It wasn’t too long ago that I found myself trapped in a cycle of soul-numbing monotony. Each day I would work as a production assistant for a traditional Graphic Design & Printing company. It felt like the clock was going backwards and the thought of wasting my life in a job that was literally sucking my energy from me, made me sick. I would go home too exhausted to do anything else except for watching my favourite Netflix show to get me through to the weekend.

It all changed when a friend who worked at a music school messaged me one day. She knew that I was a good guitarist and asked if I wanted to teach. It paid $30 an hour (compared to the $15 per hour wage I was working for in the most boring job of all time), so I jumped at the chance, even though I’d never taught before.

After I started teaching some beginner students, I thought to myself it would be amazing if I could do this as a career. I really enjoy mentoring musicians and seeing their progress every week. A couple years on, I’m making a great income (more than most jobs), working only 14 hours a week and have created the lifestyle that I had always wanted.

So the question is…”can you make a living from teaching music?” - HELL YES YOU CAN

We’re going to break down the 3 examples of income a private music teacher can make from teaching. Keep in mind, these are just potential examples of a student schedule that a music teacher might have with the default pricing of $35 per half hour lesson (in-home lesson) and $40 per half hour lesson (mobile music teaching). Hopefully it just gets your brain ticking over and thinking about what kind of mix of students you want and how you want to schedule them to fit with your lifestyle.

In addition to that, I’m going to give you 4 reasons why starting and growing your private music teaching business is far superior than wasting your life away in a 9-5 job that you don’t like!

Example: Mobile Music Teacher

Lesson Length: 30 mins

Lesson Price: $40

Teaching Business Model: Mobile Music Teacher

Student Schedule: 4 students per afternoon (3:00pm - 5:45pm)

Income per afternoon: $40 x 4 = $160

Summary: If you work 4 afternoons a week you will earn $640 per week. You will have ample time during the day & on the weekends for musical endeavours or other hobbies.

Example: Teaching Music From Your Home

Lesson Length: 30 mins

Lesson Price: $35 (obviously you can charge more if your lessons are more valuable)

Teaching Business Model: In-Home Music Teacher

Student Schedule: 5 students per afternoon (3:00pm - 5:30pm) + 2 students during each day (normally adults, retirees or homeschooled kids)

Income per day: $40 x 7 = $280

Summary: If you work 4 days a week you will earn $1120 per week. Not bad!

Example: Teaching Group Music Lessons At A Studio (like me!)

Lesson Length: 50

Lesson Price: $50 (obviously you can charge more if you want)

Teaching Business Model: Teaching Group Music Classes At A Studio Or Your Home

Student Schedule: 4 classes per afternoon (4 students in each class)

Income per day: $50 x 16 = $800

Summary: If you work 3 days a week you will earn $2400 per week. Wowee..

Teaching music offers a flexible and fulfilling way to earn a living, especially if you are passionate about music and enjoy helping others learn. By combining your musical expertise with effective teaching and business strategies, you can build a thriving career in music education.

Whether it’s through private lessons, online courses, or group classes, there’s a pathway that can work for you. Start planning today, and turn your passion for guitar into a rewarding profession.

Me and my girlfriend in Bali in April. Paid for by teaching music!

Flexible Schedule: Tailored to Your Lifestyle

One of the most liberating aspects of running a private music teaching business is the ability to craft a schedule that suits your lifestyle. Unlike the rigid hours of a traditional 9-5 job, as a music teacher, you have the freedom to dictate when and where you work. Whether you're a night owl who thrives after sunset or a morning person who loves the dawn, you can schedule lessons at times that align with your natural rhythm.

When I started teaching, I was at University studying. I had the ability to schedule my students so it fit with my study schedule and I was able to live off my teaching income and eat as many Uni burritos as I liked. :)

Whether you prefer a lighter workload to pursue other interests or are eager to fill your schedule with back-to-back lessons, the choice is entirely yours. This autonomy over your time empowers you to strike a balance between work and personal life, ensuring that you have the freedom to prioritize what matters most to you.

Music Teaching is the reason why I can travel overseas 4 times a year in my holidays!

A picture from the 2021 Level Up Guitar School concert!

Unlimited Income Earning Potential

Unlike the fixed salary of a 9-5 job, the income potential as a private music teacher is virtually limitless. While your earnings will initially depend on factors such as your experience, reputation, and client base, there are numerous avenues through which you can expand and diversify your income streams.

In addition to one-on-one lessons, you can offer group classes, workshops, and masterclasses to cater to a wider audience. I was a 1-1 teacher for quite a while but I 5X’d my income by learning how to teach group classes effectively and offered multiple memberships to my students to increase the value of my lessons.

You can also leverage technology to reach students beyond your local area by offering online lessons via video conferencing platforms. Furthermore, you can create and sell digital products such as instructional videos, e-books, and lesson plans to generate passive income.

By continuously innovating and exploring new opportunities, you have the potential to build a thriving guitar teaching empire that generates sustainable income for years to come. With dedication, creativity, and strategic planning, the sky's the limit when it comes to maximizing your earning potential as a guitar teacher.

Make a Lasting Impact By Developing Life-Long Music Players

As a private music teacher, you hold the unique position of being not only an instructor but also a mentor and guide to your students. Beyond teaching chords and scales, you have the opportunity to instill confidence, discipline, and a love for music in your pupils. Watching them progress from tentative beginners to confident performers is immensely rewarding and reinforces the importance of your role as an educator.

Furthermore, the impact of your teaching extends far beyond the confines of the studio. By nurturing a passion for music in your students, you are contributing to the cultural enrichment of your community and inspiring future generations of musicians. Whether your students go on to pursue music professionally or simply enjoy playing for personal enjoyment, knowing that you played a part in their musical journey is a source of immense pride and fulfillment.

Can You Make A Living From Teaching Music?