Bass Guitar Lessons in Michigan

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

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

Bass guitar lesson prices across Michigan

A one-hour bass guitar lesson in Michigan typically costs $61 to $96, and a half hour $33 to $53. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Detroit area runs highest, up to $102 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
Detroit area
Detroit	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
South Lyon	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Warren	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Sterling Heights	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Dearborn	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Livonia	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Troy	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Westland	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Farmington Hills	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Port Huron	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Rochester Hills	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Southfield	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Novi	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Pontiac	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Taylor	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Dearborn Heights	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
St. Clair Shores	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Royal Oak	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Roseville	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lincoln Park	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Eastpointe	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Southgate	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Oak Park	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Madison Heights	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Allen Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Hamtramck	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Garden City	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Inkster	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Auburn Hills	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Romulus	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Wyandotte	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Birmingham	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Ferndale	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Trenton	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Wayne	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Wixom	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Grosse Pointe Woods	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Mount Clemens	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Berkley	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Harper Woods	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Hazel Park	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Fraser	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Rochester	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Woodhaven	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Melvindale	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Riverview	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
New Baltimore	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Farmington	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Clawson	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Grosse Pointe Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Beverly Hills	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Grand Rapids area
Grand Rapids	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Holland	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Wyoming	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Kentwood	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Forest Hills	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Allendale	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Walker	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Cutlerville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Jenison	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Grandville	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Northview	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Ionia	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
East Grand Rapids	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Grand Haven	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Comstock Park	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Lansing area
Lansing	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
East Lansing	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Okemos	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Holt	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Waverly	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Haslett	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Ann Arbor area
Ann Arbor	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Ypsilanti	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Flint area
Flint	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Burton	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Fenton	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Kalamazoo area
Kalamazoo	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Portage	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Muskegon area
Muskegon	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Norton Shores	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Other Michigan towns
Adrian	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Battle Creek	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
Bay City	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Cadillac	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Coldwater	$32–$49	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Escanaba	$32–$48	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Jackson	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Marquette	$32–$49	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Midland	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Monroe	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Mount Pleasant	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Niles	$31–$44	$58–$80	Lessons Costs
Owosso	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Saginaw	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Sault Ste. Marie	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Sturgis	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Traverse City	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs

Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Michigan 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 Michigan

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

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 Michigan 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 Michigan 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 Michigan via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Nick

How bass guitar learning works in Michigan

How does bass guitar fit school music in Michigan?

Bass guitar usually enters school music through jazz ensemble or contemporary groups rather than the standard band or orchestra pathway, so your school’s options depend on its local program. Michigan districts decide how to put the state’s arts standards into practice; the state requires one visual, performing, or applied arts credit for graduation, and music is one way to earn it. Troy School District begins instrumental study in fifth grade, while Jenison Public Schools starts orchestra in fifth grade and band in sixth.

Who runs what for Michigan bass players?

Michigan’s main student pathways come from associations with different purposes. The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) serves students in member schools through Solo & Ensemble Festivals and audition-selected All-State groups, including a high school jazz ensemble with bass audition materials. The Michigan Music Teachers Association (Michigan MTA) runs student assessments, festivals, and competitions, while the Michigan Music Association (MMA) holds a competition for students ages 5–18 whose teacher belongs to MMA. Knowing which organization serves your goal matters because school membership and teacher membership shape eligibility.

Who runs what in Michigan

Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA)

Runs: Runs school Solo & Ensemble Festivals and audition-selected All-State groups.
For: Students from member schools.

Michigan Music Teachers Association (Michigan MTA)

Runs: Offers student assessments, festivals, and competitions.
For: Students; teacher membership required for most state events.

Michigan Music Association (MMA)

Runs: Holds a state student competition.
For: Students ages 5–18 whose teacher is an MMA member.

Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA)

Runs: Sanctions marching-band contests and a state championship.
For: Michigan high school marching bands that join as member units.

Michigan Chapter of the American String Teachers Association (MASTA)

Runs: Runs a chamber music festival and competition with coaching and adjudication.
For: Student chamber ensembles.

Auditions and events in Michigan

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

Michigan’s clearest state-level bass honor is the high school jazz ensemble selected through recorded auditions, while Solo & Ensemble offers a separate route for eligible school musicians. The Solo & Ensemble district events run from late January through mid-February, with the state festival in March. Beyond the school route, the Michigan Music Association’s competition in Kalamazoo welcomes students ages 5–18 whose teacher is an association member; its guitar pop division accepts non-classical repertoire, but does not name bass guitar as a separate category. These paths serve different goals, so a bass player should start with the school jazz audition or a suitable solo event.

The bass guitar route in Michigan, step by step

School jazz ensembleHigh school bass players submit a recorded audition; 2026–27 materials include bass parts and a backing track.
District Solo & EnsembleEligible students in grades 7–12 from member schools take part from late January through mid-February.
State Solo & EnsembleThe state festival takes place in March for students who qualify at district.
Michigan Music Association competitionStudents ages 5–18 with an association-member teacher compete in Kalamazoo in late February.

The Michigan bass guitar year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

MSBOA Solo & Ensemble FestivalMichigan School Band and Orchestra AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan

MSBOA State Solo & Ensemble FestivalMichigan School Band and Orchestra AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For the MSBOA high school jazz bass audition, prepare the announced excerpt, big band bass sight reading, and bass lines; the audition also asks for a walking 4/4 feel over a specified Bb Rhythm Changes track, with improvisation recommended. You can audition on electric bass, acoustic bass, or both. All-State auditions include an announced etude, scales, and sight reading in a recorded 10-minute session. Solo & Ensemble soloists in grades 10–12 also take a proficiency exam with scales and sight reading. Plan three to six months of weekly work on an event piece, and bring an original score with every measure numbered for a solo or ensemble event.

What else is there to enter?

The Michigan Music Teachers Association runs student achievement assessments, festivals, and competitions, with teacher membership required for most state events; its 2026 performance competition took place in November, so its next cycle is the one to watch. For students who want to play without competing, open jams in Detroit and Flint welcome bass players.

Bass guitar events in Michigan, 2026–27

MSBOA State Solo & Ensemble Festival

Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association

When: March 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students who qualify with a Superior rating at district festival

MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival

Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association

When: Late January through mid-February 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Students from MSBOA member schools; district participation is for middle and high school students

Homeschool and private school students

MSBOA Solo & Ensemble is for students from member schools, so a homeschooled student does not have the same direct eligibility route as a student enrolled in an MSBOA member school. Private-school students may take part when their school is an MSBOA member and participation rules are met. Homeschool ensembles in Lansing and Oakland County offer choir, band, or strings, but they do not establish a bass guitar contest route.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on bass guitar

A child can begin bass guitar when they can comfortably hold the instrument, press the strings, and stay curious about a steady beat; many are ready in elementary school. That can give your child time to build coordination and read music before school instrumental programs begin, such as Troy School District’s fifth-grade start or Jenison Public Schools’ fifth-grade orchestra and sixth-grade band. A private teacher can shape good hand position and simple bass lines early, then help your child connect individual practice to playing with a group.

A teen in Michigan

For a teen, the most direct statewide school honor route is MSBOA’s high school jazz ensemble audition, alongside Solo & Ensemble for eligible students in grades 7–12 who regularly play in a school band or orchestra. That puts bass guitar within a school-based path, even though it is not a standard band or orchestra instrument. Weekly lessons give you or your teen a steady place to work on musical independence and keep school obligations manageable, with a teacher who can support a specific goal rather than add another group commitment.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can start or return to bass guitar at any age; the first useful goal is learning a steady groove and a few lines you enjoy playing. In Ann Arbor, the Detroit Irish Music Association’s Thursday open session welcomes all instruments and ability levels, and bass players are welcome at Liminal Sounds Collective improvisational jams in Detroit and Flint. A live weekly lesson meets you where you are, whether you are learning your first notes or rebuilding technique, so playing with others can feel like a practical next step rather than a test.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good bass guitar teacher do?

A good bass teacher listens for the sound and role you want, then builds the technique to support it, whether your goal is a school jazz audition, a first jam, or playing for yourself. For Michigan students pursuing MSBOA jazz, the teacher should be comfortable developing bass lines, sight reading, and a steady walking feel. Training matters, but so does a fit with your age, pace, and musical interests. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in bass or guitar, and you can choose a teacher or ask us to recommend one.

How do live online bass guitar lessons work?

A live Zoom lesson lets your teacher hear your tone, timing, and note changes as you play, then give feedback in the moment. Set your bass so the camera shows both hands and keep your amplifier or headphone setup within reach; a clear view helps with finger placement and picking as well as sound. In Detroit or Harper Woods, you get the same teacher choice and one-on-one weekly lesson, without a commute or a limit to whoever is closest. The first 30-minute lesson is free with no payment method needed, so you can meet the teacher before deciding on a weekly 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.

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Bass guitar in Michigan

Where to hear bass guitar

Bass guitar is often heard as part of jazz and popular ensembles rather than as a solo feature. In Detroit, the Detroit Jazz Festival includes jazz performances, while Ann Arbor’s The Ark presents folk and other live music, with free monthly Artist Spotlight concerts. The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra offers half-price tickets for students and children under 18. Students age 13 and older in Flint can use FIM Student Rush for eligible performances, and the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival offers students free admission to select concerts through its Student Access Pass.

Where to play with others

Bassists in Detroit and Flint can join open improvisational jams hosted by Liminal Sounds Collective, a flexible setting for trying lines with other musicians. In Lansing, South Church is seeking musicians for its worship band or orchestra, where bass can support congregational music, choirs, ensembles, and soloists. Those settings offer different kinds of ensemble experience: an open jam encourages musical response, while a worship group works with prepared music and singers.

Bass guitar around Michigan, area by area

Detroit area

Dearborn Symphony offers college students tickets for $5, with applicable card fees, so a student can hear an orchestra in this part of the state. The War Memorial’s SummerFest in Grosse Pointe Farms offers free summer concerts, with optional VIP tickets. These are listening opportunities rather than bass-specific groups, but they help a player hear how low parts support a larger ensemble.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 7, 39 lesson weeks (Detroit Public Schools Community District)
Town guides: Detroit, South Lyon, Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Livonia, Troy, Westland

Grand Rapids area

In Grand Rapids, students and educators can buy up to two Grand Rapids Symphony tickets for $12 each for eligible concerts. Aquinas College’s music department also hosts concerts and events that are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. These give a bass student two ways to hear ensemble playing, from symphonic repertoire to campus performances.

Town guides: Grand Rapids, Holland, Wyoming, Kentwood, Forest Hills, Allendale, Walker, Cutlerville

Ann Arbor area

Ann Arbor Civic Band concerts at Burns Park are free on Wednesday evenings in June and July. First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor’s AD LIBITUM concerts are also free, on Fridays at noon during the fall-to-spring season. A bass student can use both as chances to listen closely to how rhythm and low notes hold a group together.

Town guides: Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti

Flint area

In Flint, students age 13 and older can buy up to two FIM Student Rush tickets for $13 to $26 on the day of many performances. This makes a live performance a reachable listening option for a teen bass player, with the exact event determining whether bass guitar is part of the ensemble.

School year: Aug 31 to Jun 10, 38 lesson weeks (Flint Community Schools)
Town guides: Flint, Burton, Fenton

Kalamazoo area

The Kalamazoo Symphony offers college students $10 tickets plus a $2 ticket fee for most concerts. Kalamazoo County’s Summertime Live Concert Series features free, family-friendly concerts at venues across the area. Together, these let a student hear both formal orchestral playing and a wider range of live music.

School year: Aug 31 to Jun 11, 38 lesson weeks (Kalamazoo Public Schools)
Town guides: Kalamazoo, Portage

Saginaw area

Roethke Park in Thomas Township hosts a free summer picnic and concert series on Tuesday evenings. In Saginaw, Jazz in the Garden offers free outdoor jazz concerts on four consecutive Wednesdays in July. The jazz series is a particularly useful setting for a bass student to hear how a bass line supports improvising musicians.

School year: Aug 31 to Jun 10, 38 lesson weeks (Saginaw Public School District)
Town guides: Saginaw

A little bass guitar history in Michigan

Michigan bass heritage is closely tied to Detroit’s Motown sound and James Jamerson, whose playing remains a reference point for bassists. Detroit Bass Day has honored Jamerson and featured Detroit bassists performing Motown music. In Traverse City, the Ainesis line includes Michigan-made Manitou bass guitars in long, short, and extra-short scale lengths. Michigan Tech’s Don Keranen Jazz Festival in Houghton brings student jazz ensembles, alumni, and local high school students together. For a student, that history connects bass playing here to both a distinct popular-music legacy and an ongoing jazz 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 Michigan?

Choose a teacher who understands your goal, whether that is school jazz, playing with others, or learning for yourself. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in bass or guitar, and you can select one yourself or ask us to recommend a fit.

Do live video bass guitar lessons really work?

Yes, because a teacher can hear your timing and tone and see both hands while you play, then respond in real time. Lessons are one-on-one over Zoom each week, so you avoid a commute and can work with a teacher who fits rather than only one who is closest.

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

The strongest bass-specific state route is auditioning for the MSBOA high school jazz ensemble, with recorded auditions. Eligible students in grades 7–12 can also enter MSBOA Solo & Ensemble through a member school, and high school students with a first-division district rating advance to the March state festival.

Can homeschool students enter Michigan music contests?

MSBOA Solo & Ensemble is for students from member schools, so homeschool students do not have the same direct route unless eligible through a member school. Private-school students may participate if their school is an MSBOA member and they meet its participation rules.

What age should a child start bass guitar lessons?

A child can start when they can comfortably hold a bass, press its strings, and enjoy working with a steady beat; many are ready in elementary school. Starting before school instrumental programs begin gives your child time to develop coordination and simple bass lines.

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

No, adults can start at any age, whether they are learning for the first time or returning to music. A teacher can meet you at your current level and help you build toward playing with others, including open jams in Detroit and Flint.

How much are bass guitar lessons in Michigan?

Bass guitar lessons in Michigan typically cost about $72 an hour, or $33 to $53 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 Michigan

Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Michigan Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Bass Guitar Teacher in Michigan

Will Orchard

Gabriel Maia

Nick Prato

How bass guitar learning works in Michigan

How does bass guitar fit school music in Michigan?

Who runs what for Michigan bass players?

Auditions and events in Michigan

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

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on bass guitar

A teen in Michigan

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 Michigan

Where to hear bass guitar

Where to play with others

Bass guitar around Michigan, area by area

Detroit area

Grand Rapids area

Ann Arbor area

Flint area

Kalamazoo area

Saginaw area

A little bass guitar history in Michigan

Start Bass Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You!

More for Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions