Studio Income Calculator
How much can you earn as a private music teacher? Adjust the inputs below to project your weekly, monthly, and annual income based on your student count, lesson rate, and schedule.
Your Studio Setup
Rent, materials, software, insurance, taxes, etc.
Your Projected Income
Weekly Income
$675
Monthly Income
$2,923
Annual Gross Income
$31,050
After Expenses
$28,650
* "After Expenses" subtracts your monthly expenses only. Self-employment taxes (typically 15-30%) are not included. Factor taxes into your expenses input for a more accurate estimate.
Effective Hourly Rate
Including 15 min prep per lesson + admin time
$30/hr
Want to manage 15 students without the admin headache?
Weekly Time Breakdown
Income Growth Projection
See how adding more students impacts your income after expenses
Projections based on your current rate of $45 per lesson with 1x weekly lessons. Assumes monthly expenses remain at $200 — in practice, expenses may increase as you add students.
Tips to grow your studio income
Practical strategies to increase your earnings as a music teacher.
Raise your rates annually
Most successful teachers increase rates by 3-5% each year. Give existing families advance notice and grandfather in a transition period. New students always pay the current rate.
Reduce no-shows with automated reminders
Missed lessons cost you money. Use studio management software to send automatic reminders and enforce a clear cancellation policy. Even reducing no-shows by 2 per month adds up.
See Nova's scheduling featuresOffer semester or annual packages
Tuition packages improve cash flow and reduce monthly billing overhead. Many teachers offer a small discount for paying a semester upfront, which also improves student retention.
Explore Nova's billing toolsAdd group classes or workshops
Group lessons, theory classes, or seasonal workshops let you earn more per hour while serving more students. Even one group class per week can add significant revenue.
Offer online lessons to expand your reach
Online teaching removes geographic limits. You can fill schedule gaps with remote students from other areas, and many families prefer the convenience of virtual lessons.
See Nova for your instrumentFrequently asked questions
Common questions about music teacher income and studio finances.
How much do private music teachers make per year?
Private music teacher income varies widely based on location, experience, and studio size. Most full-time private teachers earn between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, though teachers with 40+ students charging premium rates can exceed $100,000. Use the calculator above to see projected income for your specific situation.
What is a good lesson rate for music teachers?
Lesson rates depend on your experience, credentials, local market, and lesson length. In the US, rates typically range from $30 to $80 per hour-long lesson. Teachers with advanced degrees, performance credentials, or in-demand specialties often charge at the higher end. Research what other teachers in your area charge and price competitively.
How many students can a music teacher realistically handle?
Most solo music teachers comfortably manage 20 to 35 students. Beyond 35 students, administrative tasks can become overwhelming without studio management software. With efficient tools handling scheduling, billing, and communication, many teachers successfully manage 40 to 50 students while maintaining quality instruction.
What expenses should music teachers account for?
Common expenses include studio rent or mortgage allocation, instrument maintenance, sheet music and teaching materials, software subscriptions, liability insurance, professional development, marketing costs, and self-employment taxes. Most home-based teachers spend $100 to $300 per month, while teachers renting studio space may spend $500 to $1,500 or more.
Resources for music teachers
Explore more tools and guides to grow your studio.
Manage your studio income with ease
Nova Music helps music teachers track students, automate billing, and grow their studios. Free to start.