Drum school with its own studio

Parents, teens, adult learners and sometimes local schools or community groups wanting group sessions.

Lesson fees or term fees, plus group classes, kit rental or practice room hire, and a share of lessons taught by other teachers.

• Strong drumming and teaching ability
• Scheduling and basic bookkeeping
• Managing and hiring teachers

• Check zoning and whether your municipality allows a music school at the address, plus any business licence required
• Soundproofing, lease deposits, first and last month's rent, and fit-out can add up quickly, so get quotes early, have the lease reviewed and check for noise restrictions
• Commercial general liability and contents insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff (rules vary by province)
• Quiet winter and summer periods can cut lesson numbers, so plan cash flow
• Register for GST/HST with the CRA once revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on your premises, soundproofing and kits. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $3,000 to $12,000, depending on how many students and teachers you have.

Check zoning and whether your municipality allows a music school at the address, plus any business licence required. Also check noise restrictions, have the lease reviewed, and check commercial general liability, contents insurance and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire staff.

Estimates suggest at least about 25 hours a week. Quiet winter and summer periods can cut lesson numbers, so plan your cash flow. Scheduling, basic bookkeeping and managing teachers are useful skills as you grow.