I just discovered that teaching music in your own home is against the law in Burbank, California. That’s right…read that first sentence again. The law’s been on the books since 1998 due to neighbor complaints about loitering while waiting for lessons to begin and parents parking on the street.
What’s going on here? I can’t believe that a city council anywhere would even have considered this question, especially since elementary and secondary school music education programs have all but dried up. The lawmakers must have thought that there was a music teacher on every block, causing havoc in their neighborhoods. Oh no…a music teacher just moved in, there goes our housing values. Really…people have to learn to iron out little problems with their neighbors rather than running to legislators at the drop of a hat.
Now, after eight years, the council is thinking about bringing the teachers back into the realm of legality. But get this: they would need to get a city business license, have a background check performed and pay $175 for a permit! Additionally, they must provide indoor waiting rooms and off-street parking…
If you have a chance, visit this page and email these otherwise nice-looking people and let them know that you’d love to see them come to their senses, drop all the ridiculous requirements they’re considering and proclaim a special Music Teachers Day in their fair city. Do the right thing, guys!