Guitar Lessons in New Jersey

What guitar lessons cost across New Jersey, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 17 min read

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

Guitar lesson prices across New Jersey

A one-hour guitar lesson in New Jersey typically costs $78 to $125, and a half hour $42 to $68. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Newark area runs highest, up to $135 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a guitar 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
Newark area
Newark	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Jersey City	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Paterson	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Elizabeth	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Clifton	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Bayonne	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
East Orange	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Passaic	$44–$72	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Union City	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Hoboken	$45–$73	$84–$134	Lessons Costs
New Brunswick	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Perth Amboy	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Plainfield	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
West New York	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Hackensack	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Sayreville	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Linden	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Kearny	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Fort Lee	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Fair Lawn	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Garfield	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Long Branch	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Westfield	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Rahway	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Englewood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Bergenfield	$43–$70	$81–$128	Lessons Costs
Paramus	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Ridgewood	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Lodi	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Cliffside Park	$44–$72	$83–$133	Lessons Costs
Carteret	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
South Plainfield	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
North Plainfield	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Somerset	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Summit	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Roselle	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Hillsborough	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Secaucus	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Elmwood Park	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Parsippany	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Morristown	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Harrison	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Palisades Park	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Hawthorne	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Iselin	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Tinton Falls	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
Point Pleasant	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Ocean Acres	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Rutherford	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Colonia	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Dover	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Preakness	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Dumont	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Avenel	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
New Milford	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
North Arlington	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Madison	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
South River	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Princeton Meadows	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Tenafly	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Asbury Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Metuchen	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Highland Park	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fairview	$44–$71	$82–$131	Lessons Costs
Short Hills	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
West Freehold	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Ramsey	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Edgewater	$44–$71	$82–$130	Lessons Costs
Middlesex	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
Hopatcong	$40–$66	$76–$120	Lessons Costs
Bradley Gardens	$41–$67	$78–$123	Lessons Costs
Roselle Park	$43–$70	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
New Providence	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Eatontown	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Florham Park	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Somerville	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield Park	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$42–$69	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Holiday City-Berkeley	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Red Bank	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Fords	$42–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Oakland	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Upper Montclair	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Bound Brook	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Glen Rock	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Hasbrouck Heights	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
River Edge	$43–$69	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Robertsville	$41–$67	$77–$122	Lessons Costs
Wallington	$43–$71	$81–$129	Lessons Costs
Guttenberg	$45–$74	$85–$135	Lessons Costs
Ringwood	$39–$64	$73–$116	Lessons Costs
Martinsville	$40–$65	$75–$119	Lessons Costs
Ridgefield	$42–$68	$79–$125	Lessons Costs
Westwood	$42–$69	$79–$126	Lessons Costs
Wanaque	$40–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Beachwood	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Franklin Lakes	$40–$66	$75–$120	Lessons Costs
East Franklin	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Pompton Lakes	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Lake Hiawatha	$43–$70	$80–$128	Lessons Costs
Little Ferry	$43–$70	$80–$127	Lessons Costs
Pompton Plains	$41–$66	$76–$122	Lessons Costs
Totowa	$41–$67	$77–$123	Lessons Costs
Lincoln Park	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Oak Ridge	$40–$65	$74–$118	Lessons Costs
Manville	$42–$68	$78–$125	Lessons Costs
The Hills	$42–$68	$78–$124	Lessons Costs
Budd Lake	$41–$66	$76–$121	Lessons Costs
Trenton area
Trenton	$37–$61	$70–$112	Lessons Costs
Princeton	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Mercerville	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Hamilton Square	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
White Horse	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Camden area
Camden	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Sicklerville	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Glassboro	$35–$58	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Lindenwold	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Springdale	$35–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Williamstown	$35–$57	$66–$104	Lessons Costs
Moorestown-Lenola	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Cherry Hill Mall	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Westmont	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Echelon	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Bellmawr	$36–$58	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Greentree	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Gloucester City	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Marlton	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Pine Hill	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Vineland area
Vineland	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Millville	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Atlantic City area
Atlantic City	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Pleasantville	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Hammonton	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Ocean City	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
McKee City	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Somers Point	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Other New Jersey towns
Phillipsburg	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs

Meet a Guitar Teacher in New Jersey Before You Continue Weekly

A good first lesson should leave the student feeling comfortable with the teacher and clearer about what to practice next.

Meet your guitar teacher before continuing weekly
Work with the same dedicated teacher each week
Get live feedback on chords, rhythm, songs, and setup
Choose 30, 45, or 60 minutes after the first lesson

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in New Jersey

Browse guitar teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in New Jersey.

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

5 guitar instructors available in the next 5 days

Will Orchard

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarMulti-Genre SpecialistTheory ExpertiseStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in New Jersey via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Will

Gabriel Maia

Top Rated 5.0

Master’s in GuitarTechnique ExpertVersatile RepertoireStudent Favorite

Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English, Portuguese, Spanish🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in New Jersey via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Gabriel

Jacob Billings

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in GuitarPatient & ThoroughVersatile RepertoirePopular

Genres: Acoustic, Classical, Electric Guitar

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in New Jersey via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Jacob

Jess Kerber

Top Rated 5.0

Bachelor’s in SingingFun & UpbeatWarm & EncouragingPopular

Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in New Jersey via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Jess

How guitar learning works in New Jersey

How does guitar fit school music in New Jersey?

New Jersey requires regular, sequential music instruction from kindergarten through grade 12, but the state does not set a guitar-specific school entry point. In Princeton Public Schools, elementary band and orchestra begin in third grade, while Evesham Township School District starts orchestra as early as third grade and band in fourth; Summit Public Schools usually begins full band or orchestra rehearsals for fourth graders in November. Those routes show when ensemble music starts in some districts, while a guitarist should ask the school what opportunities its music program includes.

Who runs what for New Jersey guitarists?

New Jersey guitarists have two distinct routes to student recognition. The New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA) offers an Honors Guitar Ensemble audition, while the New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA) runs competitions and recital auditions through participating teachers. NJMEA connects students with a school-music honor; NJMTA offers performance opportunities through a teacher. NJMTA events generally require six months of study with the student’s current teacher, except for the Piano Festival, so a guitarist should plan ahead before entering a competition.

Who runs what in New Jersey

New Jersey Music Educators Association (NJMEA)

Runs: Runs the Honors Guitar Ensemble audition.
For: Student guitarists seeking a state music honor.

New Jersey Music Teachers Association (NJMTA)

Runs: Offers Young Musicians Competitions and recital auditions.
For: Students registered by participating teachers.

Auditions and events in New Jersey

How does a guitarist reach New Jersey's top student honors?

For a New Jersey guitarist, the clearest state-level student honor is NJMEA’s Honors Guitar Ensemble. A student prepares for its audition and, if selected, joins the ensemble; NJMTA’s Young Musicians Competition is a separate performance route rather than a step toward that honor. For NJMTA, a teacher registers the student online, and solo entries cost $80 while ensemble members pay $45 each. The two organizations serve different aims, so first decide whether your goal is an ensemble honor or a competition performance. Then work with your teacher to set a preparation timeline for the relevant opportunity.

The guitar route in New Jersey, step by step

Honors Guitar EnsembleStudents audition for NJMEA’s state-level guitar honor; the season’s timing is not stated.
NJMTA Young Musicians CompetitionA teacher registers the student online; the competition offers a separate performance opportunity.

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Beyond learning the event material, guitarists benefit from steady work on clean fretting, reliable rhythm and listening while playing with other musicians. Those habits make a prepared performance more secure and help a student stay responsive instead of concentrating only on individual notes. In weekly lessons, allow three to six months to develop and polish an event piece; the time gives the player room to build confidence as well as accuracy.

What else is there to enter?

NJMTA’s Young Musicians Competitions give guitar students a judged performance opportunity, while its recital auditions suit students who want to prepare and share music without making competition the focus. The association also runs a spring piano festival, which is not a guitar event. A guitarist can choose a goal that matches their appetite for evaluation, from entering a competition to preparing a recital performance with a teacher.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on guitar

A child can begin guitar when the instrument fits comfortably and short periods of focused practice are manageable. New Jersey schools introduce music early, though school ensemble entry points differ: Princeton starts elementary band and orchestra in third grade, and Summit usually begins full rehearsals in fourth grade. A private teacher gives a young guitarist individual attention to build basic technique and confidence before or alongside school music. That separate support lets the child progress at a pace suited to their age and readiness.

A teen in New Jersey

A teen can begin guitar without waiting for a school ensemble, since New Jersey’s school music requirements include general arts instruction rather than a guitar-specific route. For a student seeking recognition, NJMEA’s Honors Guitar Ensemble offers an audition path, while NJMTA competitions provide a separate performance goal through a teacher. Weekly lessons give a teen regular time to develop as a player alongside school commitments, and the teacher can help choose a goal that feels manageable and worthwhile.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults in New Jersey can play guitar with others through the New Jersey Guitar Orchestra, a classical ensemble that draws players from across the state. In Medford, the South Jersey Acoustic Roots Music Society holds a monthly jam, while The Birdhouse Center for the Arts hosts a monthly open folk jam in Lambertville and the Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association of New Jersey holds seasonal jams in Little Silver. It is never too late to begin or return. Our teacher meets you at your current level and helps shape a weekly plan around your musical aims.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good guitar teacher do?

A good guitar teacher can help a student develop a secure foundation while choosing music that fits their goals, age and personality. A young beginner often benefits from small, clear steps; a teen working toward an ensemble honor needs purposeful progress; an adult returning to guitar may want to reconnect with familiar music. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in guitar, but the right personal fit matters too. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend someone whose approach suits the way you learn.

How do live online guitar lessons work?

A live one-on-one Zoom guitar lesson gives your teacher a real-time view of your hands and a clear chance to hear your timing, tone and chord changes. Set the camera so the teacher can see both the fretboard and picking hand, and keep your instrument ready in the same practice space you use during the week. There is no commute, so it is easier to keep a weekly rhythm and return to the setup between lessons. A student in Trenton and a student in Fairview have the same choice of teacher and the same lesson, making it possible to find a good fit rather than relying on whoever is closest.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

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

GabrielMaster’s in Guitar

WillBachelor’s in Guitar

JacobBachelor’s in Guitar

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.

