Bass Guitar Lessons in Washington
What bass guitar lessons cost across Washington, and how to find the right teacher.
Bass guitar lesson prices across Washington
A one-hour bass guitar lesson in Washington typically costs $69 to $110, and a half hour $37 to $60. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Seattle area runs highest, up to $117 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.
| Town | 30 minutes | One hour | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle area | |||
| Seattle | $39–$63 | $73–$115 | LessonsCosts |
| Tacoma | $39–$64 | $73–$116 | LessonsCosts |
| Marysville | $37–$61 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Bellevue | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Kent | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Everett | $37–$61 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Renton | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Federal Way | $39–$63 | $72–$115 | LessonsCosts |
| Kirkland | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Auburn | $38–$62 | $71–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Redmond | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| South Hill | $39–$63 | $73–$116 | LessonsCosts |
| Sammamish | $38–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakewood | $39–$63 | $73–$116 | LessonsCosts |
| Shoreline | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Burien | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Bothell | $38–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Puyallup | $39–$63 | $72–$115 | LessonsCosts |
| Edmonds | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Stevens | $37–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Lynnwood | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Issaquah | $38–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Parkland | $39–$64 | $73–$117 | LessonsCosts |
| Graham | $37–$60 | $68–$109 | LessonsCosts |
| University Place | $39–$64 | $73–$116 | LessonsCosts |
| Spanaway | $39–$63 | $73–$116 | LessonsCosts |
| Des Moines | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| SeaTac | $37–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Maple Valley | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Mill Creek East | $38–$62 | $72–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Frederickson | $38–$62 | $71–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Mercer Island | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Kenmore | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Eastmont | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| North Lynnwood | $38–$62 | $72–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Mountlake Terrace | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Union Hill-Novelty Hill | $36–$59 | $68–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Martha Lake | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Cottage Lake | $36–$59 | $68–$108 | LessonsCosts |
| Silver Firs | $37–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Bonney Lake | $39–$63 | $72–$115 | LessonsCosts |
| Bothell West | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Tukwila | $37–$60 | $69–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Mukilteo | $37–$61 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Covington | $38–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Arlington | $37–$60 | $69–$109 | LessonsCosts |
| Mill Creek | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Monroe | $37–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Fairwood | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | $38–$62 | $72–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakeland North | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Stickney | $38–$62 | $72–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Lewis | $38–$61 | $70–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| White Center | $38–$62 | $72–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Bothell East | $38–$63 | $72–$114 | LessonsCosts |
| Elk Plain | $37–$61 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Artondale | $36–$59 | $68–$109 | LessonsCosts |
| Snoqualmie | $37–$60 | $69–$110 | LessonsCosts |
| Woodinville | $37–$60 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Forest Park | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakeland South | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Edgewood | $37–$61 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Newcastle | $37–$61 | $70–$111 | LessonsCosts |
| Enumclaw | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Tapps | $37–$60 | $69–$110 | LessonsCosts |
| East Renton Highlands | $36–$59 | $68–$108 | LessonsCosts |
| Gig Harbor | $37–$60 | $69–$110 | LessonsCosts |
| Prairie Ridge | $39–$63 | $72–$115 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Morton-Berrydale | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Fife | $38–$62 | $71–$113 | LessonsCosts |
| Maltby | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Sumner | $38–$61 | $71–$112 | LessonsCosts |
| Spokane area | |||
| Spokane | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Spokane Valley | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Cheney | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Liberty Lake | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Airway Heights | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Kennewick area | |||
| Kennewick | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Pasco | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Richland | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| West Richland | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Vancouver area | |||
| Vancouver | $36–$59 | $68–$108 | LessonsCosts |
| Orchards | $37–$59 | $68–$109 | LessonsCosts |
| Camas | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Hazel Dell | $36–$59 | $68–$108 | LessonsCosts |
| Battle Ground | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Five Corners | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Salmon Creek | $36–$58 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Washougal | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Ridgefield | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Minnehaha | $37–$59 | $68–$109 | LessonsCosts |
| Felida | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Mount Vista | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Olympia area | |||
| Olympia | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Lacey | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Tumwater | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Yelm | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Bremerton area | |||
| Bremerton | $33–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Bainbridge Island | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Silverdale | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Orchard | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Poulsbo | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Bellingham area | |||
| Bellingham | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Lynden | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Ferndale | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Birch Bay | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Yakima area | |||
| Yakima | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Sunnyside | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Grandview | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Mount Vernon area | |||
| Mount Vernon | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Anacortes | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Sedro-Woolley | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Wenatchee area | |||
| Wenatchee | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| East Wenatchee | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Longview area | |||
| Longview | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Kelso | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Oak Harbor area | |||
| Oak Harbor | $35–$57 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Camano | $33–$54 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Washington towns | |||
| Aberdeen | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Centralia | $36–$59 | $68–$108 | LessonsCosts |
| Ellensburg | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Moses Lake | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Angeles | $34–$56 | $64–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Townsend | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Pullman | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Shelton | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Walla Walla | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
No Washington town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Washington.
Meet a Bass Guitar Teacher in Washington 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
Find Your Next Bass Guitar Teacher in Washington
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How bass guitar learning works in Washington
How does bass guitar fit school music in Washington?
Washington’s school music standards include performing, creating, responding, and connecting, but the instrument’s place in school ensembles depends on the district and program. In Bellevue, fifth graders take part in band or orchestra twice a week and have an opportunity to learn an instrument; at Hunt Elementary in Puyallup, students in grades 5 and 6 are invited to band or orchestra. High school students must earn two arts credits to graduate, and one may count as a Personalized Pathway Requirement. A private bass lesson gives you or your child a way to develop the instrument alongside those school music experiences.
Who runs what for Washington bass players?
Washington’s student music opportunities are run by groups with different purposes. The Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) hosts All-State groups, while the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and WMEA oversee the regional-to-state solo and ensemble route. The Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA) offers a separate, noncompetitive Music Artistry Program, so students can perform and receive coaching without seeking advancement. Knowing which group runs each route helps you choose between an audition-based honor and a performance experience centered on feedback.
Who runs what in Washington
Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)
- Runs
- Runs the state solo contest with WMEA.
- For
- Washington high school music students.
Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)
- Runs
- Hosts All-State Jazz and state solo and ensemble events.
- For
- High school students; All-State Jazz auditioners.
Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA)
- Runs
- Offers Music Artistry coaching and student performance opportunities.
- For
- Students of participating independent teachers.
Auditions and events in Washington
How does a bass player reach Washington's top student honors?
For a high school bass player, one state honor route begins with a regional solo contest; regional category winners advance to the state contest in Ellensburg, held in April. Registration opens in early March and usually closes in late March. A jazz player can also audition for WMEA High School All-State Jazz, with groups meeting in Tacoma in May. These routes offer different ways to pursue recognition, so you can focus on the solo or jazz setting that fits your playing goals and build toward it over the school year.
The bass guitar route in Washington, step by step
- Regional solo contestRegional contests take place before the state contest each spring.
- State solo and ensembleThe 2027 contest is April 23–24 in Ellensburg.
- High School All-State JazzThe audition deadline is November 13, 2026; groups perform May 19–20, 2027, in Tacoma.
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
For WMEA All-State auditions, use the current high school audition materials linked through its All-State Hub, and follow the current WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble rules for the contest. WSMTA’s Music Artistry Program asks for two contrasting pieces, performed either from memory or with sheet music; memory earns a Certificate of Achievement, while sheet music earns a Certificate of Participation. In weekly lessons, allow three to six months to shape an event piece, strengthen timing and tone, and make the performance feel secure.
What else is there to enter?
Students who want performance and feedback without competing for advancement can take part in WSMTA’s annual Music Artistry Program. Those interested in writing can submit original compositions through WSMTA’s Young Composers Project if their teacher is a member; first-place winners are invited to perform at the association’s June conference. These give bass students distinct ways to share their work, whether they prefer interpreting music or creating it.
Homeschool and private school students
A homeschooled student can pursue WIAA activity eligibility by registering a Declaration of Intent with a school district and meeting academic requirements. That eligibility allows entry into the school-based solo and ensemble route, where regional category winners advance to state. The Washington Homeschool Organization’s local support-group directory also includes music activities such as band, offering another way to connect with peers while building experience.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on bass guitar
Bass guitar can suit a child once the instrument is comfortable to hold and both hands can work together; readiness matters more than a fixed birthday. School band and orchestra opportunities begin in fifth grade in Bellevue and at Hunt Elementary in Puyallup, but private lessons can start earlier or alongside school. A teacher helps your child build a steady pulse, clear notes, and a relaxed plucking hand, so the first experience playing with others is grounded in skills they have already practiced.
A teen in Washington
A Washington teen can study bass alongside school music and set a goal that fits their interests, including jazz or solo performance. High School All-State Jazz is one formal honor route, with the audition deadline in November and the groups performing in Tacoma in May. Weekly lessons help a teen keep a consistent practice rhythm around school commitments, while building the listening and timing that make bass playing work in an ensemble.
Starting or coming back as an adult
Adults in Washington have options for playing bass with others, depending on style and experience. The Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra in Bellingham welcomes bass players without auditions, while the Hammond Ashley Memorial Double Bass Festival in Tacoma welcomes players from beginner through developing professional levels. It is not too late to start or return; a teacher can meet you at your current level and help you work toward joining others or simply playing music you enjoy.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good bass guitar teacher do?
A good bass teacher helps you or your child develop a steady pulse, an even plucking hand, and an ear for how bass supports a group. For a student considering All-State Jazz or a solo event, the teacher should be able to shape performance work while maintaining solid fundamentals. Fit matters alongside training: a young beginner may benefit from short, clear goals, while an adult may want to return to reading or focus on a favorite style. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in bass or guitar, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.
How do live online bass guitar lessons work?
In a live Zoom lesson, your teacher listens for timing and note clarity while watching your plucking hand, fretting hand, and posture. Place your device so both hands are visible, and position the bass so the teacher can hear it clearly. A student in Seattle or Fort Lewis gets the same one-on-one weekly lesson and the same choice of teacher, with real-time feedback and no commute. Online lessons also give you access to a teacher who fits rather than limiting the choice 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 routine.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
Bass guitar in Washington
Where to hear bass guitar
Bass students can hear live performance in several parts of Washington. In Tacoma, Symphony Tacoma presents its Mini Maestros family series at Schneebeck Concert Hall and offers student and youth discounts at Pantages Theater concerts. In Burien and SeaTac, students up to age 18 attend Northwest Symphony Orchestra concerts free, including its family concert and performances in February and March 2027. Listening in these settings helps a young player hear how bass supports music across ensemble styles.
Where to play with others
Bass players looking for shared music can explore several styles across Washington. In Silverdale, the Bremerton WestSound Symphony Youth Jazz Ensemble welcomes all instruments for ages 10–18 and performs at community events around Kitsap County. In Everett, the Washington Blues Society lists a weekly Unbound Blues Jam, while its free, all-ages Blues Bash in Shoreline takes place monthly. These offer different settings for learning to listen and hold a bass line with other players.
Bass guitar around Washington, area by area
Seattle area
Seattle students can hear chamber music through the Seattle Chamber Music Society’s Signature Series at Nordstrom Recital Hall, which runs from September through May. University of Washington School of Music events at the HUB Lyceum and Jones Playhouse have free admission during the 2026–27 concert season. These performances offer different settings for hearing how bass supports an ensemble, from chamber music to campus concerts.
- School year
- Sep 2 to Jun 21, 39 lesson weeks (Seattle Public Schools)
- Town guides
- Seattle, Tacoma, Marysville, Bellevue, Kent, Everett, Renton, Federal Way
Spokane area
Spokane students can attend Spokane Symphony Masterworks concerts free through FASTix, while K–12 tickets to Pops and Specials concerts are $25. Lilac City Community Band is a wind, brass, and percussion ensemble, so it is not a bass guitar route. Listening to the symphony gives bass students a chance to follow the low line within a large ensemble.
