Bass Guitar Lessons in Minnesota

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

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

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

Bass guitar lesson prices across Minnesota

A one-hour bass guitar lesson in Minnesota typically costs $60 to $95, and a half hour $33 to $52. Most towns sit close to that range. The Minneapolis area runs highest, up to $100 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
Minneapolis area
Minneapolis	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
St. Paul	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Bloomington	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Brooklyn Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Plymouth	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Woodbury	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lakeville	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Blaine	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Maple Grove	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Eagan	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Burnsville	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Coon Rapids	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Eden Prairie	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Apple Valley	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Edina	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Minnetonka	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
St. Louis Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Shakopee	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Cottage Grove	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Maplewood	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Richfield	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Inver Grove Heights	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Roseville	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Andover	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Savage	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Brooklyn Center	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Fridley	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Chaska	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Oakdale	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Ramsey	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Prior Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Rosemount	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Elk River	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Shoreview	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Chanhassen	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
White Bear Lake	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Farmington	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Champlin	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
New Brighton	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Crystal	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Otsego	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Columbia Heights	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Hastings	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lino Lakes	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Golden Valley	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
West St. Paul	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
New Hope	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Forest Lake	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
South St. Paul	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
St. Michael	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Stillwater	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Hopkins	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Anoka	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Ham Lake	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Buffalo	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Hugo	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Monticello	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Robbinsdale	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Rogers	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Waconia	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lake Elmo	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Mounds View	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Vadnais Heights	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
North St. Paul	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Big Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
East Bethel	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Mendota Heights	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
North Branch	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Victoria	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Little Canada	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
St. Cloud area
St. Cloud	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Sartell	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Sauk Rapids	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Duluth area
Duluth	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Hibbing	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Cloquet	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Mankato area
Mankato	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
North Mankato	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
St. Peter	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Faribault area
Faribault	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Northfield	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Other Minnesota towns
Albert Lea	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Alexandria	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Austin	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Bemidji	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Brainerd	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Fergus Falls	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Grand Rapids	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Hutchinson	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Marshall	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Moorhead	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
New Ulm	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Owatonna	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Red Wing	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Rochester	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Willmar	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Winona	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Worthington	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs

Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Minnesota 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 Minnesota

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

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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Nick

How bass guitar learning works in Minnesota

How does bass guitar fit school music in Minnesota?

Minnesota does not set one starting grade for bass guitar in school music. Public elementary and middle schools must offer at least three arts areas, including music, but students need to meet standards in only two of them, so music is not guaranteed to be part of every student's program. In Minnetonka Public Schools, students may choose band, orchestra, or choir beginning in grade 5. Ask your district how bass fits its school groups, while private lessons give you or your child a way to build skills alongside school music.

Who runs what for Minnesota bass players?

Minnesota offers bass students distinct school-contest and honors routes, so the right next step depends on whether you want a solo performance or a place in a larger group. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) runs high-school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests, with regions choosing their events. The Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) runs All-State auditions, including a Popular Music Ensemble that welcomes bass guitar. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) offers student contests and examinations in selected instruments and composition, while band and orchestra honor programs serve other instrumental groups.

Who runs what in Minnesota

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

Runs: Runs high-school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble music contests.
For: Minnesota high-school students

Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)

Runs: Runs All-State auditions and ensembles, including Popular Music Ensemble.
For: Eligible high-school students through a sponsoring teacher

Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)

Runs: Offers student contests and examinations in selected instruments and composition.
For: Students through participating teachers or with an additional entry fee

Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA)

Runs: Runs state Honor Bands for grades 6–8 and 9–10.
For: Students in grades 6–10

Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA)

Runs: Offers student activities and honor orchestras for string and orchestra students.
For: String and orchestra students

Auditions and events in Minnesota

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

Minnesota’s clearest student honors route for bass is the MMEA All-State Popular Music Ensemble. Students audition in grades 9–11 through a sponsoring teacher and must belong in good standing to a school ensemble through the following February; a homeschooled student can qualify through shared-time participation, with an exception request possible if the school does not support the instrument. The 2027 audition is due March 2, with decisions in spring. Selected students rehearse virtually in fall 2027, then meet for an in-person rehearsal and concert January 8–9, 2028, at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids. High-school solo and ensemble contests run through MSHSL regions, which set their own events.

The bass guitar route in Minnesota, step by step

School contest routeMSHSL regions decide which high-school solo and ensemble contests they hold and set their timing.
Popular Music Ensemble auditionEligible students submit bass recordings through a sponsoring teacher by March 2, 2027; MMEA notifies students in spring.

