Where to Teach, pt. IV – The Downside of Music Stores and Schools

     Last month I looked at the upside to teaching at a music store/school this month I’ll tackle the downside. Looking at the list of positives to teaching guitar at a music store/school one might think, “Why wouldn’t you teach at a music store?” Well, there are several disadvantages to teaching there as well.

1. The Cut – a store will take a percentage of the lesson fee which ranges from 30 – 50%. This cut is generally referred to as a “studio fee” - you are charged for using their facilities, equipment and the acquisition of students.

2. Taxes – most often you are not a store employee, but an “independent contractor.” This means when you are paid, the store does not take taxes out and you will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year which reports to the IRS how much you have made and you will be responsible for paying those taxes to the government.

3. Getting Paid – again each store is different and some may require that you collect the payment from students. If that is the case, you responsible keeping track of money and giving the store their “studio fee” on a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly basis.

4. Numerous Teachers – you may not be the only guitar teacher on staff and therefore may have to wait for new students. In many cases new students will be rotated from teacher to teacher so each person’s studio remains full.

5. Students Are Not Yours – although you may teach the students “technically” they are students of the store/school. Students may be given to another teacher if schedules change and your teaching days do not match with theirs. Additionally, it may sound strange, but some stores/schools will ask you to sign a "non-compete agreement" (were you are not teaching in other locations while working for them).

Have I missed anything? Please feel free to comment!