Cello Lessons in Washington

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 21 min read

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

Cello lesson prices across Washington

A one-hour cello 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 cello 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
Seattle area
Seattle	$39–$63	$73–$115	Lessons Costs
Tacoma	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Marysville	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Bellevue	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Kent	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Everett	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Renton	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Federal Way	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Kirkland	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Auburn	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Redmond	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
South Hill	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Sammamish	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Lakewood	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Shoreline	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Burien	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Bothell	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Puyallup	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Edmonds	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Lake Stevens	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Lynnwood	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Issaquah	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Parkland	$39–$64	$73–$117	Lessons Costs
Graham	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
University Place	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Spanaway	$39–$63	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Des Moines	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
SeaTac	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Maple Valley	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Mill Creek East	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Frederickson	$38–$62	$71–$114	Lessons Costs
Mercer Island	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Kenmore	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Eastmont	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
North Lynnwood	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Mountlake Terrace	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Union Hill-Novelty Hill	$36–$59	$68–$107	Lessons Costs
Martha Lake	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Cottage Lake	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Silver Firs	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Bonney Lake	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Bothell West	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Tukwila	$37–$60	$69–$111	Lessons Costs
Mukilteo	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Covington	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Arlington	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Mill Creek	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Monroe	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Fairwood	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Bryn Mawr-Skyway	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Lakeland North	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Lake Stickney	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Fort Lewis	$38–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
White Center	$38–$62	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Bothell East	$38–$63	$72–$114	Lessons Costs
Elk Plain	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Artondale	$36–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Snoqualmie	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Woodinville	$37–$60	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Lake Forest Park	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Lakeland South	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Edgewood	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Newcastle	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Enumclaw	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Lake Tapps	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
East Renton Highlands	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Gig Harbor	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Prairie Ridge	$39–$63	$72–$115	Lessons Costs
Lake Morton-Berrydale	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Fife	$38–$62	$71–$113	Lessons Costs
Maltby	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Sumner	$38–$61	$71–$112	Lessons Costs
Spokane area
Spokane	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Spokane Valley	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Cheney	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Liberty Lake	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Airway Heights	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Kennewick area
Kennewick	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Pasco	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Richland	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
West Richland	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Vancouver area
Vancouver	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Orchards	$37–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Camas	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Hazel Dell	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Battle Ground	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Five Corners	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Salmon Creek	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Washougal	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Minnehaha	$37–$59	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Felida	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Mount Vista	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Olympia area
Olympia	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Lacey	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Tumwater	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Yelm	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Bremerton area
Bremerton	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Bainbridge Island	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Silverdale	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Port Orchard	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Poulsbo	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Bellingham area
Bellingham	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Lynden	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Ferndale	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Birch Bay	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Yakima area
Yakima	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Sunnyside	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Grandview	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Mount Vernon area
Mount Vernon	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Anacortes	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Sedro-Woolley	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Wenatchee area
Wenatchee	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
East Wenatchee	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Longview area
Longview	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Kelso	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Oak Harbor area
Oak Harbor	$35–$57	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Camano	$33–$54	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Other Washington towns
Aberdeen	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Centralia	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Ellensburg	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Moses Lake	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Port Angeles	$34–$56	$64–$103	Lessons Costs
Port Townsend	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Pullman	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Shelton	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Walla Walla	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs

Try a Free 30 Minute Cello Lesson in Washington

Meet your cello teacher before continuing weekly. The first lesson gives you or your child a chance to hear the feedback, check the setup, and choose a lesson length without pressure.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Cello Teacher in Washington

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

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

2 cello instructors available in the next 5 days

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 Washington via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Blake

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 Washington via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Manuel

How cello learning works in Washington

How does cello fit school music in Washington?

Washington school orchestra usually starts in fifth or sixth grade, but the entry point depends on the district. Evergreen Public Schools and Olympia School District offer beginning strings in fifth grade, while Seattle and Spokane public schools introduce orchestra in sixth; Bellevue gives fifth graders band or orchestra twice a week. Schools provide ensemble practice, and some offer instrument loans, including free loans at Whitman Middle School in Seattle. Private cello lessons before orchestra begins help you or your child arrive ready to read music and play with others.

