Marketing

• According to the University of Missouri Extension, word-of-mouth marketing "is particularly valuable for a home-based business because it's free. Be sure the word passed is favorable." Letting local school music teachers know about your home-based business might also prove profitable. Fliers or business cards posted on local bulletin boards in areas parents frequent such as libraries, markets and gyms can effectively announce the presence of your home studio.
  
  

Permits

• The music and relationships with students may seem like the main points, but teaching piano lessons at home is a business. Local city or county ordinances may require permits and limit home-based business. John Blasquez in Strings Magazine says, "Your rights and restrictions are usually spelled out in the Home Occupation section of the zoning ordinance." Before hanging out your shingle, become familiar with local ordinances. Blasquez suggests searching online for "home occupation permit" before creating your home studio.
  
  

Taxes

• Taxes must be taken into consideration. Discuss them with a tax expert. Find out what you will need to put aside in order to pay income tax and whether or not you need to pay estimated taxes. Determine the criteria for deducting the use of a room in your home as well as a percentage of the utility bills.
  
  

Comfort

• Make room in your driveway for parking as a convenience to your students and their parents and as an effort to get along with the neighbors. "Above all," says Blasquez, "consider the safety of the youngsters and do your best to keep them away from the street." Provide access to a bathroom as well as a specific area inside the home where early arrivals can sit and wait comfortably.
  
  

Warning

• Even though it might seem like teaching piano lessons wouldn't require business insurance, you must protect yourself. Pianoeducation.org says, "Separate business insurance is necessary because most personal homeowners' policies will not cover losses associated with the operation of a business in the home."