Flute Lessons in Minnesota

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

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

Flute lesson prices across Minnesota

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

Meet a Flute Teacher in Minnesota Before You Continue Weekly

The free first lesson is a low-pressure way to meet the teacher, experience the teaching style, and decide whether weekly live online flute lessons feel right for you or your child in Minnesota.

One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
Weekly options for changing family calendars
Build tone, breath support, articulation, and confidence for band, recitals, or personal goals
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70,000+ Lessons taught

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Find Your Next Flute Teacher in Minnesota

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

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How flute learning works in Minnesota

How does flute fit school music in Minnesota?

Flute usually enters Minnesota school music through band, and several districts begin in fifth grade. Minneapolis Public School District offers band to fifth graders at some elementary schools, while Capitol Hill in Saint Paul Public Schools begins in fifth grade with lessons in October; Osseo Area Schools also starts fifth-grade lessons in October. Other programs begin in sixth grade, including Anoka-Hennepin and North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale. Schools differ, and public schools must offer three arts areas without requiring music to be one of them, so private lessons can give you or your child a steady start before band begins.

When school music starts in Minnesota districts

Minneapolis Public School DistrictBand5th grade at some elementary schools

Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625Band5th grade

Anoka-Hennepin Public School DistrictBeginning band and bandMiddle school

Osseo Area SchoolsBand5th grade

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District 196Beginning band5th grade

North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District 622Beginning band6th grade

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191Band5th grade

Eden Prairie Public School DistrictBeginning band5th grade

Who runs what for Minnesota flutists?

Minnesota's student music opportunities are run by different groups, each serving a distinct purpose. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) coordinates high school solo and ensemble contests, while the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) runs All-State auditions and ensembles for band students. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) offers instrument contests, examinations, and a noncompetitive festival, so students can seek performance experience or written feedback. Knowing which route fits your goal matters: school-based honors require the right ensemble connection, while MMTA activities offer another way to develop as a flutist.

Who runs what in Minnesota

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

Runs: Coordinates high school solo, small ensemble, and large ensemble contests.
For: Minnesota high school students

Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)

Runs: Runs All-State Band auditions and ensembles.
For: Eligible high school band students

Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)

Runs: Offers instrument contests, examinations, and solo festivals.
For: Students entered through eligible teachers

Auditions and events in Minnesota

How does a flutist reach Minnesota's top student honors?

For a flute student seeking Minnesota's top school honor, the route is the MMEA All-State Band, not a statewide solo-contest ladder. A student must be a sophomore or junior at audition time, belong in good standing to a secondary-school band through the following February, and have a sponsoring teacher who is a current MMEA and NAfME member. Applications open January 1, 2027, and close at noon on March 2; MMEA selects students from audition scores and placement policies, with final rosters chosen in mid-April. Selected students attend camp July 27–31, 2027, then return for the February 2028 performance. Separately, regional MSHSL solo contests offer school musicians performance opportunities, but regions decide which events they hold.

The flute route in Minnesota, step by step

Check eligibilityMMEA All-State wind auditions are for sophomores and juniors; the 2027 audition platform opens January 1.
Submit audition videoA sponsoring MMEA and NAfME member teacher supports the entry; submissions close at noon March 2, 2027.
Attend campSelected band students attend All-State camp July 27–31, 2027.
PerformStudents return for the All-State performance in February 2028.

The Minnesota flute 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?

For the 2027 MMEA All-State flute audition, students submit video files that include signs, and metronomes are not allowed. The audition is for sophomores and juniors, so a student should build a reliable recording routine well before the March deadline. MMTA's Voice and Instrumental Contest and Solo Festival ask for one repertoire selection, while its Young Artist Contest requires a memorized solo program; repertoire and timing depend on instrument and level. A teacher can shape that preparation over three to six months of weekly lessons, refining tone and musical detail while leaving time to record confidently.

What else is there to enter?

Beyond school honors, flute students can enter the Minnesota Music Teachers Association's Voice and Instrumental Contest, which includes winds and culminates in a winners recital. The same association's solo festival is a noncompetitive option for students who want written judge feedback without competing. Older high school flutists can also consider the Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs' State Student Auditions, open to juniors and seniors when their teacher belongs to the federation. These routes give students different levels of performance pressure and a way to keep growing outside the school band calendar.