When school music starts in Washington districts

Evergreen Public SchoolsBeginning orchestra5

Seattle Public SchoolsIntroductory orchestra6

Spokane Public SchoolsIntroductory orchestra6

South Kitsap School DistrictOrchestra6

Tacoma Public SchoolsBeginning orchestra for some feeder-school students5

Olympia School DistrictBeginning strings5

Lake Washington School DistrictOrchestra elective6

Kent School DistrictBeginner orchestra6

Who runs what for Washington cellists?

Washington’s cello route has two distinct kinds of student recognition: Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) All-State orchestra places students in a statewide ensemble, while Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)/WMEA Solo and Ensemble advances regional soloists to state competition. The Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA) adds individual learning and performance opportunities, including scale study and noncompetitive coaching. These paths serve different goals, so a student seeking ensemble experience should focus on All-State, while a soloist can build toward regional and state contests or WSMTA events.

Who runs what in Washington

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) and Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)

Runs: Run regional and state Solo and Ensemble contests for high school musicians.
For: High school students at WIAA member schools

Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA)

Runs: Hosts Junior and High School All-State orchestra opportunities.
For: Middle and high school students by grade

Washington State Music Teachers Association (WSMTA)

Runs: Offers student performance, coaching and music literacy opportunities.
For: Students of participating member teachers

Auditions and events in Washington

How does a cellist reach Washington's top student honors?

For WMEA All-State, a cello student auditions for Junior All-State orchestra in grades 7–8 or High School All-State orchestra in grades 9–12. Applications open in September; Junior All-State applications usually close in early October, while the high school deadline is usually in mid-November. Junior All-State meets in Yakima in February, and High School All-State rehearses and performs in Tacoma in May. A separate solo route begins at a WIAA/WMEA regional Solo and Ensemble contest; high school winners advance to the state contest in Ellensburg each April. Cello students ages 11–29 also have a state-to-national route through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) String Competition, with divisions for Junior, Senior and Young Artist players.

The cello route in Washington, step by step

Junior All-State orchestraGrades 7–8; applications open each year in early September and close in early October; the 2027 event is February 13 in Yakima.
High School All-State orchestraGrades 9–12; applications open each year in early September and close in mid-November; the 2027 event is May 20–22 in Tacoma.
Regional Solo and EnsembleHigh school students at WIAA member schools compete regionally, usually February through April; winners advance to state.
State Solo and EnsembleRegional winners compete for placements in Ellensburg in April.
MTNA String CompetitionEligible cello players compete at state, then advance through video division competition toward national finals.

The Washington cello year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

Sonata–Sonatina FestivalEntry fee: $15–$25 per entry; nonmember teacher fee of $5 per student may apply for string entriesStart the piece Apr to Jul

Start the piece Apr to JulOct

WA State MTNA Performance CompetitionsWashington State Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece May to Aug

Start the piece May to AugNov 6–8

Young Artists CompetitionMid-Columbia SymphonyStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 30

WIAA/WMEA Regional Solo and Ensemble ContestsWashington Interscholastic Activities AssociationStart the piece Aug to Nov

Start the piece Aug to NovFeb to Apr

WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble ContestWashington Interscholastic Activities AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 23–24

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Washington cello auditions call for prepared music and solid reading skills. WMEA high school All-State uses the same audition music as the 2025–26 season, so students can work from that repertoire; WSMTA’s Music Literacy Program provides cello scale and arpeggio lists, plus sight-reading tests at Levels 1–6. At Yakima Youth Symphony Orchestra auditions, cello applicants prepare a C melodic minor scale, a solo excerpt and sight-reading. Weekly lessons give time to develop an event piece: plan on three to six months of focused work, with the teacher checking intonation, bowing and musical shape as the audition approaches.

What else is there to enter?

