Teach private or group music lessons to students of all ages, either in-person or online. This side hustle is perfect for musicians looking to monetize their skills, set flexible hours, and help others learn an instrument.
Quick Overview
Initial Investment:
- Musical instrument(s) for teaching (e.g., piano, guitar, violin, drums)
- Music books or lesson plans
- Laptop & webcam (for online lessons)
- Headset & microphone (for better audio)
Skills Required:
- Proficiency in one or more instruments
- Basic teaching & communication skills
- Patience and ability to work with different skill levels
Time Commitment:
- 5–20 hours per week depending on student demand
- More hours = higher earnings
Potential Earnings:
$20–$100 per hour, depending on instrument, experience, and location Higher rates for advanced levels or specialized training (e.g., classical piano, jazz improvisation)
Target Audience/Market:
- Kids & teenagers learning an instrument
- Adults looking to develop a hobby
- Students preparing for exams or auditions
- Online learners looking for flexible virtual lessons
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Flexible schedule – set your own lesson times High earning potential – charge per lesson or package deals Low startup cost – if you already own an instrument Fulfilling work – share your passion for music
Cons:
Finding students can take time Income may be inconsistent at first Requires space & quiet for lessons (if teaching in-person or online)
Getting Started – Quick Action Plan
Choose your instrument & teaching format: In-person or online lessons
Set your rates & schedule: Start with competitive pricing and offer trial lessons
Create a profile on teaching platforms: Sign up for TakeLessons, Lessonface, or Fiverr
Market yourself: Advertise on Facebook groups, Craigslist, or community boards
Build lesson plans: Use beginner-friendly resources like Hal Leonard books or YouTube tutorials
Offer a free or discounted first lesson to attract students
Examples & Tools to Use
Popular Platforms to Find Students:
- TakeLessons – Great for beginners
- Lessonface – Focus on virtual lessons
- Fiverr & Upwork – Sell your music lessons as a gig
Recommended Tools:
- Zoom or Skype (for virtual lessons)
- Yousician App (for students to practice)
- Digital Piano or MIDI Keyboard (for online piano lessons)
Offering music lessons as a side hustle is a great way to earn extra income while helping others develop their musical skills. With low startup costs, flexible hours, and high earning potential, it’s an excellent choice for musicians looking for an easy, profitable side hustle.
How to Offer Music Lessons as a Side Hustle: A Simple Guide to Earning Extra Income
Looking for an easy and rewarding way to make extra money? Teaching music lessons as a side hustle can be a flexible, profitable, and fulfilling way to supplement your income while sharing your passion for music.
“How to Offer [Your Skill] as a Side Hustle: A Simple Guide to Earning Extra Income”
(Example: “How to Offer Music Lessons as a Side Hustle: A Simple Guide to Earning Extra Income”)
Introduction: Why Teach Music as a Side Hustle?
Music is a universal language, and many people dream of learning how to play an instrument. If you have musical skills, offering music lessons as a side hustle can help you earn extra money without a huge upfront investment.
Whether you’re a music teacher, a self-taught musician, or someone who enjoys playing an instrument in your free time, you can turn your skills into a profitable side gig. This guide will show you how to start teaching music lessons, where to find students, how much you can earn, and tips for success.
How to Get Started with Music Lessons as a Side Hustle
1. Choose Your Teaching Method
Before diving in, decide how you want to teach music:
In-Person Lessons – Meet with students at your home, their home, or a local music studio. Online Lessons – Use Zoom, Skype, or specialized teaching platforms to reach students worldwide. Group Lessons – Teach multiple students at once to maximize income. Pre-Recorded Lessons – Sell instructional videos on Udemy or YouTube for passive income.
Pro Tip: Teaching online expands your reach and allows you to teach from anywhere.
2. Determine Your Pricing and Rates
How much you charge depends on factors like experience, location, and lesson format.
Typical Pricing Per Hour:
- Beginners: $20–$40/hour
- Intermediate: $40–$60/hour
- Advanced & Specialized Lessons: $60–$100+/hour
To attract students, consider offering: Discounted first lesson to build trust Package deals (e.g., pay for 5 lessons, get 1 free) Referral discounts for students who bring a friend
Monetization Tip: Use a platform like TakeLessons to set competitive pricing and find students easily.
3. Find Your Students
You can’t make money teaching music unless you have students! Here’s where to find them:
Local Advertising:
- Flyers in music stores, schools, and community centers
- Facebook groups and Craigslist ads
- Word of mouth (ask friends and family to spread the word)
Online Platforms:
- TakeLessons – Great for structured lessons
- Lessonface – Focuses on online music education
- Fiverr & Upwork – Offer custom lesson packages
Social Media & YouTube:
- Start a YouTube channel teaching short lessons
- Promote on Instagram & TikTok
- Offer free trial lessons on Facebook Live to attract students
Pro Tip: Creating an engaging social media presence can help you build a strong reputation and attract more students!
4. What You Need to Get Started
Starting a music lesson side hustle doesn’t require a huge investment. Here’s what you’ll need:
For In-Person Lessons: Your instrument (guitar, piano, violin, etc.) Music books & sheet music A quiet teaching space
For Online Lessons: A good webcam & microphone (e.g., Logitech C920, Blue Yeti mic) A reliable internet connection A platform like Zoom, Skype, or TakeLessons
For Teaching Materials: Free resources from Musical U, Ultimate Guitar, or MusicTheory.net Beginner books (like Hal Leonard lesson books)
Offer Idea: Include affiliate links to recommended instruments, books, or software to earn passive income!
Pros & Cons of Offering Music Lessons as a Side Hustle
Pros: Flexible schedule – Set your own hours Scalable – Start part-time, grow into a full-time business Minimal investment – Low startup costs High demand – Parents are always looking for music teachers for their kids
Cons: Income may fluctuate depending on student availability Finding students can take time at first Requires patience – Not all students learn at the same pace
How to Maximize Your Earnings
Teach Multiple Instruments – Offer lessons for both guitar and piano, or include music theory classes. Create Digital Products – Sell e-books, sheet music, or instructional videos. Offer Group Lessons – Teaching 3–4 students at once can multiply your income. Use Affiliate Marketing – Recommend instruments or software and earn commissions.
Monetization Tip: Consider selling pre-recorded video lessons on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare to create passive income!
Start Your Music Lesson Side Hustle Today
Teaching music lessons as a side hustle is an easy, flexible, and rewarding way to make extra income while helping others learn a valuable skill. Whether you teach online, in person, or sell digital courses, this side hustle allows you to earn money while doing something you love.
Start today! Sign up on platforms like TakeLessons, advertise on Facebook, and offer a free trial lesson to attract students.
Got experience teaching music? Drop your tips in the comments below! 
