Running a teaching studio isn’t just about lessons and music - it’s also about responsibility, safety, and professionalism.
Compliance protects you, your students, and your reputation.

Whether you’re teaching in schools, at home, or online, it’s essential to understand your obligations - especially around QPR and Child Welfare training.

1. Public Liability Insurance

A must-have for every self-employed teacher.

✅ Protects you if a student, parent, or visitor is injured during a lesson.
✅ Covers claims related to property damage caused during teaching.
✅ Provides peace of mind knowing you’re protected against unforeseen events.

Hot Tip: Musicians’ unions often include or discount public liability insurance - check your local or regional music unions to save some money.

2. Equipment Insurance

Your gear is your livelihood - from instruments and amps to microphones, laptops, and recording interfaces.

✅ Covers theft, accidental damage, or natural disasters.
✅ Helps you avoid major financial losses if equipment is damaged or lost.
✅ Some policies can cover both home studios and portable gear.

Hot Tip: Many musician unions and performing rights organisations offer equipment insurance bundles or discounts for members. It’s worth investigating before buying standalone coverage.

3. Working With Children Checks / Police Checks

If you teach minors, these checks aren’t optional - they’re legally required in most regions.

✅ Demonstrates your professionalism and trustworthiness.
✅ Protects your students, their families, and you.
✅ Keep your certification current and display it when appropriate (such as in your studio or on your website).

Pro Tip: Set a yearly reminder to check expiry dates for all your compliance documents.

4. Child Welfare & QPR / Duty of Care Training

As a one-on-one tutor, you might be the only trusted adult a child regularly interacts with outside of their family. That makes your role unique - and sometimes, life-saving.

Children often open up to their music teachers because lessons feel safe, consistent, and personal. You might notice changes in behaviour, mood, or energy that others miss. In rare cases, a simple question, a calm conversation, or knowing how to refer help could make the difference between crisis and safety.

That’s why QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training and Child Welfare courses are so valuable:

QPR Training teaches you how to:

Recognise warning signs of suicide or self-harm.

Ask direct but caring questions.

Guide students toward the help they need - you don’t need to fix the situation, just connect them with support.

Child Welfare & Duty of Care training helps you:

Identify possible signs of abuse or neglect.

Respond safely, ethically, and within legal frameworks.

Know when and how to report concerns appropriately.

Hot Tip: Many regions offer free or low-cost QPR and Child Welfare training. These courses not only protect your students - they could literally save a life. Taking them also demonstrates your professionalism and care to parents, schools, and the wider community.

Key Takeaways

✅ Compliance isn’t optional - it’s the foundation of a safe, sustainable teaching studio.
✅ Maintain public liability and equipment insurance.
✅ Keep Working With Children and police checks up-to-date.
✅ Complete QPR and Child Welfare training
✅ Document your policies and share them with parents - it reinforces professionalism and care.

This post contains excerpts from The Business of Teaching Music by James Baker. The book is packed with practical tips and insights on building a healthy work-life balance, fostering mutual respect with your students and their families, and giving you the tools to run your teaching business like a true professional.