Teaching

Music lessons (piano, guitar, voice)

Teach piano, guitar, singing or another instrument to children and adults, at your home, theirs or online.

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

Musicians who play well and enjoy teaching beginners patiently.

In South Africa: Strong in metros and towns; online elsewhere.

What you need

  • A phone is enough to start
  • Works on everyday data
  • No camera needed
  • No cold selling
  • At least 3 hours a week · age 18+
  • Teaching or tutoring (learning or better) or Professional expertise (5+ years in a field) (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

  1. Pocket money
  2. A top-up
  3. A second income
  4. Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R150 to R380 per lesson

Published rates: R150 to R250 for 30 minutes (Revolution), R280 to R380 a lesson (Karma Guitar). Scenarios assume one lesson an hour.

Costs to plan for

Start-up
R0 to R2 000
Every month
Sheet music, transport.
Payment fees
EFT per month or term in advance.
Margin
High.

How it is paid: Price per lesson, billed per term or month. Our viability score for it: 65 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

  1. Test it cheaply Before you spend

    • Offer three trial lessons
    • Write a term plan for beginners
    • Success signal: five regular students

  2. First week Days 1 to 7

    • Set your rates for 30 and 60 minutes
    • Record a short video of you playing
    • Tell two schools and churches you teach

  3. First month Days 8 to 30

    • Start your first students and bill monthly in advance
    • Ask parents for referrals

  4. By three months Days 31 to 90

    • Add a small group class
    • Plan a student concert for referrals

Term starts are the busiest time to sign up. First income usually takes 7 to 90 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

Music lessons (piano, guitar, voice): your step-by-step start

18 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Parents, adult beginners, church musicians.

Learning to play with a real teacher.

Is there demand?

SA teachers publish rates: R150 to R250 for 30 minutes (Revolution, Johannesburg) and R280 to R380 a lesson (Karma Guitar).

Lessons at homeSchool extra-muralsChurch music groupsOnline lessons

Getting customers

Schools, churches and parent groups; a short video of you playing.

Word of mouth and referralsIn-person networkingResponding to enquiriesPartnerships with other businesses

Risks and rules

Watch out for

  • Cancellations: bill monthly in advance
  • Teaching children alone: keep doors open and parents informed
  • Holidays reduce income

Competition: Moderate.

Room to grow: Group classes grow it.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start music lessons in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R0 to R2 000. Recurring costs: Sheet music, transport.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 30 days, and between 7 and 90 days. Term starts are the busiest time to sign up.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (3)

Free tools for this

Test music lessons (piano, guitar, voice) with your own numbersWork out the rate you need to chargeEstimate the tax on this side income

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Researched by the Earn Path team · editorial policy