Cello Lessons in Minnesota
What cello lessons cost across Minnesota, and how to find the right teacher.
Cello lesson prices across Minnesota
A one-hour cello 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 cello 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis area | |||
| Minneapolis | $33–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Paul | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Bloomington | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Brooklyn Park | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Plymouth | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Woodbury | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakeville | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Blaine | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Maple Grove | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Eagan | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Burnsville | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Coon Rapids | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Eden Prairie | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Apple Valley | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Edina | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Minnetonka | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Louis Park | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Shakopee | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Cottage Grove | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Maplewood | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Richfield | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Inver Grove Heights | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Roseville | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Andover | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Savage | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Brooklyn Center | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Fridley | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Chaska | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Oakdale | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Ramsey | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Prior Lake | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Rosemount | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Elk River | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Shoreview | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Chanhassen | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| White Bear Lake | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Farmington | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Champlin | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| New Brighton | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Crystal | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Otsego | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Columbia Heights | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Hastings | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Lino Lakes | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Golden Valley | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| West St. Paul | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| New Hope | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Forest Lake | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| South St. Paul | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Michael | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Stillwater | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Hopkins | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Anoka | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Ham Lake | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Buffalo | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Hugo | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Monticello | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Robbinsdale | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Rogers | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Waconia | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Elmo | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Mounds View | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Vadnais Heights | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| North St. Paul | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Big Lake | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| East Bethel | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Mendota Heights | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| North Branch | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Victoria | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Little Canada | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Cloud area | |||
| St. Cloud | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Sartell | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Sauk Rapids | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Duluth area | |||
| Duluth | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Hibbing | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Cloquet | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Mankato area | |||
| Mankato | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| North Mankato | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Peter | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Faribault area | |||
| Faribault | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Northfield | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Minnesota towns | |||
| Albert Lea | $32–$47 | $59–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Alexandria | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Austin | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Bemidji | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Brainerd | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Fergus Falls | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Grand Rapids | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Hutchinson | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Marshall | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Moorhead | $31–$44 | $58–$81 | LessonsCosts |
| New Ulm | $32–$47 | $58–$85 | LessonsCosts |
| Owatonna | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Red Wing | $32–$45 | $58–$82 | LessonsCosts |
| Rochester | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Willmar | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Winona | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Worthington | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
No Minnesota town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Minnesota.
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How cello learning works in Minnesota
How does cello fit school music in Minnesota?
Minnesota schools introduce cello through orchestra, but the starting grade depends on the district. Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625, offers instrumental music including orchestra in grades 3–5; Mounds View and Winona begin in grade 4, while Osseo, Eden Prairie, Edina, and School District 197 offer orchestra in grade 5. Anoka-Hennepin starts Beginning Orchestra in middle school, and St. Louis Park’s Orchestra 6 expects two years of string instruction. Several districts rent school instruments, so ask your school how students obtain a cello.
When school music starts in Minnesota districts
Who runs what for Minnesota cellists?
Minnesota’s school contest and honor routes serve different purposes. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) oversees high school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests, with each region setting its events and timing. The Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) runs All-State Orchestra auditions and ensembles, while the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA) offers student activities and honor orchestras. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) runs student contests and examinations through participating teachers. Knowing which group runs an event helps you find the right school or teacher connection.
Who runs what in Minnesota
Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)
- Runs
- Runs high school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests.
- For
- Minnesota high school students
Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)
- Runs
- Runs All-State Orchestra auditions and ensembles.
- For
- Eligible high school orchestra students
Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA)
- Runs
- Offers student activities and honor orchestras.
- For
- String and orchestra students
Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)
- Runs
- Offers student contests and examinations.
- For
- Students through participating teachers
Auditions and events in Minnesota
How does a cellist reach Minnesota's top student honors?
For a Minnesota high school cellist, the top school honor route is the MMEA All-State Orchestra. A student auditions in grade 9, 10, or 11 and must remain in good standing in a secondary-school orchestra through the following February, with a sponsoring educator who teaches the student and meets MMEA and NAfME membership rules. Video auditions open in January, close in early March, and MMEA selects final rosters in mid-April. Selected students attend camp in late July in Moorhead, then perform in February at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. A separate route is the MSHSL Solo & Ensemble Contest, whose regional events and timing are set locally.
The cello route in Minnesota, step by step
- School orchestra eligibilityJoin a secondary-school orchestra in good standing by audition time and remain through the following February.
- MMEA All-State auditionAudition in grade 9, 10, or 11; auditions open in January and close in early March.
- Roster selectionMMEA selects final rosters in mid-April using audition scores and placement policies.
