Can you make money teaching music?

Making money teaching music is possible, but the income level can vary greatly depending on factors like your location, credentials, experience level, and whether you teach at a school or run a private studio. Music teachers work in schools, colleges, universities, conservatories, and private practice. They instruct students of all ages and ability levels in a variety of instruments, musical styles, and topics like music theory, history, composition, and more. Teaching music can be a rewarding career both financially and personally if you have the right skills, education, and business savvy.

Music Teacher Salaries

The average salary for music teachers in the United States is $54,142 per year according to Salary.com. However, music teacher salaries can vary widely, with the typical range falling between $41,460 and $82,674 annually. According to ZipRecruiter, music teachers earn an average of $37,500 – $43,499 per year in some states, while in others they may earn $26,000 – $31,499. Much depends on the type of school, public vs private, and the location. Teaching music at the high school level typically pays more than teaching elementary school music.

On an hourly basis, the average music teacher salary equates to approximately $27 per hour. However, this can range from $20 – $40 per hour depending on experience and credentials. According to Indeed, music teachers with certification earn 83% more than the average base pay of $27.68 per hour.

Factors Affecting Earnings

There are several key factors that affect how much money music teachers can earn, including the type of school, location, and years of experience.

The type of school has a significant impact on salary. According to research from Salary.com, the average music teacher salary at public schools is $51,644, while the average at private schools is $63,053 [1]. Pay at private schools tends to be higher to attract top talent.

Location also plays a major role. Teachers in expensive metro areas and coastal cities tend to earn more than teachers in rural parts of the country. Research shows teachers in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco earn well above the national average [2].

Not surprisingly, years of experience commands higher pay. Veteran teachers who have been in the field for decades generally earn more than new teachers just entering the workforce. According to Salary.com data, music teachers with 1-4 years of experience earn around $47,000, while those with 20+ years of experience earn approximately $68,000 [1].

Private Music Lessons

Private music lessons are a major source of income for many music teachers. The rates charged for private lessons can vary greatly depending on factors like geographic location, the teacher’s qualifications and experience, and the instrument being taught.

According to Ensemble Schools, the average cost for 60-minute weekly private music lessons ranges from $235-$344 per month, with an average of $279 nationwide (https://www.ensembleschools.com/blog/lessons/cost-of-private-music-lessons/). MusicTeacher.com states that the average cost is around $57 per hour for private lessons in the U.S., or $33 for a 30-minute lesson (https://musicteacher.com/how-much-should-i-charge-for-music-lessons/).

On Reddit, teachers reported charging anywhere from $10 to $200 per 30-minute private lesson, depending on their location and qualifications (https://www.reddit.com/r/piano/comments/11xogfn/hi_all_im_curious_how_much_does_private_music/). Major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco tend to be on the higher end of the range.

When setting rates, teachers need to consider their experience level, credentials, location, and demand for their instrument. Beginner teachers can start on the lower end around $20-30 per 30 minutes, and increase from there. Master’s degrees, prizes, and teaching experience command higher rates. Teachers should aim for rates comparable to other local instructors.

Building a Studio

Starting a private music studio requires careful planning and preparation to attract students and manage schedules efficiently. The first step is choosing a location, either at home or renting studio space (https://necmusic.edu/sites/default/files/2018-08/CustomEM_Establishing%20a%20Private%20Teaching%20Studio.pdf). The space should allow for uninterrupted lessons and instrument storage. Soundproofing may be necessary to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Developing an online presence through a website, social media, and directory listings is essential for student recruitment, according to the Suzuki Association (https://suzukiassociation.org/news/10-steps-to-setting-up-successful-private/). Content should highlight qualifications, teaching philosophy, and studio policies. Offering free trial lessons and introductory discounts can attract prospective students.

Using studio management software or an online calendar enables easy scheduling and payment processing. Stagger lesson times to minimize waiting and overlap. Maintaining ongoing communication with parents regarding lessons, policies, and student progress is key to retention.

Teaching Online

With the rise of video conferencing and online lesson platforms, teaching music remotely has become a popular way for music teachers to supplement or replace in-person lessons. Some of the major online lesson platforms include TakeLessons, Skoove, and YouTube. Teachers can set their own rates, which often range from $20-50 per 30 minute online lesson.

Some of the benefits of online lessons include having access to students worldwide, no need to travel, flexibility with scheduling, passive income potential from recorded videos, and the ability to scale your teaching. Drawbacks can include technical difficulties, the lack of in-person connections, and difficulty teaching certain elements like posture. Overall, teaching music online provides a flexible way for teachers to expand their reach and income.

Other Income Sources

Music teachers can explore alternative sources of income to supplement their teaching revenue. Some options include performing gigs, selling books or online courses, and licensing their music. According to this article, music teachers can offer transcribing services, sell sponsored posts on a music education blog, or create and sell musical products like books or courses. Many teachers sell books and online courses on music theory, technique, practice methods, and more through sites like Amazon, Udemy, and Skillshare. These can provide passive income streams. Teachers can also earn royalties by recording and selling their own music online or licensing their compositions for films, TV, commercials, and other platforms.

Making Ends Meet

One of the biggest challenges for music teachers is managing inconsistent income and expenses. As many teachers rely heavily on private lessons to supplement their earnings, income can fluctuate greatly from month to month (Source). This makes budgeting and financial planning essential.

Experienced teachers recommend treating music teaching as running your own small business when it comes to finances. Create a comprehensive monthly budget that realistically accounts for lesson income, accounting for cancellations and enrollment fluctuations. Also budget for business costs like instrument supplies, printed materials, professional development, recital expenses, etc. (Source).

Saving for slow periods and rainy days is wise. Many build up savings of 3-6 months living expenses to carry them through summers off or other dips in cashflow. Supplementing via online lessons, gigs, or part-time work may also bridge income gaps for those new to the field. Mentally preparing for the inevitable ebbs and flows of the music teacher lifestyle can make it sustainable long-term.

Career Satisfaction

While music teachers may not earn large salaries, many find great satisfaction in their careers. For many, the non-monetary rewards of teaching music outweigh the modest pay. As one teacher shared, “I find teaching music incredibly rewarding. Seeing students progress in their musical abilities and passion brings me tremendous joy.” (source)

Many music teachers cite the joy of witnessing a student’s musical breakthrough as extremely gratifying. Helping students unlock their potential and talent is a profoundly meaningful experience. Additionally, forming mentoring bonds with students can lead to lifelong, cherished relationships.

Beyond personal connections with students, music teachers often simply love sharing their passion for music. Imparting musical skills, knowledge, and appreciation to the next generation sustains music teachers through financial challenges. The privilege of facilitating creative expression and human flourishing through music makes the endeavor worthwhile for most.

Conclusion

In summary, while teaching music may not lead to extremely high salaries, especially early on, it can provide a steady income doing something you’re passionate about. With hard work building your studio or credentials, expanding online lessons, and finding other music income sources, you may be able to earn a full-time living. However, you have to strategically build your business and reputation over time. The intangible benefits like getting to share your love of music with students and watching them progress can make teaching incredibly rewarding. It offers a career path focused on your talents and interests if you have the persistence and creativity to make it work financially.

Ultimately, choosing to teach music is not just an economic decision. While the realities of inconsistent income and scarce high-paying jobs cannot be ignored, pay is only one aspect. If helping students connect more deeply with music aligns with your calling and purpose, then you may find the tradeoffs worthwhile. With creativity and commitment, you can build a teaching career you find fulfilling – even if you never become wealthy from it.