To protect against claims of injury, property damage, or professional negligence that occur during lessons, rehearsals, or performances.
Why music schools in Australia need insurance: protecting your students, staff, and school operations
Running a music school involves more than lessons and rehearsals. From teaching young students to managing rehearsals, hiring venues, and storing valuable instruments, there is a lot to think about. Insurance helps protect you, your teachers, and your students so you can focus on what matters most, inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Why music schools in Australia need insurance
Every music school faces unique risks. Whether you are a small private studio or a larger institution, you are responsible for your students’ safety and your school’s operations.
Accidents can happen anywhere. A student could trip during a lesson, a guitar might get damaged, or a parent could make a claim if they believe an injury, was your fault. Allegations might also arise even when nothing wrong was done. Having the right insurance in place helps protect against financial loss and disruptions to your teaching.
Marsh’s music teachers and music schools’ insurance combines public liability, professional liability, wrongful allegations, and venue hire cover. Personal Accident cover is also available for individual music teachers. Each element plays a role in helping your business continue with confidence.
What music school insurance covers
- Public liability insurance for music schools
If a student, visitor, or member of the public is injured, or property is damaged during a lesson or performance, your school could be held legally responsible. Public liability insurance helps to cover the costs of defending a claim. Marsh’s music school package provides up to $20 million in public and product liability cover, helping manage costs from injury or property damage claims, whether in your studio, a school hall, or a hired venue.
- Professional liability insurance for music teachers
Professional l liability insurance is vital for schools and teachers who provide advice or instruction. If a parent claims that your teaching caused an injury or loss, this cover can help pay for legal defence and compensation. Through Marsh, music schools can access up to $10 million in professional liability coverage to help manage these risks.
- Wrongful allegations cover for teachers
Allegations of misconduct can affect a teacher’s reputation even if proven false. Marsh’s policy includes up to $250,000 in wrongful allegations cover to assist with legal and defence costs, giving teachers peace of mind.
- Personal accident insurance for teachers and performers
If you are injured and unable to teach or perform, personal accident insurance helps by providing weekly and lump sum payments to cover lost income. This ensures that temporary injuries don’t cause lasting financial stress.
- Venue hire cover for music schools
Many schools rent spaces for recitals or workshops. Venue hire cover protects against accidental damage to the space during events. Marsh’s policy covers venues hosting up to 500 attendees.
- Worldwide insurance coverage for music teachers
Performances and tours can take teachers and students overseas. Marsh’s policy includes worldwide coverage (excluding the USA and Canada) to protect your school beyond Australia.
Steps to manage risk for music teachers and schools
- Review your teaching environment. Look for trip hazards, unsecured cables, or obstacles that might cause injury.
- Check your insurance limits. Ensure your cover meets local and venue requirements.
- Include all teachers. Marsh’s policy extends to uninsured teachers working for your school.
- Keep certificates of currency updated. You may need them for events, council permits, or venue hire.
Why small music schools also need insurance
Even small or community-based music schools can face serious claims. A single incident might result in medical bills, lost income, or legal costs. Marsh’s public liability and professional liability policy provides a practical way to protect your school and your teachers.
Marsh’s entertainment team can help you understand your cover options and provide full policy wording before you make any decisions.
How Marsh supports music schools in Australia
Marsh has over 75 years of experience arranging entertainment insurance in Australia. We work with industry bodies including APRA AMCOS, Sydney Theatre Company, and Music Australia, supporting professionals across the performing arts.
Our team understands the risks that come with teaching, rehearsing, and performing. We help schools, studios, and teachers find insurance that meets their needs and supports their work both on and off stage.
Frequently asked questions
Public liability covers injury or damage to others, while professional liability covers claims linked to your teaching advice or instruction which may result in injury.
It’s not a legal requirement, but most venues and education departments require proof of insurance before you can operate.
Yes. Marsh’s package can extend to uninsured teachers working under your supervision.
Yes. Online teaching is covered under professional indemnity insurance.
It provides support for legal and defence costs if a teacher faces allegations of misconduct.
Yes. Venue hire cover applies to accidental damage caused during lessons or performances.
Students’ personal instruments should be insured under their own policy.
It is valid for 12 months and renewed with your policy.
Yes. Schools with higher turnover can request a custom quote from Marsh.
Yes. The policy provides worldwide cover, excluding the USA and Canada.
Contact Marsh’s entertainment claims team for guidance and forms as soon as possible after an incident.
References
- Music Teachers' Association of NSW (mtansw.org.au)
- Insurance for music teachers and music schools | Marsh (au.marsh.com)
- Entertainment Combined Broadform Liability and Professional Indemnity Policy (au.marsh.com)
Marsh Advantage Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 31 081 358 303, AFSL 238369) (“Marsh”) arranges the general insurance (i.e. not the Discretionary Trust Arrangement) and is not the insurer. This page contains general information and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. For full details of the terms, conditions and limitations of the covers, refer to the specific policy wordings and/or Product Disclosure Statements available from Marsh on request. Marsh makes no representation or warranty concerning the application of policy wordings or the financial condition or solvency of insurers or re-insurers. Marsh makes no assurances regarding the availability, cost, or terms of insurance coverage. Any statements concerning actuarial, tax, accounting, or legal matters are based solely on our experience as insurance brokers and risk consultants and are not to be relied upon as actuarial, accounting, tax, or legal advice, for which you should consult your own professional advisors. The Discretionary Trust Arrangement is issued by the Trustee, JLT Group Services Pty Ltd (ABN 26 004 485 214, AFSL 417964) (“JGS”). Any advice or dealing in relation to the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is provided by JLT Risk Solutions Pty Ltd (ABN 69 009 098 864, AFSL 226 827) (“JLT”). JGS and JLT are businesses of Marsh McLennan. The cover provided by the Discretionary Trust Arrangement is subject to the Trustee’s discretion and/or the relevant policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
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This publication is not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. Marsh shall have no obligation to update this publication and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein.