Last Updated on September 23, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
Let’s cut to the chase. You love music. You’re good at it. But you’re wondering:
“Can I actually make a living teaching music online?”
“Is $5,700 a month even possible?”
“How do I get started?”
I’ve been there. I asked those same questions. And now? I’m living that reality.
So let’s dive in. No BS. No fluff. Just real talk on how to turn your passion into profit.
The Online Music Lesson Gold Rush
Here’s the deal:
The online education market is booming. It’s expected to hit $350 billion by 2025.
Music? It’s a big slice of that pie.
Why? Because people are hungry to learn. They want skills. They want to express themselves.
And you? You’ve got what they need.
Why $5,700 a Month?
It’s not just a random number. It’s achievable. Here’s how it breaks down:
- 30 students
- Each taking 4 lessons a month
- At $47.50 per lesson
That’s it. 30 students. 120 lessons. $5,700.
Sounds simple, right? It is. But simple doesn’t mean easy.
Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Nail Your Niche
You can’t be everything to everyone. So don’t try.
Pick your lane:
- Guitar for beginners?
- Advanced piano techniques?
- Vocal coaching for pop artists?
Whatever it is, own it.
Why? Because specificity sells.
When you’re specific, you become the go-to expert. And experts command higher rates.
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Studio
You don’t need fancy equipment. But you do need the basics:
- A decent computer
- Good internet connection
- Quality microphone
- Webcam
- Proper lighting
Pro tip: Invest in a good mic. Sound quality matters. A lot.
Step 3: Choose Your Platform
You’ve got options:
- Zoom
- Skype
- Specialized music lesson platforms
My advice? Start with what you know. You can always upgrade later.
Step 4: Price Your Services
Here’s where most people mess up. They undervalue themselves.
Don’t.
Remember our target: $47.50 per lesson.
Is that too much? Not if you’re good.
Did you know? The average in-person music lesson costs between $30 to $60.
Online? You’re offering convenience. That’s worth something.
Step 5: Market Like a Boss
This is where the magic happens. Or doesn’t.
You need students. They need to find you.
How?
- Create killer content on YouTube and TikTok
- Network with other musicians
- Use social media strategically
- Start a blog or podcast
The key? Provide value. Always.
Give away your knowledge for free. Sounds crazy, right?
But here’s the thing: The more you give, the more they’ll want.
Step 6: Deliver Exceptional Value
You’ve got students. Now what?
Overdeliver.
Make each lesson count. Go the extra mile.
Why?
- Happy students stick around
- They refer others
- They leave glowing reviews
Word of mouth is your best friend.
Step 7: Scale Smart
You’re hitting your stride. Students are rolling in.
Now it’s time to scale.
But hold up. Don’t just cram in more lessons.
Think smarter:
- Group lessons
- Pre-recorded courses
- Digital products (e-books, backing tracks)
Diversify your income streams.
Did you know? The average course creator on Udemy makes $8,000 per year.
That’s passive income on top of your lessons.
Step 8: Manage Your Time
Time is money. Especially in this game.
You need systems:
- Automated scheduling
- Efficient lesson plans
- Clear boundaries
Don’t let admin work eat into your teaching (and earning) time.
Step 9: Keep Learning
The music industry evolves. So should you.
Stay updated:
- New teaching techniques
- Latest music trends
- Technology advancements
The more you learn, the more valuable you become.
Step 10: Build a Community
Here’s a secret: It’s not just about the lessons.
It’s about belonging.
Create a community for your students:
- Facebook group
- Discord server
- Monthly jam sessions
Why? Because community creates loyalty.
And loyalty? That’s money in the bank.
The Reality Check
Let’s get real for a second.
$5,700 a month is doable. But it won’t happen overnight.
It takes work. Dedication. Persistence.
You’ll have setbacks. Days when you want to quit.
But remember why you started.
You love music. You love teaching.
And now? You can make a living doing both.
Your Next Move
So what now?
Start.
Take that first step.
Set up your online presence. Reach out to potential students.
Remember: Every expert was once a beginner.
The only difference? They started.
Your turn.