Turn your teaching expertise into passive income. Learn how to create, market, and sell online music courses through your website—reaching students worldwide while you sleep.

Creating Online Music Courses: Scale Your Teaching Beyond Your Studio

You're an excellent music teacher. Your students progress beautifully. You're fully booked.

But there's a problem:

You trade time for money. No teaching = no income. Plus you're limited by:

Hours in the day

Geographic location

Physical capacity

Schedule constraints

What if you could:

Teach students worldwide

Earn while you sleep

Scale beyond 1-on-1 lessons

Create lasting passive income

Solution: Online music courses.

In this article, I'll show you how to create, launch, and sell online music courses through your website—step by step.

Why Online Music Courses for Teachers

The Opportunity

Global market for online music education:

€6+ billion industry (2025)

Growing 15-20% annually

Students worldwide want quality instruction

Convenience of learn-at-home

Your advantage as a teacher:

You already have the knowledge

You know what students struggle with

You have teaching experience

You understand curriculum design

Missing piece: Technical infrastructure and marketing

Benefits for Music Teachers

Income diversification:

Passive income stream

Revenue when you're not teaching

Income during vacations/breaks

Financial security

Scale beyond geography:

Local studio: 20-30 students max

Online course: Unlimited students

Worldwide reach

No commute time

Work-life balance:

Create once, sell repeatedly

Less physical teaching time

More flexibility

Sustainable long-term

Professional growth:

Establish expertise authority

Build reputation

Attract better private students

Speaking/workshop opportunities

Real Numbers

Conservative example:
Course: "Beginner Piano in 8 Weeks" Price: €97 Sales: 50 students/year (conservative) Revenue: €4,850/year
Time investment:

Creation: 40-60 hours (one-time)

Maintenance: 5 hours/year

Marketing: 2 hours/week

Equivalent: Teaching 70-80 private lessons But: Scales infinitely
10 courses × 50 students each = €48,500/year additional income

What Makes a Good Online Music Course

Ideal Course Topics

Best course topics:
Beginner fundamentals:

"Piano Basics for Adult Beginners"

"First Year Violin Method"

"Music Theory Fundamentals"

"Sight-Reading for Beginners"

Specific skills:

"Jazz Improvisation Basics"

"Classical Guitar Technique Mastery"

"Vocal Warm-ups and Exercises"

"Music Production for Musicians"

Exam/audition preparation:

"ABRSM Grade 5 Theory Prep"

"University Audition Preparation"

"Competition Performance Skills"

Niche specializations:

"Baroque Ornamentation Techniques"

"Contemporary Extended Techniques"

"Arranging for String Quartet"

"Teaching Music to Children with ADHD"

Bad course topics (usually):

Too broad: "Learn All Music"

Too advanced: "Advanced Schenkerian Analysis"

Too specific: "Performing Op. 32 No. 4"

No demand: "My Personal Teaching Philosophy"

Course Format Options

Self-paced video course (most common):

Pre-recorded video lessons

Student progresses at own pace

Downloadable materials

Access period (6 months - lifetime)

Pros: Scale infinitely, no ongoing time commitment Cons: Less interaction, some students need accountability
Live cohort course:

Scheduled live sessions (Zoom)

Group learning

Real-time Q&A

Fixed start/end dates

Pros: Higher perceived value, better outcomes, community Cons: Time commitment, limited scalability
Hybrid model:

Self-paced video content

Monthly live Q&A sessions

Private community

Best of both worlds

Membership/subscription:

Monthly new content

Ongoing library access

Continuous learning

Recurring revenue

Pros: Predictable income, long-term relationships Cons: Ongoing content creation commitment

Pricing Strategies

Price points that work:
Introductory/Mini-course (€29-49):

1-2 hours of content

Single specific topic

Entry point to your teaching

Low-risk for students

Comprehensive course (€97-197):