- School year
- Aug 26 to Jun 15, 38 lesson weeks (Spokane Public Schools)
- Town guides
- Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights
Kennewick area
In Richland, full-time students under 21 can get a Community Concerts of the Tri-Cities youth membership for the 2026–2027 season. The Tumbleweed Music Festival is a free public acoustic music festival over Labor Day weekend, giving bass students a chance to hear live music across acoustic styles. These are listening opportunities rather than a bass-specific ensemble route.
- School year
- Sep 2 to Jun 17, 39 lesson weeks (Kennewick School District)
- Town guides
- Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland
Olympia area
Olympia students under 18 can attend Olympia Chamber Orchestra concerts free, a useful way to hear ensemble playing and follow the bass line beneath the melody. Scherler Sundays brings free, all-ages shows to downtown Olympia every Sunday in July and August, so families can hear a broader range of live music together.
- School year
- Sep 3 to Jun 17, 39 lesson weeks (Olympia School District)
Bellingham area
Bellingham students with a valid student ID can buy best available seats for $10 at the box office starting two hours before a regular-season concert. Youth 18 and under can also receive up to two free tickets when an adult ticket is purchased. These options make it easier for students to hear live music and listen for the bass’s role in an ensemble.
- School year
- Aug 31 to Jun 11, 38 lesson weeks (Bellingham School District No. 501)
- Town guides
- Bellingham, Lynden, Ferndale, Birch Bay
Yakima area
Yakima’s free Downtown Summer Nights concerts bring all-ages live music to Thursday evenings, while Yakima Valley Community Band presents free public concerts throughout the year, especially its summer Concerts In The Parks series. Bass students can hear wind ensemble repertoire alongside other live music and use the contrast to understand how bass functions in different settings.
- School year
- Aug 27 to Jun 9, 39 lesson weeks (Yakima School District)
Mount Vernon area
Mount Vernon’s Riverwalk Summer Concert Series offers free family-friendly live music on Thursday evenings in July and August. Skagit Symphony concerts are free for children under 16 with a paying adult, and high school and college students attend free with student ID. These concerts let bass students hear orchestral playing and follow the low line in a live ensemble.
- School year
- Aug 26 to Jun 16, 41 lesson weeks (Mount Vernon School District)
- Town guides
- Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley
A little bass guitar history in Washington
Washington has a direct place in electric bass history: Seattle musician Paul Tutmarc was reported to have developed an electric bass instrument in 1935 that could be carried under the arm. Bellevue also has a bass-making history through Mike Lull, who launched custom guitar and bass lines in 1995; the family business continues under his son Spencer. This local history gives a student a connection to the instrument’s early electric form and to the craft of building basses in Washington.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher who listens closely to your timing and plucking hand, then matches lesson goals to your age, style, and reason for 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, and you can choose a teacher or ask for a recommendation.
Yes, a teacher can hear your timing and watch both hands in real time, then offer feedback as you play. Positioning your camera to show your fretting and plucking hands makes the lesson useful, and you avoid a commute while having access to teachers beyond your closest area.
A high school bass player can enter the WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble route by competing regionally, with category winners advancing to the state contest in Ellensburg in April. WMEA High School All-State Jazz is another route, with its 2027 groups performing in Tacoma on May 19–20.
Yes, a homeschool student can seek WIAA activity eligibility by registering a Declaration of Intent with a school district and meeting academic requirements. Regional contest winners advance to the state solo and ensemble event.
A child can start when they can comfortably hold the bass and coordinate both hands; readiness matters more than a set age. A private teacher can build timing and technique before or alongside playing with others.
No, adults can start or return to bass at any age, and options include the Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra and the Hammond Ashley Memorial Double Bass Festival. Lessons can begin with your current skill level and focus on the music you want to play.
Bass guitar lessons in Washington typically cost about $82 an hour, or $37 to $60 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.
