Travelling piano teacher

Busy parents of young children, older adults and families in suburbs or smaller towns with few teachers.

A per-lesson fee, usually higher than studio rates to cover travel time. Grouping students on the same street or area keeps your travel down.

• Solid piano playing and music theory
• Adapting to different instruments and home settings
• Reliable timekeeping and route planning
• Friendly with families

• Check you have commercial general liability insurance, since you work in clients' homes
• Check your province's rules on police record checks (including vulnerable sector checks), as parents often expect one
• Check that your auto insurance covers business use of your vehicle
• Winter driving can cause cancellations, so set a clear weather policy
• Students' pianos may be out of tune or poorly kept, which can affect progress
• Check GST/HST registration once your revenue passes the small supplier threshold

Startup costs are typically around $150 to $1,000, depending on your teaching materials, any portable equipment and the insurance you choose. These are estimates, and you don't need to rent a studio.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,000, depending on how many students you visit and how many hours you teach. The estimate starts from about 6 hours a week and is revenue, not profit.

Things to check: commercial general liability insurance, since you work in clients' homes, and whether your auto insurance covers business use. Also check police record check expectations in your province, GST/HST registration, and a winter weather policy.