Visiting piano teacher

Busy parents who like lessons at home, adult learners, and schools that bring in a private teacher.

A fee per lesson, usually a little higher than home-studio rates to cover travel time. Grouping pupils in the same area keeps travel down.

• Confident piano playing
• Teaching on different instruments
• Organising a timetable and travel

• Enhanced DBS check, which schools will usually require and parents often expect
• Public liability insurance, and check whether your policy covers teaching in other people's homes
• Business-use car insurance if you drive between lessons, check with your insurer
• Unpaid travel time and last-minute cancellations, so set a clear cancellation policy
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC and keep records of mileage and income

Startup costs are typically around £100 to £800, depending on the insurance and travel arrangements you need. These are estimates, so check with your insurer about business-use car cover before you budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £300 to £2,200, depending on how many pupils you teach, how much you travel and how often lessons are cancelled. The estimate assumes at least 5 hours of work a week.

Schools will usually require an enhanced DBS check and parents often expect one. Check your public liability insurance covers teaching in other people's homes, and business-use car insurance if you drive. Set a clear cancellation policy, and register as a sole trader with HMRC.