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

The 2027 MMEA Popular Music Ensemble audition asks bass players for three separate recordings, each in one continuous take: a one-minute song excerpt without a backing track, the intro, first verse, and chorus of Led Zeppelin’s “Ramble On” without a backing track, and a 45-to-90-second improvised solo over a backing track in concert D major or B-flat major. The audition video is required, though judges receive audio, and metronomes are not allowed. Building a clean excerpt and confident solo takes time; three to six months of weekly lessons gives a student room to refine tone, timing, and recording consistency.

Homeschool and private school students

Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in extracurricular activities through their resident public school district on the same basis as public-school students. For MMEA All-State Popular Music Ensemble, a homeschooled student needs to take part in a secondary-school ensemble through shared-time participation and remain in good standing; a student whose school does not support bass through an ensemble, elective, or after-school program can request an exception. That makes district participation the key step before preparing an audition.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on bass guitar

A child can begin bass guitar once they can comfortably hold the instrument and press its strings, often around age seven or eight, with a smaller-scale bass helping younger hands. Minnesota school music does not have a single bass-start grade, and bass often appears in jazz or modern-band settings rather than the first school ensemble a child joins. Private lessons build pulse, note reading, and a relaxed fretting hand before that opening, then help your child contribute confidently if a school group becomes available.

A teen in Minnesota

A Minnesota teen can pursue the MMEA Popular Music Ensemble audition in grades 9–11, but eligibility depends on belonging to a school ensemble in good standing through the following February. The route begins with a sponsoring teacher and a March submission, followed by spring decisions and later rehearsals and performances. A weekly lesson fits alongside school rehearsals by keeping bass technique and song work moving between group practices, while the student plans ahead for recording an audition.

Starting or coming back as an adult

It is not too late to learn bass guitar as an adult in Minnesota, even if your first goal is simply to play a complete song with steady time. Bass players can work toward an informal jam or accompanying a singer or band, since the adult groups named here are not bass ensembles. A dedicated teacher meets you at your current level, whether you are starting from zero or returning after years away, and shapes lessons around the music you want to play.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good bass guitar teacher do?

A good bass teacher helps you or your child lock in a steady pulse, use both hands efficiently, and hear how bass lines support a song rather than simply follow its notes. For a Minnesota high-school student considering the MMEA Popular Music Ensemble, that teacher can shape a realistic plan for song performance and improvisation. Training matters, but so does a teacher’s fit with the student’s age, goals, and way of learning. 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 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 timing, tone, and note choices as you play, then give feedback in the moment while you try the change again. Set your bass, amplifier or headphone setup, and a phone or computer where both hands are visible; a close camera view helps the teacher see fretting and plucking clearly. Online lessons avoid a commute and widen your choice beyond the closest match, while a weekly meeting is easier to keep through busy school weeks. In Minneapolis and Bemidji, you get the same teacher choice and the same one-on-one lesson.

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 Minnesota

Where to hear bass guitar

Beyond the Twin Cities, students can hear live music in several Minnesota communities. In St. Cloud, a student and two adults can attend a St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra concert with a $25 ticket package. In Austin, children under 18 and college students with valid ID can attend Austin Symphony Orchestra concerts for free. Bemidji State University student recitals are free, and K–12 students can attend its performances for free, giving families another way to hear live music together.

Where to play with others

Bass guitar players have several informal ways to make music with others in Minnesota. Northern Roots welcomes all ages to its weekly Thursday jam in Northfield and specifically includes bass among the instruments players bring. In Saint Paul, North Star Jazz Workshops holds a free all-levels jazz jam on second Sundays, while the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association lists open jams in Sandstone and Spring Lake Park and a beginner-friendly family jam in Minneapolis. These settings suit bassists looking for a shared groove beyond a school ensemble.

Bass guitar around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

For listening in Saint Paul, students of any age can reserve free tickets to eligible Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts starting two weeks before each performance. Minnesota Opera offers young people 20 and under $10 youth rush tickets on performance day, starting 90 minutes before curtain. These options give families ways to hear orchestral and operatic music together.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 11, 37 lesson weeks (Minneapolis Public School District)
Town guides: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Woodbury, Lakeville, Blaine

Duluth area

Duluth’s Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra provides an affordable way for young listeners to hear an ensemble: children 12 and under pay $5, while ages 13–17 and college students with valid ID pay $10. The city’s Music in the Park series holds free Tuesday concerts in summer. For a bass student, these performances offer a chance to listen for how low notes hold together music played by a larger group.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)
Town guides: Duluth, Superior, Hibbing, Cloquet

Rochester area

Rochester combines a place to play with family listening options. SEMYO offers youth ensembles with an annual registration fee and trimester charges that depend on the ensemble. Rochester Symphony Kids presents Peter and the Wolf on a Saturday afternoon at Dakota Middle School, and the Riverside Music Series brings five free Sunday evening concerts to Mayo Park in summer 2027. A young bassist can hear orchestral sound and look for youth ensemble experience in the same city.

Town guides: Rochester

Mankato area

In Mankato, high-school band members in grades 9–12 can audition for Mankato East High School jazz bands, which perform at concerts, assemblies, and jazz festivals. The area also has the Serendipity Music Series for free midday performances. Together these options connect a student bassist with jazz participation and live music.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)
Town guides: Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter

Faribault area

In Northfield, St. Olaf Music Department events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Faribault also has a summer concert series at the Historic Central Park Band Shell, giving bass students another setting in which to hear live music. These performances let a student listen for how the low part supports an ensemble.

Town guides: Faribault, Northfield

Willmar area

Willmar has free summer listening in town and Spicer. Prairie Winds Summer Band plays Wednesday evenings at Rice Park, with free popcorn and water, while the Tasting Grove Summer Music Series offers Thursday evening performances from May through August. A bass player can use these concerts to hear the pulse and low lines that help a group stay together.

School year: Aug 31 to May 28, 37 lesson weeks (Willmar Public Schools - District 347)
Town guides: Willmar

Bemidji area

In Bemidji, the Mississippi Music concert series brings family-friendly weekly summer performances to the Lake Bemidji waterfront. It offers a relaxed way to hear live music together, and a bass student can listen for the low part that anchors the group.

School year: Sep 8 to May 28, 37 lesson weeks (Bemidji Area Schools)
Town guides: Bemidji

A little bass guitar history in Minnesota

Minnesota has a direct connection to electric bass through Billy Peterson, who began playing in the mid-1960s and later recorded electric bass on Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. The instrument also has a place in the state’s jazz life: the Twin Cities Jazz Festival has featured Minneapolis-based Jake Baldwin’s group with Cody McKinney on electric bass. For a student, these examples show that bass is both a foundation for a band and a voice in its own right, with room to shape a song through groove, tone, and melodic choices.

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 Minnesota?

Choose a teacher who listens to your goals, gives clear feedback on timing and technique, and can help you prepare for the music you want to play. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor’s degree in bass or guitar, and you can choose a teacher or ask for a recommendation.

Do live video bass guitar lessons really work?

Yes, live video lessons work well for bass because a teacher can hear your timing and tone in real time and see both hands as you play. A camera positioned to show your fretting and plucking gives the teacher a clear view, and you avoid a commute while meeting weekly.

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

The MMEA All-State Popular Music Ensemble is Minnesota’s top student honors route for bass guitar, with auditions for eligible students in grades 9–11. A student submits recordings through a sponsoring teacher by the March deadline and must meet school-ensemble eligibility rules; selected players rehearse and perform the following season.

Can homeschool students enter Minnesota music contests?

Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students may join extracurricular activities through their resident district on the same basis as public-school students. For MMEA All-State Popular Music Ensemble, they need to take part in a secondary-school ensemble through shared-time participation, though an exception can be requested when the school does not support their instrument.

What age should a child start bass guitar lessons?

Many children are ready around age seven or eight, once they can hold a bass comfortably and press its strings, though a smaller instrument can suit younger hands. Starting before a school jazz or modern-band opportunity gives your child time to build pulse and basic technique.

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

No, adults can start or return to bass guitar at any age, and lessons can begin with the songs and skills that matter to you. A teacher can help you build steady time and work toward playing with a singer, band, or informal jam.

How much are bass guitar lessons in Minnesota?

Bass guitar lessons in Minnesota typically cost about $71 an hour, or $33 to $52 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 Minnesota

Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Minnesota Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Bass Guitar Teacher in Minnesota

Will Orchard

Gabriel Maia

Nick Prato

How bass guitar learning works in Minnesota

How does bass guitar fit school music in Minnesota?

Who runs what for Minnesota bass players?

Auditions and events in Minnesota

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

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on bass guitar

A teen in Minnesota

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 Minnesota

Where to hear bass guitar

Where to play with others

Bass guitar around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

Duluth area

Rochester area

Mankato area

Faribault area

Willmar area

Bemidji area

A little bass guitar history in Minnesota

Start Bass Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You!

More for Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions