey, and the Mason Gross Extension Division in New Brunswick, New Jersey. At the Music Academy, piano lessons cost $30 for a 30-minute lesson, $40 for a 45-minute lesson, and $55 for a 60-minute lesson. The academy offers a discount when four lessons are paid for in advance (more on the factors for piano lessons here).