How Much Do Cello Lessons Cost in Los Angeles, California?
Breaking down the real cost of cello lessons in Los Angeles: step by step guide for every budget
Marc Levesque
updated 10/11/25 • 4 min read
The Average Cello Lesson Cost in Los Angeles, California:
Cello Lessons in Los Angeles generally cost between $50-$100 per hour*, but costs can vary widely depending on the instructor’s education and performing level, years of teaching, the location, lesson length and whether lessons are in-person or online.
The average price for a one-hour cello lesson in Los Angeles is $80. Online cello lessons through Zoom or Google Meet usually range from $35 to $45 for a half hour, while local in person lessons are a bit higher at $45 to $55. Group lessons are the most affordable, averaging around $35 for the same length.
Cello teachers without a music degree will charge as little as $45 an hour, and professional cellists with awards and rich public performance experience might charge as much as $350!
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What Determines Cello Lesson Costs in Los Angeles?
Cello Teacher Level
Cello teachers without a music degree usually charge around $35 to $40 per hour, but their lessons may not go very deep in technique, tone, or posture.
Some teachers have a music degree in another instrument, such as violin, and also teach cello. They often charge $35 to $50 per hour. These instructors usually understand music theory well but may not have the cello background needed to teach bow control, intonation, or fingering properly. This can make it harder for beginners to build good habits early on.
For the best learning experience, look for a cello teacher in Los Angeles with at least a bachelor’s degree in cello. These teachers typically charge $60 to $80 per hour, while those with a master’s or doctorate often charge $80 to $90 and bring years of playing and teaching experience.
In-Person vs Online Lessons in Los Angeles
Another factor in cello lesson prices is whether the lessons are in-person or online. Online cello lessons are generally the most affordable, with an average increase of about $10-$15 for lessons at a teacher’s studio or house, and an additional increase to have the teacher visit your home.
In-person cello lessons pricing in Los Angeles can vary widely though depending on the number of teachers in your area. In order to find highly-qualified cello teachers at reasonable prices, online lessons will be your best bet.
Location
Location also plays a big role in how much cello lessons cost in Los Angeles. In larger cities where living expenses are higher, lesson rates are usually more expensive than in suburban or smaller areas.
For example, in-person lessons in California can cost about 20 to 30 percent more than in Indiana, and teachers in places like New York or Chicago often charge similar higher rates. The difference for online lessons is a bit smaller, averaging around 15 percent.
Recorded vs Live Cello Lessons
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to start learning cello, pre-recorded video or app based lessons are an option. These lessons usually teach basic techniques for a monthly fee, and some platforms also sell one time video courses.
However, pre recorded lessons can’t match the quality of live instruction. It’s also hard to track real progress with these programs — clearing a level in an app doesn’t always mean your tone or posture is improving. Since everyone learns differently, it’s difficult to assess your sound, bow hold, and overall playing on your own. A real teacher can adjust your posture, correct your hand position, and give instant feedback.
For anyone who wants to improve and learn to play with correct technique in Los Angeles, live one-on-one lessons are the best choice, such as the $35 half hour sessions offered through Lesson With You.
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How to Find the Most Affordable Cello Lessons in Los Angeles, California
We surveyed over 100 cello teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and three other major platforms including Lessonface, Wyzant, and Thumbtack, using a random ZIP code as the location. We specifically looked for teachers who hold degrees in cello and offer online lessons in Los Angeles.
Lesson With You has a set price of $65 per hour, and the value is better than any other site we reviewed. Each cello teacher at Lesson With You holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in cello, but lessons remain only $65 per hour with the first lesson free, making the cello lessons in Los Angeles an incredible value.
Thumbtack had the highest average price among qualified cello teachers, at $90 per hour. Even teachers who didn’t major in cello, such as those with degrees in guitar or violin, charged similar rates. Some of the top teachers listed didn’t have formal education in music despite charging premium prices.
Lessonface had a slightly lower average price of $74 per hour among the teachers we surveyed. However, like Thumbtack, many instructors lacked a music degree or didn’t major in cello. The site does offer a 15 minute free trial for new students.
Wyzant had the largest number of cello teachers available, with an average cost of $75 per hour. However, many of those teachers also teach multiple instruments or do not hold degrees in cello.
All three lesson platforms have a large number of teachers in Los Angeles, so there are certainly some good options. Still, finding instructors whose education and pricing match those at Lesson With You can be time consuming and challenging.
How Important Is Teacher Quality When Starting Cello in [City], [State]
Some beginners consider starting with a cheaper or less experienced cello teacher, but learning the right way from the start makes all the difference. A professional cello instructor teaches you proper posture, fingering, and bow technique, which are difficult to fix later if learned incorrectly.
It may seem easier to start with a lower cost option, but poor habits can slow progress and take months to undo. The difference in progress between a professional teacher and a less experienced one can mean months or even years of improvement. Starting with a good instructor helps you build a strong foundation, learn faster, and enjoy playing more.
What Will I Learn in Los Angeles Cello Lessons?
Cello Techniques
In cello lessons in Los Angeles, you’ll learn the essentials such as bowing, fingering, posture, and how to draw a rich, resonant tone. Your teacher will guide you in holding the bow with the right pressure, placing your fingers smoothly between notes, and maintaining posture that supports balance and sound. You’ll also study basic music theory, including scales, rhythms, and patterns, to strengthen your understanding of how music works.
If you’ve played cello before, lessons can help refine your tone, improve shifting and intonation, and correct small habits that might hold you back. With consistent practice and guidance, you’ll continue to develop a more expressive sound, stronger rhythm, and a growing cello repertoire.
Educational Benefits of Cello Lessons in Los Angeles
Learning the cello is rewarding at any age. For kids in Los Angeles, it helps build focus, coordination, and confidence while giving them a fun way to express themselves through music. Many parents love watching their child’s progress as they move from simple melodies to full pieces.
For Los Angeles adults, playing the cello can be relaxing and enjoyable. It offers a creative break from daily life and a way to connect with music on a personal level. For anyone learning, the feeling of mastering something new is always satisfying and encouraging.
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About the author
Marc Levesque is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where he studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before attending Carnegie Mellon University to study educational technology. As a pianist, Marc made his debut with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at age 15, playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2., and he has performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Croatia. Marc is a co-founder of Lesson With You, which fully combines his love of music, technology, and education.
