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French Horn Lessons in California

What French horn lessons cost across California, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque - About Us - Lesson With You
Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 29 min read

French horn lesson prices across California

A one-hour French horn lesson in California typically costs $74 to $118, and a half hour $40 to $65. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The San Francisco area runs highest, up to $137 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a French horn lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Town30 minutesOne hourGuides
Los Angeles area
Los Angeles$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Mission Viejo$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Long Beach$41–$68$78–$123LessonsCosts
Anaheim$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Santa Ana$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Irvine$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Santa Clarita$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Huntington Beach$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Glendale$41–$68$78–$123LessonsCosts
Garden Grove$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Lancaster$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Palmdale$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Pomona$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Torrance$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Fullerton$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Orange$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Pasadena$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
East Los Angeles$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
Downey$41–$67$78–$123LessonsCosts
Costa Mesa$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
West Covina$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
El Monte$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Inglewood$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Burbank$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Norwalk$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Carson$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Compton$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
South Gate$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Santa Monica$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Westminster$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Lake Forest$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Whittier$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Hawthorne$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Newport Beach$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Buena Park$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Alhambra$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Lakewood$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Tustin$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Bellflower$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Baldwin Park$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Redondo Beach$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Yorba Linda$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Lynwood$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Laguna Niguel$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
San Clemente$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
La Habra$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Montebello$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Florence-Graham$43–$70$81–$128LessonsCosts
Pico Rivera$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Gardena$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Monterey Park$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Fountain Valley$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
South Whittier$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Arcadia$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Hacienda Heights$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Diamond Bar$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Huntington Park$43–$70$81–$128LessonsCosts
Placentia$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Paramount$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Aliso Viejo$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Glendora$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Rosemead$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Covina$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Cypress$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Azusa$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Cerritos$41–$66$76–$122LessonsCosts
Brea$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
La Mirada$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Rancho Santa Margarita$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Rowland Heights$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Altadena$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Rancho Palos Verdes$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Culver City$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Stanton$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
San Gabriel$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Bell Gardens$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Monrovia$40–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
La Puente$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Claremont$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Temple City$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
San Juan Capistrano$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
West Hollywood$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
Manhattan Beach$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Westmont$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
San Dimas$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Dana Point$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Bell$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Beverly Hills$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Lawndale$43–$70$80–$127LessonsCosts
Laguna Hills$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
La Verne$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Walnut$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
South Pasadena$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
North Tustin$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
West Whittier-Los Nietos$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Seal Beach$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Maywood$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Ladera Ranch$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
San Fernando$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
East San Gabriel$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
West Rancho Dominguez$41–$67$76–$122LessonsCosts
Laguna Beach$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
Calabasas$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
West Puente Valley$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Duarte$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
West Carson$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Cudahy$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Willowbrook$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Stevenson Ranch$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
Valinda$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Lomita$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
La Cañada Flintridge$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Agoura Hills$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
La Crescenta-Montrose$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Lennox$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
South El Monte$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Hermosa Beach$42–$69$79–$127LessonsCosts
Santa Fe Springs$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Castaic$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Laguna Woods$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
South San Jose Hills$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
El Segundo$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Artesia$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Vincent$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
La Palma$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Coto de Caza$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Walnut Park$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
East Rancho Dominguez$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Hawaiian Gardens$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Lake Los Angeles$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Palos Verdes Estates$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Avocado Heights$41–$67$76–$122LessonsCosts
San Marino$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Commerce$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Rancho Mission Viejo$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Los Alamitos$40–$66$76–$120LessonsCosts
Rossmoor$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Quartz Hill$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Signal Hill$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
View Park-Windsor Hills$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Del Aire$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Sun Village$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Sierra Madre$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Citrus$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Malibu$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
San Francisco area
San Francisco$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
Concord$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Oakland$45–$73$84–$133LessonsCosts
Antioch$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Fremont$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Hayward$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Berkeley$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Richmond$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
San Mateo$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Daly City$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
San Leandro$44–$72$83–$133LessonsCosts
San Ramon$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Livermore$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Redwood City$45–$73$83–$133LessonsCosts
Alameda$45–$73$84–$133LessonsCosts
Pleasanton$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Pittsburg$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Dublin$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Walnut Creek$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Union City$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Brentwood$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Castro Valley$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
South San Francisco$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
San Rafael$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Novato$43–$70$80–$127LessonsCosts
Newark$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Oakley$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Danville$43–$70$81–$128LessonsCosts
San Bruno$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Pacifica$44–$72$83–$131LessonsCosts
Martinez$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Pleasant Hill$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Foster City$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Menlo Park$44–$72$83–$132LessonsCosts
San Pablo$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Burlingame$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
San Carlos$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
San Lorenzo$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
East Palo Alto$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
Belmont$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
Hercules$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
El Cerrito$45–$73$83–$133LessonsCosts
Lafayette$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Bay Point$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Millbrae$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Ashland$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Orinda$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Albany$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Pinole$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Moraga$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Discovery Bay$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Alamo$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Cherryland$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Mill Valley$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
North Fair Oaks$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
Emeryville$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
Larkspur$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
San Anselmo$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Half Moon Bay$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Hillsborough$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Piedmont$44–$72$83–$132LessonsCosts
Clayton$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Fairview$44–$71$81–$130LessonsCosts
Riverside area
Riverside$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Indio$35–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Victorville$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
San Bernardino$37–$59$68–$109LessonsCosts
Fontana$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Moreno Valley$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Hemet$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Ontario$37–$59$68–$109LessonsCosts
Rancho Cucamonga$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Corona$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Murrieta$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Temecula$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Menifee$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
Jurupa Valley$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Rialto$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Hesperia$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Chino$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Perris$35–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Upland$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Chino Hills$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Apple Valley$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Redlands$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Lake Elsinore$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Eastvale$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Highland$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Beaumont$35–$57$66–$104LessonsCosts
San Jacinto$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Yucaipa$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Colton$36–$59$68–$109LessonsCosts
Cathedral City$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
Palm Desert$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
French Valley$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Palm Springs$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Coachella$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
La Quinta$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Adelanto$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Montclair$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Wildomar$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Desert Hot Springs$34–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Banning$35–$57$65–$103LessonsCosts
Temescal Valley$36–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Twentynine Palms$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Bloomington$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Loma Linda$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Barstow$35–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Norco$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Yucca Valley$33–$54$63–$100LessonsCosts
East Hemet$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Mead Valley$34–$56$64–$103LessonsCosts
Valle Vista$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Phelan$34–$55$64–$101LessonsCosts
Rancho Mirage$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Blythe$35–$57$65–$103LessonsCosts
Woodcrest$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
El Sobrante$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Grand Terrace$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Lakeland Village$35–$57$65–$103LessonsCosts
Muscoy$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Big Bear City$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Canyon Lake$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Calimesa$34–$55$64–$101LessonsCosts
Lake Arrowhead$34–$55$63–$101LessonsCosts
Home Gardens$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
San Diego area
San Diego$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Chula Vista$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Oceanside$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Escondido$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Carlsbad$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
El Cajon$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Vista$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
San Marcos$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Encinitas$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
La Mesa$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Santee$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
National City$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Poway$37–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
La Presa$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Fallbrook$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Spring Valley$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Lemon Grove$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Imperial Beach$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Ramona$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Lakeside$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Winter Gardens$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Rancho San Diego$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Casa de Oro-Mount Helix$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Coronado$38–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Bostonia$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Camp Pendleton South$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Alpine$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Solana Beach$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Bonita$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Valley Center$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Sacramento area
Sacramento$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Elk Grove$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts
Roseville$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Arden-Arcade$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Citrus Heights$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Folsom$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Rancho Cordova$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Davis$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Carmichael$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Rocklin$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Woodland$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
West Sacramento$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Lincoln$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
El Dorado Hills$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Florin$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Antelope$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
North Highlands$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Vineyard$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Foothill Farms$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Orangevale$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Fair Oaks$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Galt$38–$62$71–$114LessonsCosts
Rosemont$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Granite Bay$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
South Lake Tahoe$35–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Cameron Park$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Rio Linda$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Parkway$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Lemon Hill$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Auburn$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
North Auburn$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
La Riviera$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Diamond Springs$36–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Placerville$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
San Jose area
San Jose$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Sunnyvale$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Santa Clara$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Gilroy$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Mountain View$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Milpitas$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Palo Alto$41–$66$76–$122LessonsCosts
Cupertino$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Morgan Hill$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Hollister$42–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Campbell$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Los Gatos$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Los Altos$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Saratoga$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Stanford$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Alum Rock$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Fresno area
Fresno$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Clovis$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Madera$35–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Sanger$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Reedley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Selma$33–$54$63–$99LessonsCosts
Chowchilla$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Coalinga$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Kerman$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Parlier$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Kingsburg$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Mendota$37–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Oxnard area
Oxnard$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Thousand Oaks$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
Simi Valley$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
San Buenaventura$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Camarillo$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Moorpark$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Santa Paula$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Port Hueneme$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Fillmore$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Oak Park$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Bakersfield area
Bakersfield$34–$55$63–$101LessonsCosts
Delano$35–$57$66–$104LessonsCosts
Oildale$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
East Niles$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Ridgecrest$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Wasco$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Rosamond$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Shafter$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Arvin$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Rosedale$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
California City$32–$48$59–$87LessonsCosts
McFarland$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Lamont$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Tehachapi$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
East Bakersfield$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Hillcrest$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Stockton area
Stockton$38–$61$71–$112LessonsCosts
Tracy$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Manteca$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Lodi$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Lathrop$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Mountain House$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Ripon$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Garden Acres$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Modesto area
Modesto$37–$60$69–$111LessonsCosts
Turlock$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Ceres$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Riverbank$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Patterson$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Oakdale$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Salida$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Newman$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Santa Barbara area
Santa Barbara$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts
Santa Maria$40–$66$76–$120LessonsCosts
Lompoc$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Goleta$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Orcutt$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Eastern Goleta Valley$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Isla Vista$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Carpinteria$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
University of California-Santa Barbara$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Vallejo area
Vallejo$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Fairfield$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Vacaville$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Suisun City$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
Benicia$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Dixon$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Salinas area
Salinas$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Seaside$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Monterey$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Soledad$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Marina$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Greenfield$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Prunedale$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts
Pacific Grove$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
King City$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Santa Rosa area
Santa Rosa$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Petaluma$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Rohnert Park$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Windsor$37–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Healdsburg$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Sonoma$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Visalia area
Visalia$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Tulare$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Porterville$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Dinuba$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Lindsay$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Farmersville$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Merced area
Merced$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Los Banos$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Atwater$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Livingston$34–$55$63–$101LessonsCosts
Winton$33–$54$63–$99LessonsCosts
Delhi$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Santa Cruz area
Santa Cruz$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Watsonville$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Live Oak$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Scotts Valley$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Soquel$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
El Paso de Robles area
El Paso de Robles$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
San Luis Obispo$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Atascadero$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Arroyo Grande$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Nipomo$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Los Osos$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Grover Beach$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Morro Bay$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
Yuba City area
Yuba City$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
Linda$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Olivehurst$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Marysville$34–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Hanford area
Hanford$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Lemoore$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Corcoran$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Avenal$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
El Centro area
El Centro$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Calexico$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Brawley$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Imperial$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Redding area
Redding$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Anderson$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Chico area
Chico$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Oroville$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Napa area
Napa$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
American Canyon$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Eureka area
Eureka$39–$63$73–$115LessonsCosts
Arcata$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
McKinleyville$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Fortuna$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Truckee area
Truckee$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Grass Valley$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Other California towns
Clearlake$39–$63$73–$115LessonsCosts
Red Bluff$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
Susanville$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Ukiah$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts

Find Your Next French Horn Teacher in California

Browse french horn teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in California.

1 french horn instructor available in the next 5 days
Gray Smiley

Gray Smiley

Doctorate in French HornPatient & ThoroughEar Training CoachPopular
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 5 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
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How French horn learning works in California

How does French horn fit school music in California?

French horn enters California school music through band, but the starting grade depends on the district. San Francisco Unified School District and San Diego Unified School District offer band to incoming sixth graders, while Sacramento City Unified School District has beginning band in grades 4–8 and Capistrano Unified School District begins in fifth grade. Some schools also lend instruments: Sacramento City Unified provides band instruments and accessories free at Sam Brannan Middle School. Ask the school which band is open to beginners and whether a horn is available to borrow.

When school music starts in California districts

San Francisco Unified School DistrictBandIncoming sixth grade
San Diego Unified School DistrictBandIncoming sixth grade
Sacramento City Unified School DistrictBeginning bandGrades 4–8
Capistrano Unified School DistrictBeginning bandGrade 5
Fresno Unified School DistrictBandGrade 6
Mt. Diablo Unified School DistrictBeginning bandGrade 6
Anaheim Union High School DistrictBeginning bandGrades 7–8
Kern High School DistrictBeginning bandGrades 9–12

Who runs what for California horn players?

California offers two distinct routes for young horn players: school band honors through the California Band Directors Association (CBDA), and solo performance opportunities through the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). CBDA’s All-State bands require students to participate in their school’s large ensemble band program, while CMEA’s State Solo & Ensemble Festival recognizes individual and small-group performances. The California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) also runs All-State orchestra auditions for students in grades 7–12, but horn players use the applicable CBDA wind, brass and percussion audition materials. Knowing which route fits your goal helps you plan school participation and preparation.

Who runs what in California

California Music Educators Association (CMEA)

Runs
Runs regional and state solo and ensemble festivals.
For
School music students qualifying through a regional festival.

California Band Directors Association (CBDA)

Runs
Offers All-State Honor Bands and Honor Jazz Bands.
For
Junior high and high school students in school large ensembles.

California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA)

Runs
Auditions students for junior high and high school All-State orchestras.
For
Students in grades 7–12.

Auditions and events in California

How does a horn player reach California's top student honors?

For a school-age horn player, the clearest route to California’s top honors begins with participation in a school large ensemble band, which CBDA requires for its All-State Honor Bands. The next step is the CBDA audition for the applicable wind, brass and percussion opportunity; horn students use the same audition material for the symphony orchestras as for the honor bands. CBDA posts All-State Honor Band lists in mid-November, and selected students perform at CASMEC in Sacramento, January 13–17, 2027. A separate route is CMEA’s State Solo & Ensemble Festival: students qualify through a regional festival, then perform at the state festival in Northern or Southern California in May. These routes serve different goals, ensemble honors or a solo performance.

The French horn route in California, step by step

  1. Choose a playing routeA school band player can pursue CBDA honors; a soloist or small ensemble player can seek regional CMEA qualification.
  2. Plan the seasonCBDA honor band lists are posted in mid-November; CMEA state solo and ensemble performances take place in May.

The California French horn year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

2027 California State Band and Orchestra FestivalCalifornia Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 30

2027 California State Solo & Ensemble FestivalCalifornia Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Nov to Feb

Start the piece Nov to FebMay 7–8

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For a CBDA All-State audition, a horn player prepares the scales and excerpts in the materials for the appropriate school level; the high school scale sheets apply to all high school ensembles. The wind and percussion audition material also serves for symphony orchestra consideration, so one focused preparation plan can support either opportunity. MTAC’s Certificate of Merit examination includes repertoire, sight reading, theory, ear training and technique, giving students another structured way to build musicianship. In weekly lessons, a teacher can break an event piece into manageable work; three to six months is a useful preparation window for a substantial audition or festival piece.

What else is there to enter?

Beyond the All-State route, CMEA’s State Solo & Ensemble Festival gives horn players a performance goal as a soloist or small ensemble member after regional qualification. Registration for the 2027 festival opens February 1, with performances in May in Northern and Southern California. North Coast CMEA’s festival charges $20 per solo or $25 per ensemble; an accompanist is optional, and a festival accompanist costs $15. These opportunities suit players who want a focused performance experience without making an All-State band audition their only aim.

French horn events in California, 2026–27

2027 California State Solo & Ensemble Festival

California Music Educators Association

When
May 7–8, 2027 (Northern California); May 22, 2027 (Southern California)
Entry
Ask the organizer
Who
School music students who qualify through a regional solo and ensemble festival

2027 California State Band and Orchestra Festival

California Music Educators Association

When
April 30, 2027
Entry
Ask the organizer
Who
School bands and orchestras

Homeschool and private school students

CBDA’s All-State Honor Band route is for students taking part in a school’s large ensemble band program, so it does not offer an independent route for homeschool horn players. A homeschool student can instead pursue CMEA’s State Solo & Ensemble Festival by qualifying through a regional solo and ensemble festival. That gives you a performance goal centered on individual or small-group playing rather than participation in a school band.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on French horn

A child can begin French horn when they can comfortably hold the instrument and form a steady embouchure around its mouthpiece. A private teacher helps build controlled air, a clear tone, and note reading before school band begins, then supports the transition into ensemble playing. That individual attention matters because the horn’s part depends on accurate pitches and a reliable sound, so your child can contribute with confidence as school music becomes part of the week.

A teen in California

A teen who is new to horn can start in a school beginning band, including the grades 9–12 option in Kern High School District. If the goal is stronger ensemble playing or an eventual honor audition, weekly individual lessons give the student focused work alongside rehearsals and school demands. Teens already playing in band can use that time to strengthen tone, reading, and confidence, making steady progress without needing to make every practice session a major undertaking.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can find French horn ensemble opportunities in several parts of California. Solano Winds Community Concert Band in Fairfield welcomes new members for almost every concert set, and Claremont Symphony Orchestra in Claremont holds auditions year-round. Starting later or returning after a break is entirely workable; a teacher can meet you at your current level and build tone, reading, and stamina toward playing with others.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good French horn teacher do?

A good horn teacher helps a student form a clear tone without forcing the sound, and builds breathing, reading and reliable entrances in small steps. In California, that foundation can support a young beginner joining school band or a more advanced player preparing CBDA excerpts or CMEA solo work. Adults returning to the instrument need a different pace from teens balancing rehearsals, so fit matters alongside a teacher’s training. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in horn. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one who fits your goals, age and learning style.

How do live online French horn lessons work?

A live Zoom lesson lets your teacher hear tone, rhythm and articulation in real time, and see your posture, horn position and breathing. Set the camera far enough back to show your upper body and instrument, and use a quiet room where the horn can be heard clearly. Online lessons are one-on-one each week with the same dedicated teacher, so feedback builds from one session to the next without a commute. A student in Los Angeles and a student in Alpine have the same choice of teacher and the same lesson; the useful difference is access to a teacher who fits, not just the closest one.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in hornEvery Lesson With You French horn teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in horn.
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Practice goals every weekEach lesson ends with what to practice before the next one.
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French horn in California

Where to hear French horn

California offers several ways to hear the horn in concert. In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Philharmonic performs at Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and The Ford, with student tickets available through Student Insiders. In Monterey, the Monterey Jazz Festival brings together jazz artists and ensembles, giving a student a chance to listen for the horn’s place in a broader range of concert music.

Where to play with others

Youth orchestras give California horn students an ensemble route beyond school band. The Young People’s Symphony Orchestra in Berkeley lists horn openings, while Golden State Youth Orchestra in Redwood City accepts audition requests from musicians ages 6–18 and has brass openings. In Palo Alto, California Youth Symphony lists horn places in its Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble. Adults have a different route: the Coastside Community Orchestra in Half Moon Bay welcomes musicians at all levels without auditions, while community concert bands such as Solano Winds in Fairfield welcome new members for most concert sets. Each group offers a different balance of audition and open participation.

French horn around California, area by area

Los Angeles area

Young horn players in Los Angeles can look to the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, which auditions new students. The MAC·LA summer concert series at MacArthur Park is free for all ages, offering a public concert option alongside youth ensemble playing. These are distinct ways for a family to make music part of its routine: one involves preparing to play with an orchestra, and the other is a free community listening event.

San Francisco area

For playing opportunities, Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra and East Bay Youth Orchestra are options in the region, though East Bay’s Prelude Strings and Concert Orchestra groups are for strings rather than horn. The Golden Gate Park Band gives families a free, family-friendly concert option, typically on Sundays from late April to early October. Together, these offer a way to consider ensemble playing and public listening without repeating the San Francisco Symphony ticket offer.

School year
Aug 17 to Jun 2, 38 lesson weeks (San Francisco Unified School District)

Riverside area

Riverside Youth Orchestra accepts horn players by audition and rehearses at UC Riverside, giving students in the area an orchestra option. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival offers free performances on summer Tuesdays and Fridays, so families can also hear live music in a public setting. Together, these choices give a horn student a way to play with an ensemble and a separate way to listen.

