Online music lessons

Pupils in rural or remote areas, busy families who want no travel, and adults who prefer learning at home.

A fee per lesson or a monthly package, paid in advance online. You can also sell short courses or practice guides as an add-on.

• Teaching clearly through a screen
• Comfort with video calls and basic audio setup
• Self-promotion through social media or a simple website

• Sound delay on video calls makes playing together hard, so plan lessons around it
• Check when you need to register for GST/HST, including on sales to pupils in other provinces or countries
• Check whether commercial general liability or professional liability insurance suits your situation
• Parental consent and safety when teaching children online
• Standing out from the many online teachers, so choose a clear speciality

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $150 to $1,200, depending on your audio and video setup, teaching materials and how much you spend promoting yourself. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $300 to $2,500.

You need to teach clearly through a screen, be comfortable with video calls and a basic audio setup, and promote yourself through social media or a simple website. Sound delay makes playing together hard, so plan lessons around it.

Check when you need to register for GST/HST, including on sales to pupils in other provinces or countries. Check whether commercial general liability or professional liability insurance suits your situation. Also consider parental consent and safety when teaching children online.