How to Teach Music Online While Traveling
If you’ve ever dreamed of combining your love for music with the freedom to explore new places, this episode is just for you. Today, we’re diving into a topic that merges adventure with education: how to teach music online while traveling.
Remote Music Teaching
If you’re like me, you might have never imagined that teaching music online while traveling would be feasible. But let me tell you, it’s not just a dream—it’s a reality that I’ve lived through. Before the pandemic, I spent about three years traveling and teaching online, which was an extraordinary experience that gave me the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere with a simple setup.
Whether you’re considering a short getaway or planning a more extended journey, the ability to teach music remotely can offer you unparalleled flexibility. Even if full-time travel isn’t on your agenda, having the option to teach from different locations can be a game-changer.
How I got into teaching music online while traveling
To illustrate the possibilities, let me share a bit of my own journey. After the birth of our daughter Whitney in 2017, we had the opportunity to visit Rocky Point, Mexico—a place close to my heart. Instead of pausing my lessons or rescheduling, I decided to teach from our beach condo. Despite the less-than-ideal internet connection, it worked surprisingly well. It was amazing to teach in the afternoon and then enjoy the beach with my family. That trip was a trial run for a more extensive travel adventure, which eventually led to selling most of our belongings and exploring the world while continuing to teach online.
So, how can YOU teach music online while traveling? Let me show you...
This guide will not only assist those planning to travel extensively but also benefit anyone who wants the flexibility to teach from different locations. Here is what you need to teach music online while traveling:
1. Prep Your Studio For Travel
Digital Resources: Transitioning your resources to digital formats is crucial. Google Drive is a fantastic tool for storing and organizing your files, curriculum, and teaching materials. With a free Gmail account, you can access Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive—ideal for keeping all your teaching resources at your fingertips, no matter where you are.
Digital Method Books: Consider using digital method books and resources. Tools like Carol Matt’s Interactive Piano Method and the Faber Atlas subscription offer digital access to essential teaching materials. Apps like SuperScore also enhance the digital music experience, allowing you to adjust, transpose, and interact with music in various ways.
Digital Curriculum: If you haven’t already, digitize your curriculum. Having a clear, digital outline of your teaching method will save time and streamline your lessons, giving you more flexibility and efficiency.
Flexible Scheduling: Adjusting your schedule to accommodate travel is essential. For example, I kept Mondays and Tuesdays free for travel and long road trips, ensuring that I had dedicated days for any rescheduling needs.
Pre-Recorded Content: Create instructional videos or record pieces you frequently teach. This can be an invaluable resource, allowing students to view and practice pieces even when you’re not available in real time.
2. Essential Gear for Traveling
Instrument: Depending on your instrument, you might need a compact version. For piano teachers, a MIDI keyboard can be an excellent solution. If you’re traveling by RV, you might even fit a full-sized keyboard in your vehicle.
Headphones: A good pair of headphones is crucial. I recommend wired headphones for reliability and minimal latency during lessons, although Bluetooth options are also viable if preferred.
Laptop or iPad: Invest in a reliable computer or tablet for streaming live lessons. I use a MacBook Air with the M1 chip, known for its durability and performance, which is excellent for teaching online.
Data Plan: Ensure you have a robust data plan with ample or unlimited data. I use Google Fi, which allows me to create a hotspot and maintain a stable connection for online teaching, no matter where I am.
Essential Gear for YOU while Teaching Music on the Go
First things first: let’s talk about gear. When you're setting up your mobile music studio, comfort and practicality are key.
Compact Chair or Stool: This might sound like a small detail, but it’s crucial. If you’re traveling in an RV or a small space, a compact stool with a pad on top that spins could be your best friend. It’s small enough to stow away under a table but provides a decent amount of comfort. If you have a bit more space, go for a chair that suits your comfort needs.
The last thing you want is to be teaching from a bed or a couch where you’re all sunk in and uncomfortable. If you’re flying to your destination and staying in hotels or Airbnbs, you’re usually fine—no need to pack a chair. Just keep these comfort considerations in mind.
Managing Finances As a Music Teacher While Traveling
It’s easy to push this to the back burner, especially when you're busy planning your travels. But getting this right is crucial.
Monthly Payments: To keep things simple, arrange for your students to pay monthly throughout the year. Divide your tuition fees equally over the months and account for any vacation weeks, whether it's for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or spring break. This way, you have a consistent income and can plan your finances more effectively.
Automation Tools: Use studio payment automation tools like My Music Staff or Fonz to handle payments. These tools can automate billing, reducing the hassle of manual invoicing. You can also set up a subscription button in PayPal, though be aware of the transaction fees. Bank-to-bank transfers can sometimes avoid these fees, so consider that option.
Fons is particularly worth mentioning because it allows you to schedule payments and set up cancellation policies. Many of our TeachMusicOnline members have had great experiences with Fons and have been raving about it. I’ll drop links in the bio for both Fons and My Music Staff.
Marketing Your Online Studio While Traveling
When you’re on the move, marketing is essential to keep your studio thriving. Here’s how to plan ahead:
Website: A professional website is your digital storefront. If you haven’t already built one, I’ve got you covered. I recently did a free coaching call on building a website from scratch, and I offer a course called Studio Website Builder. This course walks you through designing a website with Squarespace, providing templates and video tutorials to make the process easier.
Social Media: Have a clear social media plan in place. Whether you’re managing Instagram, Facebook, or both, having a strategy will help you attract new students even while you’re traveling. Your website and Facebook business page will be key tools for directing traffic and managing inquiries.
Onboarding Process: A streamlined onboarding process is crucial. It should be easy for new students to sign up and get started without a lot of back-and-forth. This is something I cover extensively in Teach Music Online. We aim to make the tech side of things as straightforward as possible, so you can focus on what you love—teaching music.
Music is fun, and teaching it can be, too!
It’s inspiring to see so many of our TeachMusicOnline members successfully combining teaching with travel. From full-time RV teachers to those teaching while living abroad, there’s a vibrant community of educators who’ve made this lifestyle work.
I understand how daunting it can be to juggle travel and teaching. There’s a lot of research and trial and error involved, and it can feel overwhelming. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel this way. It means you’re pushing your boundaries and trying something new, which is a good sign that you’re on the right track.
One Step at a Time: Tackle one new strategy or piece of tech at a time. It’s easy to get excited and then feel overwhelmed. Remind yourself that these feelings are part of the process. They show you’re stretching yourself and growing.
Our Teach Music Online membership is here to support you every step of the way. We offer courses, coaching, and a community dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of teaching music online while traveling. The membership will open again in early 2025, and spots will be limited, so I encourage you to join our waitlist now at Teach Music Online.
Thank you for tuning in today! I hope you found this guide helpful as you plan your adventure of teaching music while traveling. Have a fantastic week, and I look forward to connecting with you next time.
Remember, the road to combining teaching and travel is an exciting one. With the right preparation and support, you can make it work and enjoy every moment of the journey.
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