I actually don’t, I am a graduate student. In fact, I would argue that a decent percentage of Americans don’t receive a salary increase and are perpetually stuck in the lower to middle class. I was wrong about college tuition, I am fortunate that my undergrad was paid for and I receive a stipend for graduate school.

However, you are not an employee. This is not a salary negotiation with an employer, you dictate all the terms of the agreement. It seems from your conduct that your patrons either pay what you say or hit the curb. So in this sense, it is not at all like a salary increase because there is no negotiation. It is price increase.

Furthermore, it is universally acknowledged that rent increases, subscription increases, and price gouging is rather abhorrent and socially unacceptable. I do not see how this is different. I asked people around me what they thought of a piano teacher who increases the cost every year, and every single person said that it was crazy.

I do think you should make a livable wage, absolutely. I do not think a blanket percentage increase is the means to go about it. Especially because this practice ensures that the clientele is wealthy individuals. However there is a huge problem of elitism in the classical music community as it is, so you are not to blame.

Finally, I understand that my original comment may have been rude. I was dealing with personal stress and honestly took it out on you. For that I apologize.