If you want to learn how to become a drum teacher we are going to look at the top 8 tips to get you started and enjoying a career teaching drums. It is possible but you need to get serious and approach this as a business person. So let’s dive in……

[REMINDER]: Have you watched the free drum teacher training yet? If not click here.

How to become a drum teacher?

1. Make a business plan

Before you start you must make a business plan. Research what hourly rate other drum teachers charge in your area. Work out how much money you need to earn each week and then divide that sum by the hourly rate. This will give you the number of hours you need to teach each week to earn your required income. Some students will have thirty minute lessons so if you need to work fifteen hours to reach your financial goal, you might need somewhere between twenty to twenty five students which allows for some to take hourly lessons but a majority to take half hour lessons.

2. Plan where you will teach

Drum teaching has its logistical challenges but you have several options. Can you teach from home using acoustic or electronic drums? Can you travel to the student’s house? Can you use a space such as a church hall, village hall or music shop? Will you teach in school? Make sure you have a plan for when those enquirers start coming in.

3. Register as self-employed

You are starting a business so now you must register your business. In the UK you will register with HMRC as self-employed but take the time to research what is required in your relevant country to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities down the line.

4. Get insurance sorted

You will need some type of insurance to protect your gear and your own back (not literally your back). Public liability insurance covers you if a student hurts themselves in your care. If they trip over your gear and break an arm they could potentially sue you. This insurance protects you from that. You will also need to insure any equipment you have.

5. Join relevant organisations

In the UK we have the Musicians Union which has loads of resources to help you run your drum teaching business. Not only does membership include public liability cover but there is also an element of free instrument insurance. But again, check out what is on offer for our industry in your country. The cost of joining is tax deductible now you are running a business

6. Understand finance

On that note of being tax deductible, you must have a grasp of your finances now. Record all income and outgoings. Anything that is business related is tax deductible so keep receipts for fuel, equipment and anything else needed to do your job.

7. Get a criminal record check

In the UK we have DBS. Being on their database quickly shows parents and employers that you don’t have a criminal record for anything that would be a problem for teaching. It is a legal requirement to have this when working with children through an organisation, such as a school or sports clubs. As a self employed music teacher you don’t legally need one but it’s a great thing to be able to reassure parents with. See what is on offer in your country. It’s normally a small fee but once again, that is tax deductible.

8. Market your business

We couldn’t discus how to become a drum teacher without this. This is probably the most important aspect because if no-one knows you exist then you don’t have a business. Get the word out everywhere.

This is a big topic so we can’t cover it all in this article. We have a step-by-step proven plan as well as all the marketing materials you’ll ever need inside our Drum Teacher Academy so the best advice is to start by watching the free drum teacher training video.

You might also be interested to read:
What qualifications do I need to be a drum teacher?

How much money does a drum teacher make?

Starting a business seems scary right?

And that’s OK because it is a big step. The benefits are worth it: You are your own boss, you use your passion as your job, you make a positive impact on people’s lives, you work when you want, you earn as much or little as you want. But it’s a scary prospect at first and there’s a lot to think about.

And that’s why we created the totally free How to become a drum teacher business start up guide. It helps you set up the right mindset and then gives you tips on how to market the business, set up finances, prepare your teaching space, sort the finances side of business out and much more.

If you want a simple action then click here to join the FREE drum teacher training that will make the whole process much clearer for you.