Traveling piano teacher: give lessons in students' homes

Busy parents who value convenience, older adults who prefer learning at home and families with several children learning back to back.

A per-lesson price that is usually higher than a home studio price to cover travel time. Group visits to the same household can fill your day efficiently.

• Solid piano playing and music reading
• Adapting to different instruments and home setups
• Reliable timekeeping and route planning
• Friendly, professional manner in clients' homes

• General liability insurance is worth checking, since you are working inside clients' homes
• Check whether your city or county requires a local business license
• Consider a background check, as parents will often ask for one
• Students' pianos may be out of tune or poorly kept, so agree up front how you will handle that
• Driving time and fuel cut into your earnings, so cluster lessons by area
• Track mileage and expenses for tax purposes and check IRS guidance for the self-employed

Startup costs are typically around $100 to $800, depending on the teaching materials you buy, any portable keyboard or equipment you need, and how much you spend on marketing. These figures are estimates and will vary.

Monthly revenue is typically around $400 to $2,500, depending on how many students you take on, your lesson rates and how much time you spend driving. Starting hours are around 6 per week. These are estimates only.

Check general liability insurance, since you work inside clients' homes, and whether your city or county requires a local business license. Consider a background check, and look at IRS guidance on tracking mileage and expenses as a self-employed person.