Are Music Lessons Recession Proof?

The private lessons industry has proven its resilience time and again, emerging as a robust sector capable of withstanding economic downturns. In this article, we'll explore the question of whether the private lessons industry is truly recession-proof, supported by compelling research and real-world examples. From statistics provided by reputable institutions to the enduring nature of music education and our own franchise's success story, we will delve into the factors that contribute to the industry's unwavering growth.

The Pew Research Center looked into parents’ attitudes on extracurricular activities and revealed a striking trend: 62% of parents earning $75,000 or more per year have enrolled their children in music lessons. This statistic underscores the unwavering demand for private lessons, especially among families in higher income brackets (and the numbers weren’t much smaller for parents in lower income brackets, either). It confirms that parents consistently place a high value on investing in their children's music education.

A study by Emory University in 2014 researched high-income parents’ spending habits during the 2009 recession. While these parents reduced their spending on toys, childcare, and even food, they actually allocated more funds towards their children's extracurricular activities during the same period. Private lessons, with their perceived long-term value and enrichment, are considered an essential investment, even - perhaps especially - during uncertain economic times.

And the demand for music education isn’t going anywhere. Even Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart taught private lessons to support his composition career. As has been the case for hundreds of years, there are always going to be musicians who want to teach, and there are always going to be parents who want those lessons for their kids.

Of course, no industry is absolutely recession-proof. And no one can predict what will happen in a true emergency. But in March of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses everywhere, and many music schools experienced a catastrophic decline in student numbers, we at Musicologie were already prepared with a plan to switch to online lessons so that when our studios were forced to close, we retained students and continued generating revenue. In fact, in the year following March 2020, we added two new locations.

This success can be attributed to our proactive approach, having a solid plan in place, and being ready to adapt quickly when circumstances changed. Our experience demonstrates that with effective leadership and strategic foresight, the private music lessons industry can not only withstand recessions but also thrive in adverse conditions.

While no industry is entirely immune to economic downturns, the private lessons industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience over the years. Private music lessons remain a promising sector for aspiring musicians, educators, and entrepreneurs seeking a recession-resistant franchise business opportunity.