I'm an American, married to a Canadian. During the time we wait for her green card to process, I'd like for us to live in Canada. I'm a private music teacher. A buddy of mine who teaches at a school west of Toronto offered to set me up with some students.

1. Would I need some sort of visitor visa/temporary worker visa in addition to a work permit? Or, being an American, am I exempt from temporary visas?

2. Also. Being a private teacher, I could probably apply for a work permit as a self-employed person whose occupation would add significant cultural benefit to Canada. However, I've only got about 7 months - tops - before I need to start working. Would it be better for my buddy to start his own studio, advertise, get an LMO, and send me a job offer?

Thanks!
peter

US citizens are passport visa exempt as visitors but are not exempt from the requirement of a work permit.

Given the structure of such provisions, it is highly unlikely that you would be granted an approval under the provisions for Self-Employed. A Labour Market Opinion approval and work permit is the prescribed approach, either for each individual student you intend to work for or for a single Canadian employer for whom you train multiple students.