Have you ever thought that “What if I could make money doing something I love?” Picture this, your piano/guitar/saxophone/violin, … etc; (maybe a little dusty, to be honest) becomes more than just a decorative piece in your living room. It becomes a bridge, a way to connect with people, to share your talent and even (why not dream big?) change someone’s life. Teaching music from your own home isn’t just a way to earn. It’s a kind of magic.

Okay, maybe “magic” sounds dramatic but think about it. A young girl could walk into your home, unsure of herself, clutching her first violin (probably from her uncle’s attic), and after a few weeks, she’s playing her first song. Badly at first because everyone starts terribly, but then, bit by bit, she improves. And guess what? You helped.

Now, here’s the thing, teaching isn’t just about talent. I mean, yes, you need to know your stuff, obviously, but it’s also about patience (LOTS of patience). Kids, especially they’re like little tornadoes of distraction. One moment, they’re asking what a sharp is, and the next, they’re wondering why the sky isn’t purple. You’ll need the ability to pivot faster than a Wimbledon player in a finals match.

Oh, and it’s not just kids, either. Adults might surprise you. Some sign up because they regret not learning as children, others because they want to “impress at parties” (yes, a real quote from a former student, Gary, he’s now playing Coldplay songs perfectly, by the way).

Setting up isn’t complicated, and you don’t need Buckingham Palace-level decor to do it. A clean, welcoming space, a chair that doesn’t squeak too loudly, and of course, your instrument. Done. If you’ve got a computer, you can even teach online, thanks to platforms like Zoom, you could have a student in Japan on a Monday and another in Nigeria by Thursday. Speaking of which, did you hear about the Kanneh-Mason family? They’re one of Britain’s most famous musical families; imagine teaching a future talent like that!

Don’t forget to advertise yourself. Local Facebook groups, Gumtree ads or even just word of mouth. Make sure you’re priced fairly. No one’s expecting you to charge what Lang Lang would charge for a lesson. But you shouldn’t undersell yourself either.

If you’re still on the fence about this, here’s some food for thought. In 2024, people are looking for experiences that make them feel connected and alive. Teaching music offers that. And yes, the market’s competitive every third person on YouTube claims to be a music teacher, but there’s only one You. Your personality, your quirks, your jokes, those are what make your lessons unique.

For tips and updates on teaching music, check out this article from Forbes Music here.

In the end, what do you have to lose? Dust off your guitar, tune your piano, polish your clarinet (or somehow, clarinets are always sticky). Someone out there is waiting to learn from you, and you just might change their world. Or at least help them play their favourite Ed Sheeran song without butchering it.