6-12 weeks of material

Complete skill development

Workbooks and resources

Creating Your Online Music Course

Step 1: Planning & Curriculum Design

Define learning outcomes:
Bad: "Students will learn violin" Good: "Students will be able to play 5 beginner pieces with correct bow hold, posture, and basic technique"
Specific, measurable outcomes.
Outline curriculum:
Example: "Beginner Piano in 8 Weeks"

```

Week 1: Piano Basics & Posture

Lesson 1: Introducing the keyboard

Lesson 2: Proper sitting position and hand shape

Lesson 3: Finger numbers and hand independence

Practice: Daily exercises (provided)

Week 2: Reading Music

Lesson 1: The staff, clefs, and note names

Lesson 2: Rhythm basics (whole, half, quarter notes)

Lesson 3: Your first simple melodies

Practice: Sight-reading exercises

Week 3-8: [Continue progression]

Final Week: Performance

Combine skills

Play 3 complete beginner pieces

Self-assessment checklist

```

Progression principle:

Each week builds on previous

Manageable chunks

Clear milestones

Practice assignments

Step 2: Content Creation

Equipment needed:
Minimum viable setup (€300-500):

Smartphone camera (iPhone 8+ quality)

Clip-on lavalier microphone (€20-50)

Ring light or good window light

Tripod or phone mount

Free editing software (DaVinci Resolve, iMovie)

Professional setup (€1,000-2,000):

DSLR or mirrorless camera

USB microphone (Blue Yeti, Rode NT-USB)

Lighting kit

Teleprompter (optional)

Editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut)

You don't need perfection. Start with good-enough equipment, upgrade as revenue comes in.
Filming best practices:
Video setup:

Clean, professional background

Eye-level camera angle

Instrument clearly visible

Adequate lighting (no shadows)

Quiet recording environment

Teaching on camera:

Look at camera (connect with students)

Speak clearly and pace appropriately

Demonstrate slowly and clearly

Multiple camera angles for technique close-ups

Show common mistakes and corrections

Video length:

5-15 minutes per lesson

Break complex topics into multiple short videos

Attention span considerations

Easy to re-watch specific sections

Editing:

Remove mistakes and "ums"

Add captions/text overlays for emphasis

Include sheet music/diagrams on screen

Add intro/outro (branding)

Background music sparingly (or none)

Step 3: Supplementary Materials

Essential resources:
PDF workbooks:

Lesson summaries

Sheet music/exercises

Practice logs

Theory worksheets

Fingering charts

Audio files:

Play-along backing tracks

Metronome tracks

Tuning references

Model performances

Downloadable resources:

Cheat sheets

Chord charts

Practice schedules

Progress trackers

Bonus materials:

Recommended repertoire lists

Equipment guides

Further learning resources

Step 4: Platform Selection

Where to host your course:
The Cheap Platform Trap: Why Thinkific/Teachable Cost More Than You Think

You'll see platforms like Thinkific, Teachable, and Kajabi heavily advertised. They look appealing at first glance - "only €39/month!"

Here's what they don't tell you:
Thinkific/Teachable limitations:

Free/Basic tiers: Virtually useless - no email automation, limited students, transaction fees, platform branding, basic features locked

To get actual functionality: Need €119-299/month tier minimum

Hidden costs: 5-10% transaction fees on lower tiers, payment processor fees (another 2.9%), email marketing costs extra

Your brand suffers: Generic templates, their branding, limited customization

No video optimization: Basic video hosting, slow loading, poor quality control

Lock-in: Your content, students, data trapped in their system

Support: Slow, ticket-based, generic responses

Real cost calculation:

```

Teachable Pro: €119/month × 12 = €1,428/year

+ Transaction fees (5% of €10,000 revenue) = €500/year

+ Email marketing (external) = €300-600/year

+ Limited features forcing workarounds = Time = Money

TOTAL YEAR 1: €2,228-2,528

YEAR 2-5: €1,428-2,528/year ongoing

5-YEAR TOTAL: €8,540-11,540

```

And you still don't own anything. Leave the platform? Start from scratch.
Kajabi at €149-399/month is even worse - €1,788-4,788/year for features you can get better elsewhere.
The Professional Solution: Custom LMS on Your Website
What you actually need:
Custom Learning Management System:

Built on WordPress with LearnDash or similar

Fully integrated with your existing website

Complete customization and branding

One-time setup cost: €800-1,500

Bunny CDN for Video Delivery:

Professional video streaming (better than Teachable/Vimeo)

€1 per TB storage + €0.01-0.04 per GB delivered

Realistic cost for 100 students/year: €10-30/month

4K quality, global CDN, instant playback, adaptive streaming

DRM protection, password protection, analytics

Website hosting: €10-30/month (you likely already have this)
Annual maintenance package: €300-600/year

Updates, security, backups

Technical support when needed

Peace of mind

Real cost calculation:

```

LMS Setup: €800-1,500 (one-time)

Bunny CDN: €120-360/year

Hosting: €120-360/year (or existing)

Maintenance: €300-600/year

YEAR 1 TOTAL: €1,340-2,820

YEAR 2-5: €540-1,320/year ongoing

5-YEAR TOTAL: €3,500-7,100

```

What you get:

✓ Professional brand experience - seamless integration with your website

✓ Superior video delivery - Bunny CDN outperforms Teachable's hosting

✓ Complete control - your platform, your rules, your data

✓ Lower long-term costs - save €5,000-8,000 over 5 years

✓ No transaction fees - keep 100% (minus payment processor)

✓ Unlimited courses, students, features - no artificial limits

✓ Better student experience - faster, more professional

✓ You own everything - can move, modify, expand anytime

✓ Personalized support - direct help from someone who knows your setup

When platforms make sense:
Testing/validation only:

Unsure if course will sell

Want to validate concept first

Can tolerate limitations short-term

Budget under €1,000

Use basic Thinkific/Teachable for 3-6 months maximum, then migrate to professional solution once validated.
My recommendation for serious music teachers:
Don't compromise on your professional platform. Your course is your product - it deserves professional infrastructure, not a rented template.
Custom LMS + Bunny CDN = Professional, cost-effective, yours forever.

Step 5: Website Integration

Your website as course hub:
Course landing page:

```

BEGINNER PIANO MASTERY

Master piano fundamentals in just 8 weeks—even if you've never touched a key.

[Hero image/video]

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✓ Proper technique and posture

✓ Read music fluently

✓ Play 10 beautiful beginner pieces

✓ Practice efficiently and effectively

✓ Build confidence at the keyboard

WHO THIS IS FOR:

• Adult beginners (no experience needed)

• Returning players (rusty skills)

• Self-taught players wanting structure

• Anyone dreaming of playing piano

COURSE INCLUDES:

• 40+ video lessons (6 hours total)

• Downloadable sheet music (25 pieces)

• Practice exercises and play-alongs

• Progress tracking worksheets

• Lifetime access

[Student testimonials]

YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

[Your photo and credentials]

20 years teaching experience, 200+ successful students

INVESTMENT: €147

[Enroll Now Button]

30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

```

Integration with teaching website:
Navigation:

```

```

Courses page (if multiple):

```

ONLINE COURSES

For Beginners:

→ Beginner Piano Mastery (€147)

→ Music Theory Foundations (€97)

For Intermediate:

→ Jazz Improvisation Basics (€197)

→ Advanced Technique (€247)

[Button] View All Courses

```

Cross-promotion:

Mention courses during private lessons

Offer course discounts to current students

Use email list to announce launches

Blog content supports course topics

Step 6: Payment & Delivery

Payment processing:
Options:

Stripe (2.9% + €0.30 per transaction)

PayPal (similar fees)

Course platform built-in

Consider:

EUR currency support

European bank compatibility

SEPA direct debit (for subscriptions)

VAT compliance (EU regulations)

Delivery methods:
Instant access (best):

Student pays → immediate course access

Automated email with login details

No manual work

Drip content:

Release lessons weekly

Encourages completion

Prevents overwhelm

Better learning outcomes

Limited-time access vs. lifetime:

6-12 months: Lower price, urgency

Lifetime: Higher price, better value perception

Your choice based on business model

Marketing Your Online Music Course

Pre-Launch Strategy

Build anticipation (4-6 weeks before):
Week 1-2: Tease content

Social media posts: "Creating something special..."

Email list: Survey what they want to learn

Blog: Topic related to course content

Week 3-4: Reveal & build waitlist

Announce course coming

Early-bird discount for waitlist

Free mini-lesson as preview

Behind-the-scenes content creation

Week 5: Launch countdown

Daily emails to waitlist

Testimonials from beta testers

FAQ addressing objections

Bonuses for early enrollers

Week 6: Launch

Course goes live

Special pricing (3-7 days)

Limited spots (if applicable)

Heavy promotion

Launch Tactics

Email your list:

Announcement email

Value-focused emails (what they'll achieve)

Testimonial/social proof email

Last chance email

Social media campaign:

Multiple posts across platforms

Student testimonials

Free mini-lessons/tips

Behind-the-scenes

Live Q&A sessions

Webinar/masterclass:

Free training on related topic

Valuable standalone content

Soft pitch at end for course

Q&A addresses concerns

Collaborations:

Partner with complementary teachers

Guest on podcasts/YouTube channels

Cross-promotion with music stores

Music school partnerships

Ongoing Marketing

SEO blog content:

"How to Learn Piano as an Adult"

"Best Beginner Piano Songs"

"Piano Practice Tips for Busy People"

Links to course as solution

YouTube channel:

Free lessons (sampler of teaching style)

Build audience

Trust and authority

Links to full course

Social media presence:

Instagram: Tips, student wins, short lessons

Facebook: Community building, longer posts

TikTok: Quick tips, trending sounds

Always link to course

Email nurture sequence:

Newsletter signup → automated sequence

Valuable free content

Builds relationship

Periodic course offers

Conversion Optimization

Testimonials & social proof:
After students complete:

Request video testimonial

Written review

Before/after audio recordings

Success story feature

Display prominently:

Course landing page

Checkout page

Social media

Email campaigns

Money-back guarantee:

```

30-DAY 100% MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Try the course risk-free. If you're not completely satisfied within 30 days, I'll refund every cent—no questions asked.

```

Why it works:

Removes risk

Shows confidence in content

Increases conversions 20-40%

Refund rate usually < 5%

Scarcity and urgency (use ethically):

Launch pricing (limited time)

Cohort spots (limited number)

Bonuses expire

Seasonal enrollment periods

Scaling Your Course Business

Creating Your Second Course

Once first course is successful:
Option 1: Next level

Beginner → Intermediate

Natural progression

Existing students buy

Option 2: Different instrument/topic

Piano teacher adds theory course

Violinist adds chamber music course

Diversify income

Option 3: Niche deeper

Jazz piano specifically

Baroque performance practice

Specialized technique

Course ecosystem:

```

Entry: Free Mini-Course

↓

Beginner: €97 Course

↓

Intermediate: €197 Course

↓

Advanced: €297 Masterclass

↓

Ongoing: €29/month Membership

```

Customer lifetime value: €650+

Adding Coaching/Community

Higher-tier offerings:
Group coaching:

Monthly live sessions

Q&A with you

Student performances

Accountability

Private coaching add-on:

Course + 3 private lessons: €397

Personalized feedback

Higher price, more value

Private community:

Facebook group or forum

Peer support

Your occasional input

Included or paid

Automating & Systematizing

Email automation:

Welcome sequence

Course completion prompts

Upsell sequences

Re-engagement campaigns

Evergreen sales funnel:

Always available to buy

Automated webinars

Email sequences

No manual selling

Student onboarding:

Automated welcome email

Getting started guide

Community invitation

Tech support resources

Support systems:

FAQ page (90% of questions)

Email templates for common questions

Virtual assistant for admin (as you scale)

Technical Setup for Course Website

What You Need

Professional custom LMS setup:
Core components:
1. WordPress + LMS Plugin

LearnDash (recommended) or LifterLMS

Full course management, quizzes, certificates, drip content

Student dashboard and progress tracking

One-time cost: €200-400

2. Bunny CDN Video Delivery

Stream library for secure video hosting

Adaptive streaming, 4K support, global CDN

DRM protection and password protection

Cost: €1/TB storage + €0.01-0.04/GB delivered (~€10-30/month)