Flute 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 can take part in extracurricular activities through their resident public school district on the same basis as public school students. A homeschooled flutist can audition for MMEA All-State by joining a secondary-school band through shared-time participation; a private teacher may sponsor the audition, with band membership verified by April 10. This gives homeschool students a route into the same band-based honors pathway as other eligible students.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on flute

A child can begin flute when they can comfortably hold it and coordinate breathing with finger movements, often before school band begins. Because the first steady tone and smooth finger changes take focused practice, private lessons give you or your child individual guidance that a full band rehearsal cannot provide. Alongside school music, a teacher can help connect a student's part to the ensemble while strengthening the sound and control needed to enjoy playing.

A teen in Minnesota

A teen who begins flute in Minnesota can join school band where it is offered, then build toward regional solo contests or the MMEA All-State Band route. All-State wind auditions are limited to sophomores and juniors, and the application window opens in January, with submissions due in early March. Weekly lessons fit around school rehearsals by giving a student individual attention on tone, rhythm, and confidence, while a teacher helps set a manageable practice plan for the school calendar.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can begin or return to flute without having played since school; the Central Minnesota Community Orchestra brings adult musicians from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, and Little Falls together for fall and spring performances. In Bemidji, the Bemidji Area Community Band welcomes players of every skill level to its summer concert band. A teacher meets you at your current reading and playing level, then helps you build toward ensemble playing or simply enjoy making music again.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good flute teacher do?

A strong flute teacher listens closely to tone, breath, and how comfortably a student coordinates fingers with airflow, then chooses music that fits the student's age and goals. That individual fit matters for a young beginner learning to make a steady sound as much as for a teen preparing a contest selection or an adult returning to music. Lesson With You teachers all hold at least a bachelor's degree in flute, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one. The best match is the teacher whose way of explaining keeps you or your child engaged week after week.

How do live online flute lessons work?

A live Zoom flute lesson lets the teacher hear tone, articulation, and rhythm in real time while watching hand position and posture. Set a phone, tablet, or computer where the flute and your face are both visible, and use headphones only if they do not interfere with hearing your sound. In Minneapolis or Bemidji, you get the same choice of teacher and the same one-on-one weekly lesson, without a commute or a limit to whoever is closest. The regular online rhythm makes it easier to keep a lesson in the week, and the teacher gets to know how you learn.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in fluteEvery Lesson With You flute teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in flute.

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.

Flute in Minnesota

Where to hear flute

Across the state, live music can be an easy way to help you or your child hear how flute lines fit into a larger sound. In St. Cloud, the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra offers a concert package for one student and two adults. Duluth's Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra offers $10 tickets for children ages 13 to 17 and college students with valid ID, and tickets cost $5 for children 12 and under. In Faribault, free Concerts in the Park take place Thursday evenings from mid-June to mid-August.

Where to play with others

Flute students have youth ensemble options beyond school band. In Rochester, Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras' Prelude Winds is for grades 4–8 woodwind, brass, or percussion players with one to two years of experience. The Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra's Pops Orchestra is open to student wind players and recommends at least two years of playing experience, so it offers a next step for a flutist ready to play in an orchestra.

Flute around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

Minneapolis–St. Paul has youth ensembles as well as major concert stages for flute students. Minnesota Youth Symphonies includes a Wind Orchestra, and Minneapolis's Rock U offers a band setting for students. In Saint Paul, eligible Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts have free tickets for students of any age, while Minnesota Opera offers youth rush tickets to people 20 and under on performance day. These choices let families hear orchestral and operatic music.

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 gives young flutists an orchestral route through the Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestras, whose Concert Orchestra accepts woodwind players and requires an audition. Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra offers reduced tickets for children and college students, and Duluth's Music in the Park brings free Tuesday concerts during the summer. A student can hear flute in formal chamber settings and experience outdoor performances as well.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)
Town guides: Duluth, Superior, Hibbing, Cloquet

Rochester area

Rochester offers families a public listening option in summer through the Riverside Music Series, with five free Sunday-evening concerts at Mayo Park in 2027. A flute student can hear a range of live music in an informal outdoor setting, making it a simple way to build concert listening into family life.