The Minnesota cello year
MFMC State Student AuditionsEntry fee: $25 per categoryStart the piece Jul to Oct
Young Artist CompetitionRochester Chamber Music SocietyStart the piece Oct to Jan
Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
Minnesota’s 2027 All-State cello audition calls for separate continuous-take videos of scales, an orchestral excerpt, and a solo. The solo is unaccompanied and lasts two to five minutes; a longer work can be represented by one continuous excerpt. MMEA describes typical orchestra repertoire as requiring fluency through seventh position, so preparation includes secure shifts as well as clean tone and rhythm. In weekly lessons, a teacher can divide the work between technique and the audition pieces; a focused event piece usually takes three to six months to prepare well.
What else is there to enter?
For students who want an additional solo challenge, the Golden Valley Orchestra’s Young Artists Competition has junior and senior divisions, with auditions in January and a concert in April. The Rochester Chamber Music Society’s Young Artist Competition is open to Minnesota pre-college students in grades K–12 and takes place in April. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association’s Ensemble Festival gives chamber players a performance option; its entry fee is $10 per ensemble.
Cello events in Minnesota, 2026–27
2027 All-State Auditions
Minnesota Music Educators Association
- When
- Auditions open January 1, 2027; deadline March 2, 2027. All-State camp July 27–31, 2027; February performances February 17–19, 2028.
- Entry
- $1,050 per student for 2027–28 All-State camp
- Who
- Minnesota high school students; see MMEA eligibility policies
MFMC State Student Auditions
Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs
- When
- Application deadline January 25, 2027; recording deadline January 31, 2027
- Entry
- $25 per category
- Who
- Minnesota high school juniors and seniors; teacher must be an MFMC member
Young Artists Competition
Golden Valley Orchestra
- When
- Auditions January 12 or 19, 2027; concert April 25, 2027
- Entry
- $60 per audition application
- Who
- Junior: up to 15; Senior: 16–19
Young Artist Competition
Rochester Chamber Music Society
- When
- April 10, 2027
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Students enrolled in Minnesota pre-college programs (K–12)
Homeschool and private school students
Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in extracurricular activities through their resident district on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State, a homeschooled cellist must join the corresponding secondary-school orchestra through shared-time participation and remain in good standing. District orchestra access is therefore important for a homeschool student aiming for All-State; other performance opportunities include the MSHSL regional Solo & Ensemble Contest when the student participates through a high school.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on cello
Cello suits a child who can hold a bow and instrument comfortably, often around age 5 or 6, though readiness matters more than a birthday. Minnesota districts begin orchestra at different points, from grade 3 in Saint Paul to grade 5 in several districts, so private lessons can give a younger child a steady start before school orchestra opens. A teacher builds posture, bow control, listening, and note reading gradually, then helps your child connect those skills to playing with a school section.
A teen in Minnesota
A teen cellist can begin privately at any level, but Minnesota’s All-State route is aimed at experienced high school orchestra players in grades 9–11. The school-year calendar usually leads into March auditions, with final selections in April and camp in late July; a secondary-school orchestra and sponsoring teacher are part of eligibility. Weekly lessons can support the student’s school music work and build consistency alongside rehearsals, so the teen can decide whether to pursue honors or simply become a stronger ensemble player.
Starting or coming back as an adult
Adults in Minnesota can keep playing cello with other musicians, and it is not too late to begin or return. The Central Minnesota Community Orchestra performs in fall and spring in St. Cloud, with players from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Little Falls, and other towns; the Bemidji Area Community Band is for winds, brass, and percussion, not cello. If no suitable orchestra fits your current level, private study gives you a practical goal: rebuilding bow control and reading well enough to join a string ensemble. We meet you where you are.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good cello teacher do?
A good cello teacher helps you or your child build a relaxed setup, reliable bow use, accurate intonation, and reading that supports ensemble playing. For a Minnesota student aiming at All-State, the teacher should also understand how to shape long-range preparation without making every lesson feel like an audition. Fit matters as much as training: a young beginner needs patient, clear steps, while an adult returner may want help rebuilding technique around familiar music. Lesson With You lets you choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one, and every teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in cello.
How do live online cello lessons work?
A live Zoom cello lesson gives the teacher a real-time view of your bow arm, left-hand shape, and instrument position, while a close microphone helps them hear tone and intonation. Set the camera so the cello and both hands stay visible, and use a stable chair and music stand at home. In Minneapolis or Bemidji, you get the same weekly one-on-one lesson and choice of teacher, without a commute or a limit to whoever is closest. The same dedicated teacher gets to know how you learn, making it easier to keep a steady weekly rhythm.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
Cello in Minnesota
Where to hear cello
Saint Paul offers free tickets to eligible Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts for students of any age, available to reserve starting two weeks before each performance. In Rochester, the Riverside Music Series brings five free Sunday-evening concerts to Mayo Park in summer 2027. Faribault’s free Concerts in the Park run on Thursday evenings from mid-June to mid-August, while Northfield’s St. Olaf Music Department events are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise.