Students who want focused feedback without a contest can take part in WSMTA’s Music Artistry Program, an annual performance and one-on-one coaching event. Cello students can also consider the Seattle Music Teachers Association’s Simon-Fiset Low Strings Competition for ages 5–18, or the Mid-Columbia Symphony Young Artists Competition for school-age students in the Tri-Cities region. Each offers a different level of formality, so a student can choose between coaching, a regional competition or a broader solo contest route.

Cello events in Washington, 2026–27

WIAA/WMEA State Solo and Ensemble Contest

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association

When: April 23–24, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students at WIAA member schools; four consecutive years of eligibility beginning in grade 9

WMEA All-State Honor Groups

Washington Music Educators Association

When: Audition deadlines in November 2026; events usually in spring 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Middle and high school students; group and grade eligibility varies

WA State MTNA Performance Competitions

Washington State Music Teachers Association

When: voice and brass preliminary auditions in December 2026, with national finals in April 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Junior, Senior, and Young Artist levels; age or grade limits vary by division; voice and brass are Senior and Young Artist only

WIAA/WMEA Regional Solo and Ensemble Contests

Washington Interscholastic Activities Association

When: Usually February–April 2027; regional dates vary
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students at WIAA member schools; four consecutive years of eligibility beginning in grade 9

Simon-Fiset Low Strings Competition

Seattle Music Teachers Association

When: Date to be announced for 2026–27
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Ages 5–18; students must not have graduated high school

Young Artists Competition

Mid-Columbia Symphony

When: January 30, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: School-age students through high school senior; must live within 120 miles of Tri-Cities, Washington

Sonata–Sonatina Festival

Bellingham Music Teachers Association and participating WSMTA chapters

When: Usually in October each year
Entry: $15–$25 per entry; nonmember teacher fee of $5 per student may apply for string entries
Who: No age limit; students must study with a teacher in a participating WSMTA chapter

Homeschool and private school students

Homeschool students can qualify for WIAA activity eligibility by registering a Declaration of Intent with a public school district and meeting academic requirements. That route can make WIAA/WMEA Solo and Ensemble available, including the regional contests that advance to state in Ellensburg. Homeschool families can also use local music activities in Washington Homeschool Organization support groups as a way to play with other students while building the experience needed for a formal audition.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on cello

An elementary-school start gives a young cellist time to learn a relaxed bow hold, steady posture, and basic reading before ensemble music becomes more demanding. A cello must fit the child, so early lessons work best when the instrument is properly sized and the student can follow simple directions. Private instruction builds those foundations at an individual pace, then helps your child transfer them to rehearsals and listen across the section rather than focus only on their own part.

A teen in Washington

A teen can begin cello while joining school orchestra, though a new player will need a realistic route into ensemble playing rather than an immediate audition goal. WMEA Junior All-State orchestra is for grades 7–8, and High School All-State is for grades 9–12; high school students can also pursue regional Solo and Ensemble contests that lead to state. Weekly lessons fit around those school commitments by keeping technique and repertoire moving forward at a pace that leaves room for classes and rehearsals.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults in Washington have places to play cello with other musicians. South Sound Community Orchestra in Olympia accepts adults 18 and older without an audition, and Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra welcomes new string players without auditions. Mukilteo Community Orchestra is another option for intermediate and advanced adult amateurs. If you are starting from scratch, private lessons build the bow control and reading that ensemble music asks for; if you are returning, a teacher can help you rebuild at a comfortable pace. It is never too late to begin.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good cello teacher do?

A strong cello teacher listens closely to tone, posture and bow use, because those habits shape both solo playing and orchestra readiness. Washington students aiming for All-State or Solo and Ensemble need someone who can pace repertoire and build confident reading, while a younger beginner may need shorter goals and clear routines. Fit matters as much as training: the teacher should suit the student’s age, musical aims and personality. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in cello, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.

How do live online cello lessons work?

