How much do instructors usually charge?
- Thread starter 5andout
- Start date
My rates are published on my web site, so it's no secret. My hourly rate is $45 per hour. Some charge more, and others charge less. I would guess I am probably somewhere in the middle range. I know some that charge about $2 grand for a 2 day class.
Steve
Steve
my thoughts on lessons, and my experiences giving them
That seems pretty fair Steve, I charge $20/hr/per (15/hr for 2 and 10/hr for 3)and tho I don't have many students I always got great results. I just apply alot of things I've learned from great players, some instructors, and things I've discovered on my own. I usually give lessons for free if it's a close friend especially if they really are gung ho about learning, but hell if anyone wants to learn that bad and listen and then take the time to apply, I'll give free ones to just about anyone.
The main reason I charge, is because I've learned ALOT, and know ALOT (but need to learn and want to learn MUCH MORE) and most people say they want to learn and then you take your time to teach them some things and they either don't listen or they don't hear you or whatever. Fact is I would gladly "waste" my time for anyone who really wants to become a student of the game and really better themselves(as some top players/instructors have done for me). I just hate people begging and asking for pointer this and pointer that and bla bla bla and they never try it they never apply it.
Here's the kicker, the few who do pay me $20/hr do 2 hrs total per session, and then usually get the lesson/evaluations, and homework to study from me once or twice a month. They paid for it so they are going to want to use their money they spent, so the LISTEN intently. They learn, they apply it, they try the techniques and set ups. I have more fun, because I get excited when they try things and I see them light up b/c they are learning something new they know will help them out and see it right away.
One guy(just a barfly) laughed at one of my students that he would pay $20/hr to learn to play, the guy goes why pay someone when you can go learn by watching people at the bar! Patrick said to the barfly because thats what I always did, and I always SUCKED. He told me the correct things to do and helped me get rid of bad habits and I play better than most that used to play better than me at the bar. Pat said "whats wrong with paying to learn something, lawyers pay to learn law?" etc...
I laughed at all that but I just brings up a good point, for whatever reason some think you can just grab a cue and bada bing you can just off to the races and learn to play. Well yea you can, but it's a huge learning curve to where its not aggravating and is actually an enjoyable pastime the whole time you play. I don't think anyone likes to be "BAD" at anything, and with something like pool if you learn its a life long gift its just like learning to play an instrument. Spending 20-50-100 on a lesson from someone that can really help you out every so often is worth it if you want to get better FASTER, as long as you practice what they show you after the fact.
Thats another cool thing about a lesson, they last forever as long as you payed attention and remembered what you went over. So that one, two hour lesson could last you a month or more of pratice to become proficient with what you went over. Your not going to get lessons everyday. You learn some things and go home and apply them, once you got those things down then you go learn some more.
Its like anything else, if people know that you have knowledge they can learn from, and also know you charge $$ for that. Then you get rid of the ones who only want it their way, and get more open minded students that want to learn to be better. They get the pleasure of money well spent on making their game better, and the instructor feels good about accomplishing something and helping another player better themselves. Its very self satisfactory on both ends.
I've even had the recent pleasure of some players I didn't get along with too great in the past, start to turn a new leaf and really wanting the usually free and great advice i try and give them. One just called today to come and play (he couldn't it was his anniversary and said he had forgotten so couldn't come, only poolaholic could do that lol, what would his wife had said if he didn't remember OMG) and he said since he couldn't make it today he was gonna come tomorrow and was looking forward b/c every time we shoot together he learns something new from me. I was taken back by the comment and happy to see him giving me a chance, and can't wait to help a new friend better his game.
Oh by the way Steve, I'm actually very interested in becoming a certified instructor, and then eventually a master certification. Can you lead me in the right direction, websites maybe and where would be the closest school to Louisiana?
Take care,
Grey Ghost
What I really need steve is some lessons on getting my point across, I seem to ramble on and on trying to make sure I get EXACTLY the point as I see it to be fully understood lmao. Oh well you can't stop the energizer bunny either I guess.:wink:
That seems pretty fair Steve, I charge $20/hr/per (15/hr for 2 and 10/hr for 3)and tho I don't have many students I always got great results. I just apply alot of things I've learned from great players, some instructors, and things I've discovered on my own. I usually give lessons for free if it's a close friend especially if they really are gung ho about learning, but hell if anyone wants to learn that bad and listen and then take the time to apply, I'll give free ones to just about anyone.
The main reason I charge, is because I've learned ALOT, and know ALOT (but need to learn and want to learn MUCH MORE) and most people say they want to learn and then you take your time to teach them some things and they either don't listen or they don't hear you or whatever. Fact is I would gladly "waste" my time for anyone who really wants to become a student of the game and really better themselves(as some top players/instructors have done for me). I just hate people begging and asking for pointer this and pointer that and bla bla bla and they never try it they never apply it.
Here's the kicker, the few who do pay me $20/hr do 2 hrs total per session, and then usually get the lesson/evaluations, and homework to study from me once or twice a month. They paid for it so they are going to want to use their money they spent, so the LISTEN intently. They learn, they apply it, they try the techniques and set ups. I have more fun, because I get excited when they try things and I see them light up b/c they are learning something new they know will help them out and see it right away.
One guy(just a barfly) laughed at one of my students that he would pay $20/hr to learn to play, the guy goes why pay someone when you can go learn by watching people at the bar! Patrick said to the barfly because thats what I always did, and I always SUCKED. He told me the correct things to do and helped me get rid of bad habits and I play better than most that used to play better than me at the bar. Pat said "whats wrong with paying to learn something, lawyers pay to learn law?" etc...
I laughed at all that but I just brings up a good point, for whatever reason some think you can just grab a cue and bada bing you can just off to the races and learn to play. Well yea you can, but it's a huge learning curve to where its not aggravating and is actually an enjoyable pastime the whole time you play. I don't think anyone likes to be "BAD" at anything, and with something like pool if you learn its a life long gift its just like learning to play an instrument. Spending 20-50-100 on a lesson from someone that can really help you out every so often is worth it if you want to get better FASTER, as long as you practice what they show you after the fact.
Thats another cool thing about a lesson, they last forever as long as you payed attention and remembered what you went over. So that one, two hour lesson could last you a month or more of pratice to become proficient with what you went over. Your not going to get lessons everyday. You learn some things and go home and apply them, once you got those things down then you go learn some more.
Its like anything else, if people know that you have knowledge they can learn from, and also know you charge $$ for that. Then you get rid of the ones who only want it their way, and get more open minded students that want to learn to be better. They get the pleasure of money well spent on making their game better, and the instructor feels good about accomplishing something and helping another player better themselves. Its very self satisfactory on both ends.
I've even had the recent pleasure of some players I didn't get along with too great in the past, start to turn a new leaf and really wanting the usually free and great advice i try and give them. One just called today to come and play (he couldn't it was his anniversary and said he had forgotten so couldn't come, only poolaholic could do that lol, what would his wife had said if he didn't remember OMG) and he said since he couldn't make it today he was gonna come tomorrow and was looking forward b/c every time we shoot together he learns something new from me. I was taken back by the comment and happy to see him giving me a chance, and can't wait to help a new friend better his game.
Oh by the way Steve, I'm actually very interested in becoming a certified instructor, and then eventually a master certification. Can you lead me in the right direction, websites maybe and where would be the closest school to Louisiana?
Take care,
Grey Ghost
What I really need steve is some lessons on getting my point across, I seem to ramble on and on trying to make sure I get EXACTLY the point as I see it to be fully understood lmao. Oh well you can't stop the energizer bunny either I guess.:wink:
Personally, I have never paid for a lesson.
Like everything else in the financial world, there isn't a set price. Pay for what it is worth to you. It depends on what you want to get out of the game. There are so many video tapes, cds, internet videos that you can learn so much from for cheap or free. I would recommend going this route first.
One thing is for sure, I will give you lessons for $100,000 a week and throw in Saturday for free!
Good luck on your schooling.
Like everything else in the financial world, there isn't a set price. Pay for what it is worth to you. It depends on what you want to get out of the game. There are so many video tapes, cds, internet videos that you can learn so much from for cheap or free. I would recommend going this route first.
One thing is for sure, I will give you lessons for $100,000 a week and throw in Saturday for free!
Good luck on your schooling.
G.G.
Over the years, I have learned one thing that prevents me from giving away lessons. The knowledge we have, and the ability to pass it on to others has value. Too many students will not appreciate or seriously apply the information if you give it away. Anyone who is serious about getting better understands the value of a good instructor. And if they have an investment in the class, they really take it much more seriously.
Remember how we never appreciated the education we got in high school (well, I didn't) because it was just there. When I had to pay for college, I made darn sure I was going to get my money's worth out of it.
(Check your PM for info on the instructor program)
Steve
Over the years, I have learned one thing that prevents me from giving away lessons. The knowledge we have, and the ability to pass it on to others has value. Too many students will not appreciate or seriously apply the information if you give it away. Anyone who is serious about getting better understands the value of a good instructor. And if they have an investment in the class, they really take it much more seriously.
Remember how we never appreciated the education we got in high school (well, I didn't) because it was just there. When I had to pay for college, I made darn sure I was going to get my money's worth out of it.
(Check your PM for info on the instructor program)
Steve
greyghost...I'll give you the info on becoming an instructor, when I see you in Lafayette next month. I also charge more than some, and less than others. Your experience should be what matters most...not what someone charges. I've seen some pros that charge $200/hr, who, imo, can't teach much at all...and other instructors who charge $20/hr (like yourself), who had a lot to give their students. One thing for sure, you'll gain a lot from our experience together, that will benefit you both as a player, and as a teacher...and that's a guarantee! :grin:
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
sounds good to me...
Thanks for the heads up Scott, do you know the exact dates your going to be around? I ask b/c I work 7&7 offshore, and would need to schedule.
Thanks,
Keeb-:smile:
Thanks for the heads up Scott, do you know the exact dates your going to be around? I ask b/c I work 7&7 offshore, and would need to schedule.
Thanks,
Keeb-:smile:
Teaching is one more way to sharpen your own skills. I find that each student approaches the game and sees things a little differently and as such, the more ways I can explain a process, shot etc. the more people I can help with their game. The more I teach, the better I play as I learn from how each of my students approach different situations.
yes sir, not every one gets it or sees it exactly the same. So it can be a real test to work around those problems with people, I once shot the same shot for about an hour or two, just over and over since someone was having so much trouble with it. I was trying to figure out besides what I already know I do that makes the ball for me, what else is there that I just don't see?? After picking my brain for some time I developed a little technique that helped him chinch the shots, and its great b/c now I have another system to double check with if ever needed.
Hello:
When you guys teach what are the stages you teach?
In other words where do you start off and then where do you go next and so on until you are finished with the student. I know you probably start off seeing how the students approach and stroke is then try to correct any imperfections in it. Then what is next and so on.
Thanks
Ron
When you guys teach what are the stages you teach?
In other words where do you start off and then where do you go next and so on until you are finished with the student. I know you probably start off seeing how the students approach and stroke is then try to correct any imperfections in it. Then what is next and so on.
Thanks
Ron
S&S Billiard Academy
Advanced Course Outline
Welcome
Orientation
Mechanics
Grip
Bridge
Stance
Stroke
Set, Pause, Finish
Eye Patterns
Firing Order
Quantifying the Cue Ball
Center Ball
Bridges
The Learning Sequence
Ball Address
Cue Alignment
Speed Control
Basic Aiming
The MOST important Shot
The Mental Game
Tangent Lines
Perfect Practice
Steve
you mean you dont teach them how to shoot 3 rail banks first?
LMAO only kidding, but honestly how many people come up to you and the first thing they want to learn is banking? I told my friend the other day, no I can't show you how to bank the FDIC is collapsing, were in a recession right now and the banks are all closed.
LMAO only kidding, but honestly how many people come up to you and the first thing they want to learn is banking? I told my friend the other day, no I can't show you how to bank the FDIC is collapsing, were in a recession right now and the banks are all closed.
I usually ask them if they have ever made a bank shot before. Of course, they usually say yes, so I tell them they already know how to make a bank shot. Let the conversation go on long enough and they will usually admit that they aren't as consistent as they would like to be. That's when I explain that the things we teach are designed to help players become more consistent in everything they do. What they learn will not only help with the banks, but with the cut shots and straight in shots as well.
When it comes down to the basics, consistency is what almost everyone is really looking for when they seek instruction.
Steve
When it comes down to the basics, consistency is what almost everyone is really looking for when they seek instruction.
Steve
Dead on Steve! I start every lesson with a complete video analysis, and progress from there. Most people want to learn how to correct the things they SEE that they're doing wrong, in the video. After that I tailor each lesson to the individual, and work on what they want (as long as they possess the skills to accomplish what they want to learn). I also record all private lessons, as I believe it is essential to have the video for review purposes later on.
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
Absolutely. The video analysis establishes the framework for the rest of the lesson.
I had a student a couple of weeks ago. While watching the video, hesaw something he was doing even before I had the chance to point it out. We got it fixed, but I was impressed how easily he was able so see a problem as soon as we turned on the video.
If there are any instructors who do not use video analysis with every student, they are missing one of the most valuable teaching tools available.
Steve
I had a student a couple of weeks ago. While watching the video, hesaw something he was doing even before I had the chance to point it out. We got it fixed, but I was impressed how easily he was able so see a problem as soon as we turned on the video.
If there are any instructors who do not use video analysis with every student, they are missing one of the most valuable teaching tools available.
Steve
I have had lessions from about 6 instructors/pro's/players over the years.
to share my experience here seems like as good place as any, I know the tread is about the $ they charge. I have never had a lession that wasnt worth the $$$, a few were barely worth the $$$-but I never felt like I'd been had.
I took a lession from Scott Lee when I was just getting back into pool, I never stopped playing but for about 10 years I played at home-just enough to remember how to hold a cue, Scott went over the basic principals of fundmentals, I didnt learn anything I didnt know but-as a refreasher it was great and it did bring back alot of what I knew but had forgot-he woke up my brain. I wish I knew Scott when I was a C player, I would be a better player today. Max Eberly worked on the finer points of fundmentals with me 2 years after my lessions with Scott, I did learn a few new things there that really helped me.
I have had lessions in 1P with top 1P players that only involved the game, not how I held my cue.
Point is that there are different instructors for everything and like I said I never felt like I got the worst of it from any of them.
When I give lessions, I have a couple of guys who are C and a C+ player I help with both game stragity and fundmentals, I just let them pay the table time and buy me a coke. Since I'm not on a schedual with them and dont claim to be a insturctor I dont charge them. I enjoy teaching its fun and gets me pumped up.
I do charge for spelling lessions though :wink:
I think water finds its own level and what instructors charge is worth what they ask-I havent heard many people ever complain about what lessions cost, if they were over charging they wouldnt last long. So its a safe bet that your not gonna get robbed by a insructor, and there are a few guys like me who will do it for free. The free guys arent hurting the paid instructors biz, there are pleanty of people who need lessions, like me.
to share my experience here seems like as good place as any, I know the tread is about the $ they charge. I have never had a lession that wasnt worth the $$$, a few were barely worth the $$$-but I never felt like I'd been had.
I took a lession from Scott Lee when I was just getting back into pool, I never stopped playing but for about 10 years I played at home-just enough to remember how to hold a cue, Scott went over the basic principals of fundmentals, I didnt learn anything I didnt know but-as a refreasher it was great and it did bring back alot of what I knew but had forgot-he woke up my brain. I wish I knew Scott when I was a C player, I would be a better player today. Max Eberly worked on the finer points of fundmentals with me 2 years after my lessions with Scott, I did learn a few new things there that really helped me.
I have had lessions in 1P with top 1P players that only involved the game, not how I held my cue.
Point is that there are different instructors for everything and like I said I never felt like I got the worst of it from any of them.
When I give lessions, I have a couple of guys who are C and a C+ player I help with both game stragity and fundmentals, I just let them pay the table time and buy me a coke. Since I'm not on a schedual with them and dont claim to be a insturctor I dont charge them. I enjoy teaching its fun and gets me pumped up.
I do charge for spelling lessions though :wink:
I think water finds its own level and what instructors charge is worth what they ask-I havent heard many people ever complain about what lessions cost, if they were over charging they wouldnt last long. So its a safe bet that your not gonna get robbed by a insructor, and there are a few guys like me who will do it for free. The free guys arent hurting the paid instructors biz, there are pleanty of people who need lessions, like me.