Home studio guitar teacher

Parents of school-age children, teens saving up for their first lessons, and adults learning for fun or returning to the instrument.

A fixed rate per 30 or 60 minute lesson, often billed monthly in advance. Regular weekly students give steady income, especially after school and in the evenings.

• Solid guitar playing in at least one style
• Patience and clear explanation
• Planning lessons for different ages and levels

• Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence or zoning approval is needed
• Check your home or tenant insurance covers students visiting, and consider commercial general liability insurance
• If renting, check your lease allows business visitors
• Many parents expect a police record check for teachers of children, so consider getting a vulnerable sector check
• Register for GST/HST once revenue passes the small supplier threshold, and check whether music lessons are exempt in your province

Estimates typically put startup costs at around $200 to $1,000, depending on what teaching gear and room setup you already have. Check that your home or tenant insurance covers students visiting, and that your lease allows business visitors.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many students you teach and your lesson rates. You could start with at least about 5 hours a week.

Check with your municipality whether a home-based business licence or zoning approval is needed. Also check insurance, including commercial general liability, and consider a vulnerable sector check as many parents expect one. Check GST/HST registration and whether music lessons are exempt in your province.