3. Payment Integration

Stripe or PayPal gateway

Secure checkout, subscriptions, one-time payments

2.9% + €0.30 per transaction (industry standard)

4. Email Marketing

Mailchimp (free up to 500 contacts) or ConvertKit (€15-29/month)

Welcome sequences, course notifications, promotional campaigns

Essential for marketing and student communication

5. Analytics & Tracking

Google Analytics (free)

Course completion tracking

Student engagement metrics

Revenue tracking

Total investment:

```

Setup (one-time):

LMS plugin: €200-400

Website integration: €600-1,100

Payment setup: Included

Email automation setup: Included

TOTAL SETUP: €800-1,500

Monthly/Annual ongoing:

Bunny CDN: €10-30/month (€120-360/year)

Email marketing: €0-29/month (€0-348/year)

Hosting: €10-30/month (€120-360/year)

Maintenance package: €300-600/year

TOTAL ONGOING: €540-1,668/year

```

Compare to platforms:

Teachable Pro: €1,428/year + transaction fees

Thinkific Growth: €999/year + transaction fees

Kajabi Basic: €1,788/year

Your custom solution: Lower cost, superior features, complete ownership.

Security & Legal

Student data protection:

GDPR compliance (EU students)

Secure payment processing

Data encryption (SSL)

Terms & conditions:

Refund policy

Access terms

Liability disclaimer

Content protection:

Prevent video downloading (where possible)

Watermark materials

Terms prohibit sharing

Reality: Some piracy inevitable, focus on value

Special Musician Discount

Ready to add online courses to your website?

Mention code MUSICIAN15 for 15% off website packages that include course integration setup.

I'll help you:

Integrate course platform with website

Set up payment processing

Create course landing pages

Configure email automation

Train you on management

Contact:

📧 info@amadeuswebdesign.com

📱 +43 650 7964955

Success Timeline

Realistic expectations:
Month 1-2: Creation

Plan curriculum

Record videos

Create materials

Set up platform

Month 3: Launch

Pre-launch marketing

Launch week

First sales: 10-20 students (€970-1,940)

Month 4-6: Optimization

Gather feedback

Improve based on student experience

Ongoing marketing

Steady sales: 5-10/month

Month 7-12: Growth

Evergreen funnel running

Consider second course

Build email list

Total year 1: 50-80 students (€4,850-7,760)

Year 2: Scale

Multiple courses

Higher-tier offerings

Passive income established

100-200 students across courses (€10,000-20,000)

Not get-rich-quick. Build sustainable business.

---

Online Course Creation Checklist

Planning Phase:

[ ] Course topic validated (demand exists)

[ ] Learning outcomes defined

[ ] Curriculum outlined (week-by-week)

[ ] Target audience identified

[ ] Pricing researched and set

Production Phase:

[ ] Equipment acquired/borrowed

[ ] Recording space set up

[ ] Videos filmed (all lessons)

[ ] Videos edited professionally

[ ] Workbooks/materials created (PDFs)

[ ] Audio files prepared

[ ] Bonus content created

Technical Setup:

[ ] Platform selected (Teachable, WordPress, etc.)

[ ] Course uploaded and organized

[ ] Payment processing configured

[ ] Email automation set up

[ ] Landing page created

[ ] Checkout process tested

Marketing Preparation:

[ ] Sales copy written

[ ] Testimonials collected (if applicable)

[ ] Email sequence written

[ ] Social media content planned

[ ] Launch strategy defined

[ ] Promotional materials ready

Legal & Admin:

[ ] Terms & conditions written

[ ] Refund policy clear

[ ] Privacy policy compliant

[ ] VAT considerations (if applicable)

[ ] Income tracking set up

---

*Written for music teachers ready to scale their impact and income | December 2025*

*Your teaching expertise is valuable. Online courses let you reach more students, earn while you sleep, and build the teaching business of your dreams.*

Code MUSICIAN15 = 15% off websites with course integration

Creating and Selling Online Music Courses: A Complete Guide for Music Teachers