In a live Zoom cello lesson, your teacher can hear pitch, rhythm and tone in real time, and see your bow arm, left hand and posture through the camera. Set the device far enough back to show you and the instrument, with the cello securely supported and a quiet place to play. Online lessons remove the commute and let you choose a teacher who fits, rather than relying on whoever is closest. A Seattle student and a Fort Lewis student get the same choice of teacher and the same weekly one-on-one lesson, with one dedicated teacher who learns how the student works.

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.

BlakeMaster’s in Cello

ManuelMaster’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.

Switch or pause anytimeSwitch teachers at no cost, or pause with 24 hours' notice. There's no term to sign up for.

Cello in Washington

Where to hear cello

Cello is heard in chamber and orchestral settings around Washington. In Seattle, the Seattle Chamber Music Society presents chamber performances at Nordstrom Recital Hall from September through May. Tacoma listeners can hear Symphony Tacoma at the Pantages Theater for most concerts, with its Mini Maestros family series at Schneebeck Concert Hall. The Northwest Edvard Grieg Society’s free Nordic chamber music series includes a Tacoma concert featuring cello in April 2027.

Where to play with others

Cellists can look beyond youth orchestras to shared acoustic music-making. The Seattle Folklore Society hosts a monthly bluegrass and acoustic jam on Camano Island that welcomes all acoustic instruments and abilities, so a cellist interested in folk music can join without an audition. A Cape Breton Celtic session in Poulsbo also welcomes fiddles and other instruments. These settings offer a less formal way to play with others than an orchestra audition.

Cello around Washington, area by area

Seattle area

Seattle offers young cellists orchestra routes through SYSO’s MY Southeast and Cadenza programs, which give developing players a chance to build ensemble experience. Tacoma Youth Symphony Association also holds auditions for students entering grades 1–8 and for high school students. In Seattle, young listeners can find free performances and events presented by a local music school, with student ticket discounts for almost all performances.

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

In Spokane, Lilac City Community Band is for wind, brass, and percussion players, so cellists can turn to Spokane Symphony concerts to hear their instrument. K–12 students attend Masterworks concerts free through FASTix, while Pops and Specials tickets are $25. The Spokane Folklore Society’s Fall Folk Festival brings free performances and parking to Spokane each November.

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

Richland’s Mid-Columbia Youth Symphony and Philharmonia give young cellists orchestral playing opportunities, with Cadets serving developing musicians. Full-time students under 21 can get a youth membership to Community Concerts of the Tri-Cities. Richland’s free Tumbleweed Music Festival over Labor Day weekend focuses on acoustic music, offering a different listening experience alongside orchestral repertoire.

School year: Sep 2 to Jun 17, 39 lesson weeks (Kennewick School District)
Town guides: Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, West Richland

Olympia area

Olympia has two youth orchestra routes for cellists: Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia and Olympia Philharmonic, which is open to students age 12 and up studying orchestral instruments. Scherler Sundays brings free, all-ages performances downtown every Sunday in July and August, giving families a relaxed summer option for hearing live music.

School year: Sep 3 to Jun 17, 39 lesson weeks (Olympia School District)
Town guides: Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Yelm

Bremerton area

Gig Harbor’s Harbor Youth Philharmonic offers a youth orchestra route for string players. In Bremerton, the free Summer Concert Series presents community performances on Tuesdays in July. A cellist can build ensemble experience through youth orchestra and hear a wider range of live music at the summer concerts.

School year: Aug 31 to Jun 17, 38 lesson weeks (South Kitsap School District)
Town guides: Bremerton, Bainbridge Island, Silverdale, Port Orchard, Poulsbo

Bellingham area

Bellingham’s North Sound Youth Symphony includes Philharmonia and Symphony levels, while Mount Baker Youth Symphony accepts new students by audition for its Youth Symphony. Western Washington University’s student chamber music concerts in December are open to all at no cost. Students can also buy best available seats at the box office for $10 starting two hours before a regular-season concert with valid student ID, and youth 18 and under can receive up to two free tickets with an adult ticket purchase.