San Diego area

The Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra in San Diego serves standard band and orchestral instruments and places students by audition. Its Solana Beach ensembles offer financial assistance to qualifying families. Most UC San Diego Department of Music events in La Jolla are free and open to the public, giving students another way to hear performances. These options connect ensemble participation with listening opportunities across the area.

School year
Aug 10 to May 26, 38 lesson weeks (San Diego Unified School District)

Sacramento area

The Camellia Symphony Orchestra in Sacramento holds auditions for its season, and applicants can use music of their choice, ideally two contrasting works. Its Juniors and Cadets are strings groups, so horn players should distinguish those from the orchestra audition route when considering where to play. Sacramento’s free Concerts in the Park and Sacramento State’s Opera Theatre performances offer additional ways to hear live music.

School year
Aug 11 to May 27, 38 lesson weeks (Sacramento City Unified School District)

San Jose area

San Jose Wind Symphony lists French horn openings and holds open auditions, giving local horn players a specific ensemble route. San Jose Youth Symphony membership is by audition or invitation, another option for students seeking an ensemble. The free public noon-time concert series at San José State University features faculty, students and visiting artists, while Symphony San Jose offers accompanying guests age 17 or younger half-price single tickets, with some exclusions.

School year
Aug 6 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (East Side Union High School District)

Fresno area

Youth Orchestras of Fresno offers several orchestra placements for horn players seeking an auditioned ensemble. Fresno Philharmonic Saturday Masterworks concerts offer free tickets to student groups in seventh grade and above, while Engelmann Cellars in Fresno has free, family-friendly live music on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. Those settings let families hear both orchestral and informal live music in Fresno.

School year
Aug 17 to Jun 10, 38 lesson weeks (Fresno Unified School District)

Oxnard area

Thousand Oaks is home to Lyceum Oaks Youth Orchestra, whose audition information includes French horn and generally requires applicants to audition in person. In Ventura, Ventura Music Festival offers student tickets for all performances, and students under 18 do not need school identification. Together, these provide a playing opportunity and a separate concert option for horn students in the broader area.

School year
Aug 12 to Jun 2, 39 lesson weeks (Oxnard Union High School District)

A little French horn history in California

California has a direct connection to brass instrument making: F. E. Olds established his instrument company in Los Angeles in 1908. Today, horn players can hear the instrument in the California Symphony, whose roster includes principal horn Alex Camphouse, and in Los Angeles Philharmonic performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. These are different parts of the state’s musical life, but both show how the horn moves between orchestral color and a defined section role. For a student, that context makes school band and orchestra work feel connected to the professional sound of the instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a teacher who explains tone, breathing, and horn technique in a way that fits your age and goals. Lesson With You offers live weekly Zoom lessons with one dedicated teacher, and you can choose a teacher or ask us for a recommendation.

Yes, weekly live lessons provide real-time feedback on your playing without a commute. In Los Angeles or Alpine, you can work with a teacher who fits rather than being limited to whoever is closest.

There is no single starting grade across California; French horn is usually part of school band, and districts open band at different ages. San Francisco and San Diego offer band to incoming sixth graders, while Sacramento City has beginning band in grades 4–8 and Capistrano Unified begins in fifth grade.

For CBDA All-State Honor Bands, a student must first take part in the school’s large ensemble band program, then audition using the applicable wind, brass, and percussion materials. Selected ensembles perform at CASMEC in Sacramento; a separate CMEA route is the State Solo & Ensemble Festival, reached through a regional festival.

A homeschool student can pursue the CMEA State Solo & Ensemble Festival by qualifying through a regional festival. CBDA’s All-State Honor Band route is for students who take part in a school large ensemble band program, so it does not describe an independent homeschool route.

A child can start when they are comfortable holding the horn and using its mouthpiece; readiness matters more than a fixed age. Private lessons can begin before California school band starts, then support the child alongside band when their district opens a place.

No, adults can begin or return to French horn at any age. Groups such as Solano Winds in Fairfield and the Claremont Symphony Orchestra in Claremont offer ensemble goals, and a teacher can build skills at your pace.

French horn lessons in California typically cost about $88 an hour, or $40 to $65 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.