Town guides: Rochester

Mankato area

Mankato families have several ways to hear live music beyond school concerts. The Mankato Symphony Orchestra's Symphony on the Prairie in North Mankato is a free-will-donation concert, offering a local setting for listening. For a developing flutist, regular listening can connect school band music with the broader orchestral sound heard in the region.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)
Town guides: Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter

Faribault area

Northfield is a useful place to hear live music: St. Olaf Music Department events are free and open to the public unless noted. Families can choose from performances on campus throughout the year, which gives a young flutist a chance to hear different kinds of music in a concert setting.

Town guides: Faribault, Northfield

Owatonna area

Owatonna's Downtown Thursdays brings free live music on the first Thursday of June through September, adding a regular summer listening option for local families. The program gives you or your child a relaxed way to hear local performers and make live music part of a summer evening.

School year: Aug 31 to Jun 4, 38 lesson weeks (Owatonna Public Schools)
Town guides: Owatonna

Austin area

Austin offers adult flutists a place to play through the New Horizons Band, whose concert band and wind ensemble welcome adult musicians of any age without auditions. For younger listeners, concerts by the Austin Symphony Orchestra are free for children under 18 and college students with valid ID, at Austin High School's Knowlton Auditorium unless noted. Together, these options offer a playing route for adults and a concert option for students.

School year: Aug 19 to May 26, 38 lesson weeks (Austin Public Schools)
Town guides: Austin

A little flute history in Minnesota

Minnesota has a visible flute community, from the Upper Midwest Flute Association's student scholarship competition in Maplewood to its Young Artist Competition for flutists ages 18 to 30. Twin Cities flutist Julia Bogorad-Kogan became principal flute of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at 22, while Duluth flutist Paula Gudmundson has performed at National Flute Association conventions and received a McKnight Fellowship. In 2027, Minneapolis will host the National Flute Association convention and its Flute Ensemble Festival. For a student, that means flute study here connects to local role models and major opportunities to hear the instrument.

Start Flute Lessons at Lesson With You!

One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
Weekly options for changing family calendars
Build tone, breath support, articulation, and confidence for band, recitals, or personal goals
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 flute teacher in Minnesota?

Choose a teacher who listens closely to your tone and breath and shapes lessons around your age, goals, and learning style. Lesson With You offers a free first 30-minute lesson, with no payment method needed, so you can meet a teacher before deciding on weekly lessons.

Do live video flute lessons really work?

Yes, a teacher can hear your tone and articulation and watch your posture and finger movement live over Zoom. A camera that shows your face and flute clearly gives the teacher useful feedback without a commute.

When do Minnesota schools start teaching flute?

Many Minnesota band programs begin in fifth grade, including some Minneapolis elementary schools, Capitol Hill in Saint Paul, and Osseo Area Schools. Other districts start in sixth grade, so the school band entry point depends on where you live.

How does a flutist reach Minnesota's top student honors?

The top school honor route is the MMEA All-State Band audition, open to eligible sophomores and juniors in good standing in a secondary-school band. Students submit an audition video by the early-March deadline, and selected players attend summer camp before the February performance.

Can homeschool students enter Minnesota music contests?

Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students can take part in resident-district extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students. A homeschool flutist can audition for All-State by joining a secondary-school band through shared-time participation.

What age should a child start flute lessons?

A child can start when they can comfortably manage the flute and follow guidance on breathing and finger coordination. Starting before fifth-grade band in many Minnesota districts gives time to build basic tone and note reading.

Is it too late to learn flute as an adult in Minnesota?

No, adults can begin or return to flute at any age, and community groups offer places to play with others. The Roseville Community Band is open to adult musicians without an audition, and the Central Minnesota Community Orchestra brings adult musicians together for fall and spring performances.

How much are flute lessons in Minnesota?

Flute 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.

Flute lesson prices across Minnesota

Meet a Flute Teacher in Minnesota Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Flute Teacher in Minnesota

How flute learning works in Minnesota

How does flute fit school music in Minnesota?

Who runs what for Minnesota flutists?

Auditions and events in Minnesota

How does a flutist reach Minnesota'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 flute

A teen in Minnesota

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good flute teacher do?

How do live online flute lessons work?

Flute in Minnesota

Where to hear flute

Where to play with others

Flute around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

Duluth area

Rochester area

Mankato area

Faribault area

Owatonna area

Austin area

A little flute history in Minnesota

Start Flute Lessons at Lesson With You!

More for Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions