What to charge for silversmithing lessons?

[Circe]

A friend is taking silversmithing lessons from me in exchange for knitting lessons, and she mentioned that one of HER friends was wildly jealous, and had mentioned she'd be happy to pay for lessons. I'm not sure if I WANT to give lessons for cash (strangers in my house as opposed to friends, etc.), but I'm kind of intrigued - the idea never crossed my mind, previously! But I have no idea what a fair per-hour base-rate for one-on-one lessons would be.

Anybody who's given (or taken!) lessons have any suggestions? I'm guessing this is closer to, oh, piano lessons than voice lessons, where it's not just your expertise but your possession of pricey tools/equipment that's valuable.

ETA, since it's relevant: I have fifteen years of experience and know what I'm doing when it comes to fabrication.

 

[Gypsy]

I'd be inclined to charge somewhere around 50 for an hour. Where am I getting the number? Skilled artistic labor in my area-- custom wood working, etc. goes for about 50 an hour. And this is one on one instruction which costs more. So I think this is close to that. Are you supplying the materials? Or are they? If you are supplying materials, then more.

 

[AmeliaG]

Did you research any continuing Ed programs, art schools or the local Y for their rates? All the local continuing Ed schools and applied arts schools in my area offer silversmithing classes. Offhand I'd offer one on one classes for 100% more than the continuing Ed classes charge (their classes are usually group classes and the studio set up is not that great) and a separate materials fee at cost. You can check the credentials of the teachers there, I'm sure yours are greater which can easily justify a much higher rate than the schools charge. For two students, I'd charge each student 75% more than the schools charge, for 3 students 50% more. For more than that, I'd charge 25% more than the schools. This is the rate structure for private instructors in my area.

 

[Karl_K]

One on one - $50 an hour + supplies.

 

[Karl_K]

Something to keep in mind is that you will need insurance for this a $1 million dollar general liability policy that will cover teaching is the min. and $10 million is a better idea.

 

[Circe]

The more I think about this, the more it appeals to me. My only two hold-ups are:

A) the intimidation factor on insurance. I wonder if I could get away with regular renter's insurance ... or a waiver? Hm. Because I'm genuinely not sure of what kind of insurance I'd need for one-on-one in-home lessons.

B) the in-home factor. Right now my work area is in my sunny, pleasant ... bedroom. I suppose I could rearrange the furniture and put the bed behind a curtain or a screen ... hm.

But definitely a thing to keep in mind. Thanks for the suggestions and advice, guys!

 

[iLander]

Aren't you in NYC? Or am I mistaken? In NYC, at LEAST $85 an hour, probably $100 is best.

 

[Karl_K]

A) the intimidation factor on insurance. I wonder if I could get away with regular renter's insurance ... or a waiver? Hm. Because I'm genuinely not sure of what kind of insurance I'd need for one-on-one in-home lessons.

No, it will not cover it.
You can get a general liability rider with it that will however.
Talk to your agent.

Even with the insurance get a waiver but a waiver is not protection against a finding of liability.
Make sure that the person has industry standard protection equipment and uses it at all times.
Make sure that all of your equipment is certified and the work area meets all industry safety standards and all guards and safety devices are present and work.
Having it on video of them working is a good idea.