Frequently asked questions about working for TakeLessons

How does the TakeLessons program work?

If you are accepted into the program, you can expect the following steps to occur:

• We create a professional profile for you on our site using biographical information and photos that you provide
• You keep your availability calendar up to date so we know when you are available to teach
• We add you to our marketing presence in your town to attract local students
• When students call in or submit their info online, our friendly sales counselors match them with the best teacher and collect payment for their lessons
• You give our student a call to introduce yourself, and provide them with an AWESOME first lesson
• Our student leaves feedback on your profile, which becomes a great selling point for other students
• The student continues taking lessons, paying us up front on a monthly basis so you don't have to worry about not getting paid
• We pay our teachers twice a month for lessons that have been completed

How do I apply?

You can apply online by following this link: Teacher Application
If your application matches the job requirements, a recruiter will set up a phone interview typically within one week.

How much will I be paid?

As a national music school we have insight into what students in different markets are willing to pay for lessons. Based on location and experience we pay our instructors a fair flat rate for 30, 45, and 60 minute lessons. We wouldn't have any teachers with our school if we weren’t paying a fair rate.

How am I paid?

You are paid as an independent contractor and thus will receive a 1099 form at the end of the year for tax purposes. Payroll is processed twice monthly, and all instructors are paid by EFT.

What are the fees associated with getting started?

There is no fee to submit your application to the program.

If accepted, you will be responsible for a yearly certification fee of $49.00 that includes a criminal background and reference check. You do not have to pay this up front, as it will be deducted from your first paycheck automatically.

Am I only allowed to work for TakeLessons? What about my existing students?

Our goal is to help our instructors make a living doing what they love, so our agreement is non-exclusive. You are free to find and keep your own students or work with whoever you want.

That being said, it is critical that you keep an updated availability schedule on your profile. This is how we know the timeslots into which we can book students.

What type of students do you have?

Our students range from kids to adults and even retirees. Most are beginners with big dreams who need that extra bit of encouragement to succeed.

When will the first student be placed with me?

The answer partly depends on you: your availability, age range, subjects taught, and background. The more flexible you are and the better "prime time" slots you have available, the easier it is to place students with you.

There are seasonal and economic influences that impact timing. Of course the location impacts this as well. We really aren't looking for teachers that are worried about getting their first student next week. We want teachers that are thinking more long term and how great the opportunity is working with TakeLessons. We will only have so many teachers in each area to achieve our goals so we want the best attitudes representing our students. With that being said our teachers have to get comfortable with our online tools and we like to get to know them before we place our prized assets (students) with them. This typically take about 30-45 days.

The thing to remember is that if we don't have students to place with you, we're not making money either. We're on the same team—we want to find students just as badly as you do!

Do I get to choose the students you place with me? What if I don't get along with the student?

Because of the diversity of our students we highly value flexible instructors that are able to work with a variety of students. You can specify the student ages you can teach and whether you'll travel to the student's home. Our sales counselors will also take into account your specialties and background when booking students.

Of course sometimes the student-teacher chemistry just isn't there or there is a personality conflict. If that's the case, you can request a reassignment and we will place the student with another instructor.

Do I travel to the student's home or do they come to me?

We don't change the way you are currently teaching. If you teach only out of your home, or if you travel, or if you do both, that's fine with us. Teachers are typically paid an extra amount if they travel to the student's home.

What is the contract term when working for TakeLessons?

We require a one year commitment from instructors that we hire. This helps maintain lesson continuity for our students.