Best Online Music Lesson Platforms for Teachers in 2025

Where Music Teachers Earn the Most Online

Teaching music online has exploded. Whether you teach piano, guitar, voice, violin, or drums, there are more platforms than ever—each with different fee structures, student bases, and teaching models.

Here's how to choose the right one for you.

Platform Comparison Overview

Detailed Platform Reviews

Lessonface (Best Overall for Music Teachers)

Commission: 20% on lessons

Founded: 2012

Tutors: 3,000+ vetted music teachers

Lessonface is specifically built for music instruction. Their teachers include MET Orchestra members, Juilliard alumni, and Grammy nominees.

Pros:

• Music-specific platform
• All instruments and styles
• Fair 20% commission
• Professional tutor community
• Good scheduling tools

Cons:

• Smaller student base than general platforms
• Primarily US-focused
• Must pass vetting process

Best for: Serious music teachers who want a professional community.

TakeLessons (Best for Volume)

Commission: ~40% (estimated, not disclosed)

Owned by: Microsoft

Model: Tutoring service

TakeLessons connects students with teachers through a matching algorithm. Microsoft's backing means marketing muscle.

Pros:

• Large student base
• Microsoft resources
• Multiple subjects (not just music)
• Good for beginners

Cons:

• High estimated commission
• Less control over student selection
• Generic platform (not music-focused)
• Variable student quality

Best for: Teachers wanting steady student flow without marketing.

Skillshare (Best for Passive Income)

Earnings: Royalties based on watch time

Model: Pre-recorded courses

Students: Millions of subscribers

Skillshare is fundamentally different—you create courses, not live lessons.

Pros:

• Passive income potential
• Massive audience
• No scheduling hassles
• One course can earn indefinitely

Cons:

• Low per-minute rates ($0.05-0.10)
• High production quality expected
• No 1-on-1 teaching
• Competitive market

Best for: Teachers who want passive income alongside private lessons.

Tonebase (Best for Classical Musicians)

Model: Contributor program

Focus: Classical music only

Instruments: Piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, trumpet, voice

Tonebase features world-class musicians and targets serious classical students.

Pros:

• Prestigious platform
• Highly engaged audience
• Top-tier content
• Classical music focus

Cons:

• Invitation/application only
• Very competitive
• Limited to classical genres
• Not for beginners to teach

Best for: Professional classical musicians with strong credentials.

Wyzant (Best for Supplemental Income)

Commission: 25% flat

Focus: All subjects (music is small portion)

Reach: Primarily US

Wyzant is a general tutoring marketplace where music is one of many subjects.

Pros:

• Large US user base
• Set your own rates
• Multiple subject teaching
• Established platform

Cons:

• Music is small fraction of students
• 25% commission
• Academic focus
• Competitive

Best for: Teachers who also tutor academic subjects.

TutorBoost (Best for Building Your Own Business)

Commission: 0% on lessons

Model: Marketing platform

Students: Direct to you

TutorBoost doesn't match you with students—we run ads that bring students directly to you.

Pros:

• No commission on lessons
• Own your student relationships
• Build real business equity
• Works for any instrument/style

Cons:

• Requires ad spend investment
• Must handle your own scheduling
• New platform

Best for: Music teachers ready to build an independent teaching practice.

Income Comparison: Teaching Piano

Scenario: Piano teacher charging $60/hour, teaching 15 hours/week

Annual difference between TakeLessons and TutorBoost: ~$16,640

Features Music Teachers Need

Video Quality

• Lessonface: Integrated video, optimized for music
• TakeLessons: Integrated video
• Wyzant: Uses external (Zoom, etc.)
• TutorBoost: Use your preferred platform

Audio Latency

For music instruction, latency is critical. Most platforms have 100-300ms delay.

Solutions:

• Use platforms with low-latency options
• Teach asynchronously (student plays, you critique)
• Focus on theory, technique, and review

Scheduling Tools

• Lessonface: Built-in scheduling
• TakeLessons: Platform-managed
• TutorBoost: Connect your Calendly/Cal.com

Choosing the Right Platform

Choose Lessonface if:

• You want a music-focused community
• Fair 20% commission is acceptable
• You teach classical, jazz, or diverse styles

Choose TakeLessons if:

• You want steady student flow
• Marketing yourself isn't your strength
• You're okay with lower per-lesson earnings

Choose Skillshare if:

• You want passive income
• You can create high-quality video content
• 1-on-1 teaching isn't your focus

Choose TutorBoost if:

• You want to pay no commission on lessons
• You're building a teaching business
• You want to own student relationships

Building Your Music Teaching Business

The smartest music teachers diversify:

1. Short term: Platform(s) for immediate students

2. Medium term: Build your own ad campaigns with TutorBoost

3. Long term: Referral network + content marketing

Don't put all your students in one platform's basket.

FAQ

Can I teach multiple instruments on one platform?

Most platforms allow this. Lessonface and TakeLessons both support multiple instrument profiles.

How do I handle the audio latency issue?

Focus on technique, theory, and feedback. Have students play short passages, then critique. Apps like Jamulus can help for more advanced needs.

What equipment do I need?

• Good webcam (or phone camera)
• External microphone (USB condenser recommended)
• Stable internet (wired if possible)
• Good lighting
• Instrument in view

How do I get my first students?

Start with any platform that provides students. Build reviews and experience. Then transition to lower-fee options as you establish yourself.

*Ready to stop paying lesson commissions? TutorBoost runs ads for music teachers. [Get started →](/onboarding)*