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Cello Lessons in Minnesota

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

Marc Levesque - About Us - Lesson With You
Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

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.

Town30 minutesOne hourGuides
Minneapolis area
Minneapolis$33–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
St. Paul$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Bloomington$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Brooklyn Park$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Plymouth$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Woodbury$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lakeville$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Blaine$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Maple Grove$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Eagan$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Burnsville$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Coon Rapids$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Eden Prairie$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Apple Valley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Edina$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Minnetonka$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
St. Louis Park$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Shakopee$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Cottage Grove$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Maplewood$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Richfield$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Inver Grove Heights$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Roseville$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Andover$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Savage$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Brooklyn Center$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Fridley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Chaska$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Oakdale$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Ramsey$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Prior Lake$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Rosemount$32–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Elk River$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Shoreview$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Chanhassen$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
White Bear Lake$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Farmington$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Champlin$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
New Brighton$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Crystal$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Otsego$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Columbia Heights$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Hastings$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lino Lakes$32–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Golden Valley$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
West St. Paul$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
New Hope$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Forest Lake$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
South St. Paul$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
St. Michael$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Stillwater$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Hopkins$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Anoka$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Ham Lake$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Buffalo$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Hugo$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Monticello$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Robbinsdale$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Rogers$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Waconia$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lake Elmo$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Mounds View$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Vadnais Heights$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
North St. Paul$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Big Lake$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
East Bethel$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Mendota Heights$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
North Branch$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Victoria$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Little Canada$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
St. Cloud area
St. Cloud$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Sartell$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Sauk Rapids$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Duluth area
Duluth$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Hibbing$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Cloquet$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Mankato area
Mankato$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
North Mankato$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
St. Peter$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Faribault area
Faribault$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Northfield$32–$47$59–$87LessonsCosts
Other Minnesota towns
Albert Lea$32–$47$59–$86LessonsCosts
Alexandria$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Austin$32–$48$59–$87LessonsCosts
Bemidji$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Brainerd$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Fergus Falls$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Grand Rapids$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Hutchinson$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Marshall$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Moorhead$31–$44$58–$81LessonsCosts
New Ulm$32–$47$58–$85LessonsCosts
Owatonna$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Red Wing$32–$45$58–$82LessonsCosts
Rochester$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Willmar$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Winona$32–$48$59–$88LessonsCosts
Worthington$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts

Find Your Next Cello Teacher in Minnesota

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

2 cello instructors available in the next 5 days
Blake Kitayama

Blake Kitayama

Top Rated 5.0
Master’s in CelloGreat with All AgesProgress FocusedPopular
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 7 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Blake
Manuel Papale

Manuel Papale

Top Rated 5.0
Master’s in CelloPerformance ExpertTechnique ExpertStudent Favorite
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 7 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Manuel

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

Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625Instrumental music, including orchestra3
Osseo Area SchoolsOrchestra5
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191Orchestra experiences5
Eden Prairie Public School DistrictOrchestra5
Mounds View Public SchoolsOrchestra4
Edina Public SchoolsOrchestra5
School District 197Orchestra5
Winona Area Public SchoolsOrchestra4

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

  1. School orchestra eligibilityJoin a secondary-school orchestra in good standing by audition time and remain through the following February.
  2. MMEA All-State auditionAudition in grade 9, 10, or 11; auditions open in January and close in early March.
  3. Roster selectionMMEA selects final rosters in mid-April using audition scores and placement policies.

The Minnesota cello year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

MFMC State Student AuditionsEntry fee: $25 per categoryStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 25

Young Artist CompetitionRochester Chamber Music SocietyStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 10

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

A teacher with a degree in celloEvery Lesson With You cello teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in cello.
Blake KitayamaBlakeMaster’s in CelloManuel PapaleManuelMaster’s in Cello
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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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)

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)

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)

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.

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.