Music teacher from a home studio

Parents of school-age children, adult learners and teens preparing for exams or auditions.

A set fee per lesson, usually billed monthly or per term, with a steady base of weekly students. Extra income from recitals, group classes or exam prep.

• Playing or singing at a high standard
• Patience and clear teaching
• Building lesson plans for different ages
• Organizing a schedule and billing

• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Many parents expect a police record check, particularly a vulnerable sector check, when you teach children
• Liability insurance, especially when students come to your home
• Demand often dips in summer, so plan for seasonal gaps
• Once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold, you may need to register for GST/HST

Startup costs are typically around $200 to $2,000, depending on your instrument, teaching materials and how you set up your teaching space or online lessons. These are estimates, so start with what you already own.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many students you take and how many hours you teach. Demand often dips in summer, so plan for seasonal gaps.

Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence. Many parents expect a police record check, particularly a vulnerable sector check. Also check liability insurance when students visit your home, and GST/HST registration once revenue passes the small supplier threshold.