I'm really stuck as I've been teaching in my flat for a while but freehold contract says no businesses/trades should be running in the flat. So now I'm forced to find elsewhere for a piano studio but it's not that easy! Our town has no music shops with teaching rooms. Office space wouldn't suit as the sound might disturb other companies. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Please help!

I would be inclined to check first that you are really not allowed to teach music from your flat. It may not apply to one to one teaching.
Failing that some churches are helpful in letting rooms out as are some of the smaller halls too. If there are any dance classes held in the town perhaps you might be able to share rooms with them.
If all else fails you could teach in the student's homes of course, but would probably have to charge a little extra for this.
A further thought would be to advertise for a room. Some kind soul with a large house and decent piano may well be glad of some extra income in exchange for the use of a room or two.

Thank you very much for your advices! I am very keen to find out if one-to-one tuition, indeed, might be allowed legally. Where is the best place to go to? I don't want to use solicitors at this stage as this will cost me a fortune...

If you are a member of a professional organisation - EPTA or ISM for example - you should be able to get some advice from their legal representatives. Otherwise, your local Citizens Advice Bureau could help.

Amongst my EPTA information I found the following a while ago:

"The teaching practice is not, at present, classed by local authorities as a business provided the owner of the practice has not altered the premises for the purpose of the practice and that the music studio can be considered a part of the normal living accommodation of the home."

It goes on to say that if your home is rented you should check the agreement with your landlord.


Louise