Where to play with others
Cellists can join youth ensembles beyond school orchestra. In the Twin Cities metro, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies has cello openings in its 2026–27 orchestras, with second-semester audition videos due December 1, 2026. MAYSO in Mankato uses auditions to place students and accepts requests for video auditions. For an adult player in St. Cloud, the Central Minnesota Community Orchestra includes cello players and performs in fall and spring, offering a community ensemble to work toward.
Cello around Minnesota, area by area
Minneapolis area
The Minneapolis–St. Paul area offers cellists a path into larger ensembles through Minnesota Youth Symphonies, which includes orchestras from Wind Orchestra to Symphony Orchestra. In Minneapolis, Rock U offers a 14-week band program, giving students another kind of group-playing experience. Young listeners in Saint Paul can use Minnesota Opera’s youth rush tickets for performances, a way to hear live 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 cellists can audition for the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra, which offers Sinfonia, Concert Orchestra, and Youth Symphony. The Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra brings chamber music to local audiences, with lower-priced tickets for children and college students. Summer also offers free Tuesday concerts through Duluth’s Music in the Park series, a simple way to hear live music together.
- School year
- Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)
St. Cloud area
St. Cloud has an early ensemble step through Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra’s Prelude group, which welcomes beginner violin, viola, and cello players and offers a Fair Share Program for families with payment concerns. The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra also offers a student-and-adult ticket package, so a young cellist can hear orchestral playing with family before deciding on a larger ensemble commitment.
- School year
- Sep 2 to Jun 3, 37 lesson weeks (St. Cloud Area School District 742)
- Town guides
- St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids
Rochester area
Rochester cellists can look to Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras, which serves grades 4–12 and offers ensembles from Bravura Strings to Concert Orchestra. Its Bravura and Chamber Strings groups include cello players, with audition videos used for placement. Families can also attend Rochester Symphony Kids’ Peter and the Wolf concert, scheduled for November 14 at Dakota Middle School.
- Town guides
- Rochester
Mankato area
Mankato-area cellists can audition for MAYSO, where auditions help place students in an ensemble and a video audition is an option. In North Mankato, Mankato Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony on the Prairie is a free-will-donation concert, a low-pressure way for families to hear orchestral music together.
- School year
- Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)
- Town guides
- Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter
Faribault area
Faribault families can hear free live music at Concerts in the Park, held at the Historic Central Park Band Shell from mid-June to mid-August. In Northfield, public performances from St. Olaf Music Department offer another way to hear music in a college concert setting. For a cello student, these local events provide listening experiences without requiring a trip to a larger city.
- Town guides
- Faribault, Northfield
Owatonna area
Owatonna Middle School’s Chamber Orchestra is a focused option for selected seventh- and eighth-grade string players, meeting weekly before school and choosing members by teacher recommendation or tryout. Downtown Thursdays offers free live music, giving local families a way to hear public performances.
- School year
- Aug 31 to Jun 4, 38 lesson weeks (Owatonna Public Schools)
- Town guides
- Owatonna
A little cello history in Minnesota
Minnesota’s cello life includes performers, makers, and concert stages a student can encounter. In Minneapolis, the Minnesota Orchestra’s 2026–27 season features cellist Zlatomir Fung in Haydn’s Cello Concerto in D major at Orchestra Hall. Duluth’s Betsy Husby serves as principal cello of both the Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra and Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra. Red Wing maker John F. Reed also works with cellos. These examples show the instrument’s place in Minnesota’s professional and community music life.
Start Cello Lessons With a Free Trial
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Weekly lessons from home with no commute
- Support for posture, bow hold, tone, intonation, and repertoire
- Claim a free first 30-minute lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher who can explain bow use, posture, intonation, and reading in a way that fits your goals and learning style. Lesson With You offers live weekly Zoom lessons, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.
Yes, a teacher can hear your tone and intonation and see your bow arm, left hand, and instrument position in real time. A clear camera view and steady weekly one-on-one lessons make it practical to work from home without a commute.
It depends on the district: Saint Paul Music Academy offers orchestra in grades 3–5, Mounds View begins in grade 4, and several districts offer orchestra in grade 5. Other districts start in middle school, so check your school’s orchestra entry point.
The main school honor route is MMEA All-State Orchestra, for eligible grade 9–11 students in a secondary-school orchestra with a sponsoring educator. Auditions take place in March, rosters are selected in April, and chosen students attend summer camp before the February performance.
Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in resident-district extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State, a homeschool cellist needs shared-time participation in the corresponding secondary-school orchestra.
Many children are ready around age 5 or 6 if they can manage the instrument and bow comfortably, but readiness matters more than a fixed age. Private lessons can start before a district’s orchestra program begins and prepare a child to join when eligible.
No, adults can start or return to cello at any age, and a teacher can adapt lessons to your experience and pace. The Central Minnesota Community Orchestra in St. Cloud is one ensemble an adult cellist can work toward joining.
Cello 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.
