Bass Guitar Lessons in Maryland

What bass guitar lessons cost across Maryland, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 17 min read

Bass guitar lesson prices across Maryland
Meet teachers
How bass guitar learning works in Maryland
Auditions and events in Maryland
Starting at any age
Finding the right teacher
Bass guitar in Maryland
Area by area
A little bass guitar history in Maryland
Frequently Asked Questions

Bass guitar lesson prices across Maryland

A one-hour bass guitar lesson in Maryland typically costs $68 to $108, and a half hour $36 to $59. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Frederick area runs highest, up to $122 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a bass guitar lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Baltimore area
Baltimore	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Columbia	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Ellicott City	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Glen Burnie	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Dundalk	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Towson	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Severn	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Bel Air South	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Odenton	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Catonsville	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Annapolis	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Essex	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Woodlawn	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Severna Park	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Owings Mills	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Randallstown	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Pasadena	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Pikesville	$35–$57	$66–$104	Lessons Costs
Middle River	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Eldersburg	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Bel Air North	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Milford Mill	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Parkville	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Crofton	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Perry Hall	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Ilchester	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Carney	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Lochearn	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Elkridge	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Reisterstown	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
North Laurel	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Edgewood	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Arnold	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Cockeysville	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Arbutus	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Westminster	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Rosedale	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Maryland City	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Lake Shore	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Ferndale	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Aberdeen	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Parole	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Brooklyn Park	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Mays Chapel	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Rossville	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Havre de Grace	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Joppatowne	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Overlea	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Honeygo	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Riviera Beach	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Annapolis Neck	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Linthicum	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Fort Meade	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
White Marsh	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Bel Air	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Scaggsville	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Frederick area
Frederick	$38–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Waldorf	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Germantown	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Silver Spring	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Gaithersburg	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Bethesda	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Rockville	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Bowie	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Aspen Hill	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Wheaton	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
North Bethesda	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Potomac	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Clinton	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Olney	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Chillum	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
College Park	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Montgomery Village	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Clarksburg	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Laurel	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
South Laurel	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Ballenger Creek	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Fairland	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Fort Washington	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Greenbelt	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Landover	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
North Potomac	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Suitland	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Camp Springs	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Langley Park	$41–$66	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Hyattsville	$39–$64	$74–$117	Lessons Costs
Beltsville	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Redland	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
East Riverdale	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Seabrook	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Oxon Hill	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Damascus	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Takoma Park	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Calverton	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Adelphi	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
White Oak	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Glenmont	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Glassmanor	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Cloverly	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Hillcrest Heights	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Bensville	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Summerfield	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Colesville	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Linganore	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Accokeek	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Lake Arbor	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Urbana	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Kettering	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Flower Hill	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Glenn Dale	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Brock Hall	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Green Valley	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
New Carrollton	$40–$64	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Westphalia	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Kemp Mill	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Rosaryville	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Largo	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Brandywine	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Travilah	$37–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Lanham	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Mitchellville	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Friendly	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Walker Mill	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
La Plata	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Forestville	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Hagerstown area
Hagerstown	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Halfway	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Lexington Park area
Lexington Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
California	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Other Maryland towns
Cambridge	$34–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Cumberland	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Easton	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Elkton	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Ocean Pines	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Salisbury	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs

Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Maryland Before You Continue Weekly

Meet a bass guitar teacher in a free first lesson, try live 1:1 instruction from home, and decide whether weekly lessons feel right for you or your child.

One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
30, 45, and 60-minute weekly lesson options
Develop rhythm, groove, clean technique, songs, and bass confidence
Start with a free first 30-minute lesson

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Bass Guitar Teacher in Maryland

Browse bass guitar teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Maryland.

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

3 bass guitar instructors available in the next 5 days

Will Orchard

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarMulti-Genre SpecialistTheory ExpertiseStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Maryland via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Will

Gabriel Maia

Top Rated 5.0

Master’s in GuitarTechnique ExpertVersatile RepertoireStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English, Portuguese, Spanish🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Maryland via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Gabriel

Nick Prato

Bachelor’s in GuitarProgress FocusedMulti-Genre SpecialistWarm & Encouraging

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Maryland via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

$0 ~~$35~~ / 30 minute trial

Book Free Trial with Nick

How bass guitar learning works in Maryland

Students first qualify at a district or county festival, then eligible school musicians advance to the state event. The Maryland State Music Teachers Association (MSMTA) also runs student competitions, festivals, recitals and examinations, while the Maryland Band Directors Association (MBDA), Maryland Choral Educators Association (MCEA) and Maryland Orchestra Directors Association (MODA) support specialized educator areas and student events. That distinction helps you focus on the route that actually includes guitar repertoire.

Who runs what in Maryland

Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA)

Runs: Sponsors All-State auditions and State Solo & Ensemble.
For: Maryland student musicians

Maryland State Music Teachers Association (MSMTA)

Runs: Offers student competitions, festivals, recitals and examinations.
For: Students in its network

Auditions and events in Maryland

How does a bass player reach Maryland's top student honors?