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 Youth Symphony Orchestra and Yakima Ensemble for Strings hold auditions for string players; the fall audition period is in September and early October. Yakima Federal Downtown Summer Nights offers free all-ages concerts on Thursday evenings, while Yakima Valley Community Band gives free public concerts throughout the year, including its summer Concerts In The Parks.

School year: Aug 27 to Jun 9, 39 lesson weeks (Yakima School District)
Town guides: Yakima, Sunnyside, Grandview

Mount Vernon area

Mount Vernon’s Riverwalk Summer Concert Series offers free, family-friendly live music on Thursday evenings in July and August, with concerts starting at 6 p.m. Families can make this a relaxed way to hear live music together during the summer. For a young cellist, listening to performances can provide a chance to notice how different instruments contribute to a group’s sound.

School year: Aug 26 to Jun 16, 41 lesson weeks (Mount Vernon School District)
Town guides: Mount Vernon, Anacortes, Sedro-Woolley

A little cello history in Washington

Washington’s cello history includes both instrument making and performers with ties to the state. Seattle luthier Jason Starkie received the Violin Society of America’s 2018 Certificate of Merit for Cello Tone, while Washington-born cellist Audrey Chen has appeared as a soloist with the Seattle Symphony. The state also brings visiting cello soloists to orchestral audiences, including Nathan Chan in Seattle, Sæunn Thorsteinsdóttir in Burien and Jesse Krentz in Edmonds during the 2026–27 season. For a student, that means cello is heard here as a solo voice as well as an essential part of ensemble playing.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good cello teacher in Washington?

Choose a teacher who can explain how they build bow control, reading and tone for your goals. Lesson With You offers live weekly Zoom lessons with a dedicated teacher, and you can select one yourself or ask for a recommendation.

Do live video cello lessons really work?

Yes, a teacher can hear your sound and see your bow arm, left hand and posture in real time over Zoom. You avoid commuting and can work with a teacher who fits, wherever you are in Washington.

When do Washington schools start teaching cello?

Most school orchestra entry points are in fifth or sixth grade, depending on the district. Evergreen and Olympia offer beginning strings in fifth grade, while Seattle and Spokane introduce orchestra in sixth.

How does a cellist reach Washington's top student honors?

A middle or high school cellist can audition for WMEA All-State orchestra, while a high school student at a WIAA member school can enter regional Solo and Ensemble and advance to state by winning a regional category. MTNA’s cello competition provides another state-to-national solo route.

Can homeschool students enter Washington music contests?

Yes, homeschool students can become eligible for WIAA activities by registering a Declaration of Intent with a public school district and meeting academic requirements. That route can open WIAA/WMEA Solo and Ensemble participation.

What age should a child start cello lessons?

Many children begin when they can manage a cello sized for them and follow basic directions, often before school orchestra starts in fifth or sixth grade. A teacher can tailor early lessons to the child’s size, attention and pace.

Is it too late to learn cello as an adult in Washington?

No, adults can start or return at any age, and weekly lessons can meet you at your current level. South Sound Community Orchestra in Olympia accepts adult players without an audition, while Bellingham Community Chamber Orchestra welcomes new string players.

How much are cello lessons in Washington?

Cello 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.

Cello lesson prices across Washington

Try a Free 30 Minute Cello Lesson in Washington

Find Your Next Cello Teacher in Washington

Blake Kitayama

Manuel Papale

How cello learning works in Washington

How does cello fit school music in Washington?

Who runs what for Washington cellists?

Auditions and events in Washington

How does a cellist reach Washington's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on cello

A teen in Washington

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good cello teacher do?

How do live online cello lessons work?

Cello in Washington

Where to hear cello

Where to play with others

Cello around Washington, area by area

Seattle area

Spokane area

Kennewick area

Olympia area

Bremerton area

Bellingham area

Yakima area

Mount Vernon area

A little cello history in Washington

Start Cello Lessons With a Free Trial

More for Washington

Frequently Asked Questions