I had an idea to be a Mobile Guitar Teacher?

I want to be able to start giving lessons from beginners to intermediate players. I don't want strangers to know where I live. Also, the independent guitar instructors in my area (meaning, the ones who aren't based out of a guitar store), live in crumby areas. I tried a couple out and they're usually out of the way and are in sketchy parts of town.

Does anyone think there would be a niche in the market for something like this? It saves the student time, plus, it's a bit harder for the student to flake out and quit on you, because you would know where they live. And maybe, you could even charge the same rates as the guitar store.

The only problem I see with this, is that I wouldn't have access to my computer and printer where I would have a lot of my lesson material, but I could always have a couple sheets printed out I guess.

Also, I'm moving to a small town where the closest guitar store is in neighboring towns, which could take around 20 minutes to get to their.

2011-07-29T10:58:05Z

Also, what would you guys think is a good rate to charge? I've been playing nearly 17 years now, have had professional lessons from a couple good teachers (one being Greg Kihn's son, who got his music degree at Berklee)

I was thinking $50/hr. I was being charged $45 per session, with one guy it was for 30 minute sessions, and the other guy was for 45 minutes. They also had a thing where it was like $65 to $80 per session, if you only wanted to meet once a month, or at random dates, like 2 months down the road.

2011-07-29T10:58:10Z

Also, what would you guys think is a good rate to charge? I've been playing nearly 17 years now, have had professional lessons from a couple good teachers (one being Greg Kihn's son, who got his music degree at Berklee)

I was thinking $50/hr. I was being charged $45 per session, with one guy it was for 30 minute sessions, and the other guy was for 45 minutes. They also had a thing where it was like $65 to $80 per session, if you only wanted to meet once a month, or at random dates, like 2 months down the road.

2011-07-29T11:15:48Z

Yeah, it would be strictly a part time thing after my normal job. I get bored at home and on Saturdays when my girlfriend is at work. My company pays for my car and fuel, so that wouldn't be much of a problem, unless students are really far away, say 20+ miles.

Mainly, I just want to pass on some knowledge, because I know how hard it is to really grasp the concepts of playing guitar or music in general. I also feel, that to truly know and understand something, then you should be able to teach it as well, so this would also to be for my benefit to prove to myself that I really know the concepts involved in playing guitar.

Guitarpicker2011-07-29T11:10:30Z

Favorite Answer

I understand your concerns, Adam. Other than taking lessons at a reputable music store, musical home owners run the gamut of respectability to the severely disadvantaged.

You'll have to charge according to mileage in addition to a standard fee. In many areas in the South $20 for a half-hour is reasonable. I've always charged $10 for the lesson and a few bucks for my traveling, but I've stopped that as I remain busy in other venues and of the increased prices in gasoline. My teaching was mainly a concern to carry my talents forward to others and not necessarily a main income.

If you are reasonable and knowledgeable in the profession then you should find success. Nevertheless, don't quit your regular job thinking this new occupation will pay all your bills.

Your business card, reminiscent of the black-and-white TV series of Paladin, could read, "Have Guitar, Will Travel."

You'll have to prepare for each student and their abilities well in advance by printing copies of chords, music theory, and even particular songs the student might want to learn. A folder filled with printed information and your guitar and tuner should suffice. (I used to do that on my Harley while living in Texas and Arkansas years ago.)

Good luck and let me know how it works for you.

Added: As you should know, when the economy suffers so do the extraneous side jobs of guitar and piano lessons, tennis lessons, and swimming lessons by the professionals.

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gtarczar2011-07-29T13:38:21Z

There is a market for this. I have done some mobile lessons in the past. I prefer working out of a music store or music school but not everyone has access to them. Since your mileage and wear on the car are not an issue you can pass that savings on to your students. The only drawback I can see is the Saturday only schedule. The rate you offer seems fair and I know you have the ability to do this based on your answers to many questions. You will never know unless you try! Just be very careful and try to screen prospective students as best you can and develop some system where you can check in with someone before and after the lesson just in case there is any problems.
Good Luck Adam!

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Kab2011-07-29T12:05:17Z

The idea is fine. I would not go into all the reasons that you do this, other than I am making this more convenient for the student and their family.
Today's rates for lessons range from some small towns where it is $10 to the larger city where it might be over $100.
If you are going to make good money doing this you will need to be competitive.

On a different point. If a student wants to quit, you do not want them as a student.

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lareau2017-02-17T20:36:42Z

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