Maryland does not name bass guitar in its All-State ensembles, so the clearest statewide student honor route is the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) State Solo & Ensemble Festival, which includes guitar repertoire. First, a public, parochial or private school student in grades 6–12 must be enrolled in a school music class or sponsored ensemble and perform at a district or county festival. A Superior rating on a grade 2–6 solo or ensemble using the state repertoire list qualifies the student for the state event. Registration opens in mid-January 2027, and the festival is scheduled for May 15, 2027, at the Center for the Arts at Towson University. Students may enter up to three events.

The bass guitar route in Maryland, step by step

District or county festivalIn 2026–27, grades 6–12 students must earn a Superior rating on eligible repertoire to qualify for the state festival.
State registrationRegistration for the 2027 State Solo & Ensemble Festival opens in mid-January 2027.

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For the Maryland State Solo & Ensemble Festival, a bass guitarist prepares a solo or ensemble selection from the MMEA State Repertoire Lists at the same grade level used to qualify at the district festival. The piece may not exceed 10 minutes, and the festival does not require scales or sight-reading. If the music calls for accompaniment, the student supplies it live or recorded; recorded tracks must be saved on the playback device rather than depend on Wi-Fi. Missing accompaniment lowers the rating by one level. In weekly lessons, allow three to six months to learn and polish an event piece, especially while building reliable timing and tone.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on bass guitar

Bass guitar suits a child once they can comfortably hold the instrument and coordinate both hands, often around age eight, though readiness matters more than a birthday. A weekly teacher builds steady fretting and plucking habits, basic rhythm and note reading, then helps your child use those skills in school music or a group they enjoy.

A teen in Maryland

For a Maryland teen, bass guitar has a practical route to state recognition through Solo & Ensemble rather than the All-State band, chorus or orchestra groups, which do not name bass guitar. Students qualify through a district or county festival before the state festival, so a teen can plan around school music commitments and begin preparing well ahead of the spring event. Weekly lessons can keep technique and repertoire moving alongside classes, while a teacher helps the student choose a suitable musical goal and manage preparation without crowding out schoolwork.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can start bass guitar at any age, and returning players can rebuild coordination through regular playing. The New Horizons Band of Hagerstown in Hagerstown welcomes players of all ages on all instruments without an audition, and the Williamsport Community Band in Williamsport welcomes students and adults without auditions or joining requirements. These groups offer a way to make music with others; a teacher can meet you at your current level and shape lessons around the music you want to play.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good bass guitar teacher do?

A good bass guitar teacher gives a student more than songs to copy: they build clean fretting, steady timing, a relaxed plucking hand and a working understanding of how bass supports a group. For a Maryland student pursuing Solo & Ensemble, the teacher should be comfortable helping select and shape appropriate guitar repertoire, while a beginner or returning adult needs a pace that fits their experience and goals. Personality matters too, since a student practices more consistently when the teacher’s way of explaining music makes sense to them. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one; every teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in bass or guitar.

How do live online bass guitar lessons work?

In a live Zoom lesson, your teacher listens to your timing and tone while watching both hands, then gives feedback as you play rather than after a recording. A stable camera angle that shows the fretboard and plucking hand, a quiet room and a working instrument connection make it easier to address technique in real time. The format is different from sharing a room, but it removes the commute and gives you access to a teacher who fits instead of limiting you to the closest option. A student in Baltimore or Summerfield gets the same teacher choice and the same weekly one-on-one lesson, which makes it easier to keep a steady rhythm.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in bass or guitarEvery Lesson With You bass guitar teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in bass or guitar.

GabrielMaster’s in Guitar

WillBachelor’s in Guitar

NickBachelor’s in Guitar

Meet the teachers below

The same teacher every weekLive, one-on-one lessons with one teacher who knows your goals.

Practice goals every weekEach lesson ends with what to practice before the next one.

Switch or pause anytimeSwitch teachers at no cost, or pause with 24 hours' notice. There's no term to sign up for.

Bass guitar in Maryland

Bass players often find the clearest chance to play with others in jazz settings, where the instrument anchors the pulse and harmony. In Baltimore and Randallstown, the Baltimore Jazz Alliance lists open jazz jams, while JazzWire in Annapolis hosts a monthly jam for adult amateur and semiprofessional musicians. Southern Maryland Traditional Music and Dance in Bushwood runs a monthly open jam for different instruments and skill levels, including folk, blues, old-time and country music. These informal settings differ from auditioned youth orchestras, and they give a bass player a place to listen, keep time and contribute a steady foundation.

Bass guitar around Maryland, area by area

Baltimore area

Jazz is an accessible way to hear bass in Baltimore, where the Baltimore Jazz Alliance hosts a free straight-ahead jam at R House every Monday evening. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra offers student rush tickets for $10 when available, with one ticket per student ID starting at noon on concert day. In Westminster, Carroll Community College gives free student ensemble concerts, including a Rock ’N’ Roll Ensemble performance.

Town guides: Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City, Glen Burnie, Dundalk, Towson, Severn, Bel Air South

Hagerstown area

In Hagerstown, students in grades K–12 can attend select Maryland Symphony Orchestra classical performances free in most sections or get 50% off premium seats. The Hagerstown Municipal Band offers free weekly Sunday evening summer concerts, usually beginning in mid-June. These are listening opportunities for a bass student, although the band is not a playing group for bass guitar.

School year: Aug 25 to Jun 8, 41 lesson weeks (Washington County Public Schools)
Town guides: Hagerstown, Martinsburg, Halfway

Salisbury area

Salisbury students can attend Salisbury Symphony Orchestra concerts for $5, except at premium-ticketed events, and children can attend its Children’s Concert free when accompanied by an adult. Those concerts offer a chance to hear how low parts support a full ensemble.

School year: Sep 1 to Jun 11, 39 lesson weeks (Wicomico County Public Schools)
Town guides: Salisbury

Cumberland area

Cumberland has two free outdoor music series: Levitt AMP Cumberland Music Series presents Thursday concerts at Canal Place Festival Grounds for ten weeks from June through August, while Sunday in the Park brings weekly live music to Constitution Park from May through September. These are accessible ways to spend time with live music without needing to join a formal ensemble.

Town guides: Cumberland

Easton area

In Easton, students up to age 18 can reserve complimentary tickets to Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra concerts, subject to availability. The Mid-Shore Community Band rehearses in Easton and welcomes adults and approved high school students; it offers a local chance to make music with others. Carpe Diem Arts also presents free, all-ages lunchtime concerts at Brookletts Place.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 14, 40 lesson weeks (Talbot County Public Schools)
Town guides: Easton

Cambridge area

Cambridge offers free live music through Christ Episcopal Church’s fall and winter concert series and the Main Stage concert at Groove City Culture Fest. These events give a bass student and family a way to hear performances without buying a ticket.

Town guides: Cambridge

A little bass guitar history in Maryland

Maryland’s bass guitar history includes makers as well as players: Dave Hazel, a luthier from Kent Island, has made basses alongside guitars during a career in guitar production. The instrument also has a place in the state’s jazz life, including the Charm City Django Jazz Fest in Baltimore, which features bassist Blake Meister. For a student, that local connection matters because bass is not only a school instrument; it is part of the sound of jazz and other ensemble music. Learning to hold a groove and listen closely gives a player a practical way into that musical tradition.

Start Bass Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You!

One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
30, 45, and 60-minute weekly lesson options
Develop rhythm, groove, clean technique, songs, and bass confidence
Start with a free first 30-minute lesson

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good bass guitar teacher in Maryland?

Choose a teacher who listens to your goals and can teach both bass technique and how the instrument supports a group. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in bass or guitar; you can select a teacher or ask for a recommendation.

Do live video bass guitar lessons really work?

Yes, a teacher can watch both hands and hear your timing and tone live, then correct your playing as it happens. A camera angle that shows the fretboard and plucking hand helps, and online lessons remove the commute while giving you a wider choice of teacher.

How does a bass player reach Maryland's top student honors?

The clearest statewide route for bass guitar is Maryland’s State Solo & Ensemble Festival, since the All-State groups are band, chorus and orchestra. A student in grades 6–12 must first qualify at a district or county festival with a Superior rating on eligible repertoire and meet the festival’s school eligibility rules.

Can homeschool students enter Maryland music contests?

Homeschool students do not qualify for the State Solo & Ensemble Festival unless they attend a public, parochial or independent school in Maryland. Maryland Christian Youth Band & Orchestra in Silver Spring offers homeschool and after-school musicians band and orchestra groups, though not bass guitar parts.

What age should a child start bass guitar lessons?

Many children are ready around age eight, once they can hold the bass comfortably and coordinate both hands, but readiness varies. A teacher can start with simple rhythm and fretting work before the student takes on longer pieces.

Is it too late to learn bass guitar as an adult in Maryland?

No, adults can begin or return to bass guitar at any age, and regular practice builds useful coordination and timing. A teacher can meet you at your current level and shape lessons around the music you want to play.

How much are bass guitar lessons in Maryland?

Bass guitar lessons in Maryland typically cost about $80 an hour, or $36 to $59 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Bass guitar lesson prices across Maryland

Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Maryland Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Bass Guitar Teacher in Maryland

Will Orchard

Gabriel Maia

Nick Prato

How bass guitar learning works in Maryland

Auditions and events in Maryland

How does a bass player reach Maryland's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Starting at any age

Starting a child on bass guitar

A teen in Maryland

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good bass guitar teacher do?

How do live online bass guitar lessons work?

Bass guitar in Maryland

Bass guitar around Maryland, area by area

Baltimore area

Hagerstown area

Salisbury area

Cumberland area

Easton area

Cambridge area

A little bass guitar history in Maryland

Start Bass Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You!

More for Maryland

Frequently Asked Questions