Performing musician who also teaches lessons

Parents of school-aged students, adult learners, schools, plus venues and event clients for performances.

Per-lesson fees, often charged weekly or by the term, plus gig fees. Teaching builds a dependable base while performing adds higher-paying one-off bookings.

• Playing or singing to a high standard
• Patient, clear teaching
• Planning lessons for different ages and levels
• Managing a diary and bookings

• Teaching children may require a Working with Children Check depending on your state or territory and who you teach for, so check with your state or territory authority
• No general business licence is usually needed to teach or perform, but check with your local council and any venues about their requirements
• Public liability insurance for both teaching and performing
• Teaching at home may need council approval, so check with your local council
• Register for an ABN, and check when you need to register for GST
• Lesson cancellations, so set a clear cancellation policy and consider term payments

Startup costs are typically around $300 to $3,000, depending on your instrument and gear, insurance, teaching materials and whether you teach at home, online or at students' places.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $4,000, depending on how many students you teach, how often you gig and your rates. Lessons give regular income that evens out the ups and downs of gig work.

Check whether you need a Working with Children Check in your state or territory, and ask your council and venues about their requirements. Also check public liability insurance, council approval for teaching at home, and ABN and GST registration.