Guitar in New Jersey

Where to hear guitar

A guitarist can hear live music in a range of New Jersey settings. The Middlesex County Jazz Festival offers free public admission to events in communities including New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Carteret and Metuchen; its Metuchen date is November 21, 2026. In Jersey City, the Jersey City Jazz Festival centers its programming on the last weekend in May and offers a Student Pass for ages 12–21. These events give students a chance to hear how guitar works within jazz groups and other live ensembles.

Where to play with others

The New Jersey Guitar Orchestra offers classical guitarists an ensemble setting, with opportunities to hear its performances at Kean GuitarFest in Union and WPU GuitarFest in Wayne. Guitarists drawn to informal playing can find open folk music in Lambertville, where The Birdhouse Center for the Arts welcomes all playing levels. These settings offer different ways to take part: a dedicated guitar ensemble for classical repertoire, or a community jam for playing alongside others in a less formal setting.

Guitar around New Jersey, area by area

Trenton area

For free live music, Trenton’s Summer Concert Series presents performances in styles including jazz, blues, R&B and Latin music. Princeton University Summer Chamber Concerts offers a different listening experience, with free chamber performances and tickets available about a week before each event. Together, the concerts give guitarists in Trenton, Princeton, Mercerville, Hamilton Square and White Horse a chance to hear both popular music and small-ensemble playing.

Town guides: Trenton, Princeton, Mercerville, Hamilton Square, White Horse

Vineland area

Vineland’s Giampietro Park Concert Series brings free performances to the Enrico Serra Band Shell at 7:00 p.m. The concerts offer guitarists in Vineland and Millville a local opportunity to hear live music in an outdoor setting. Students can also explore classical repertoire through New Jersey Symphony performances in different parts of the state, with student tickets available for eligible concerts.

Town guides: Vineland, Millville

Atlantic City area

Summer brings free live performances to the Atlantic City area: the Boardwalk series takes place at Kennedy Plaza, while Ventnor’s Summer Concert Series offers Saturday shows at Newport Avenue Beach and Wednesday shows at Ski Beach. These concerts give guitarists in Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Ocean City, McKee City and Somers Point a chance to hear live music close to home and enjoy the area’s seasonal concert programming.

Town guides: Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Hammonton, Ocean City, McKee City, Somers Point

A little guitar history in New Jersey

New Jersey has a documented history of guitar making and an established classical guitar ensemble. Newark’s Harptone Company began making Supreme acoustic guitars in the mid-1960s under luthier Sam Koontz, then continued producing Harptone acoustic guitars in New Jersey until it was sold in 1975. Garrett Lee established a New Jersey workshop in 2006 specializing in double-top classical guitars. The New Jersey Guitar Orchestra, founded in 2021, brings classical guitarists together. For a student, these examples connect the instrument to both local craft and shared performance.

Start Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You

Meet your guitar teacher before continuing weekly
Work with the same dedicated teacher each week
Get live feedback on chords, rhythm, songs, and setup
Choose 30, 45, or 60 minutes after the first lesson

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good guitar teacher in New Jersey?

Choose a teacher whose approach fits your goals, age and way of learning, whether you want to play for yourself or pursue an ensemble opportunity. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in guitar, and you can choose a teacher or ask us to recommend one.

Do live video guitar lessons really work?

Yes, a live Zoom lesson lets your teacher hear your timing and tone and see your fretting and picking hands in real time. You learn one-on-one at home without a commute, with weekly feedback from a teacher who gets to know how you learn.

How does a guitarist reach New Jersey's top student honors?

A New Jersey guitarist can pursue NJMEA’s Honors Guitar Ensemble through an audition. NJMTA’s Young Musicians Competition is a separate performance opportunity, with student registration handled by a teacher.

Can homeschool students enter New Jersey music contests?

Homeschool guitarists can pursue NJMEA’s Honors Guitar Ensemble audition and NJMTA competitions. For NJMTA events, students generally need to have studied with their current teacher for at least six months, except for the Piano Festival.

What age should a child start guitar lessons?

A child can begin when a guitar fits comfortably and they can focus for short periods. A teacher can adjust the pace and help establish basic playing skills as the child grows.

Is it too late to learn guitar as an adult in New Jersey?

No, adults can start or return to guitar at any age. The New Jersey Guitar Orchestra and community jams offer ways to play with others, and lessons can meet you at your current level.

How much are guitar lessons in New Jersey?

Guitar lessons in New Jersey typically cost about $93 an hour, or $42 to $68 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Guitar lesson prices across New Jersey

Meet a Guitar Teacher in New Jersey Before You Continue Weekly

Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in New Jersey

Will Orchard

Gabriel Maia

Jacob Billings

Jess Kerber

How guitar learning works in New Jersey

How does guitar fit school music in New Jersey?

Who runs what for New Jersey guitarists?

Auditions and events in New Jersey

How does a guitarist reach New Jersey's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Starting at any age

Starting a child on guitar

A teen in New Jersey

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good guitar teacher do?

How do live online guitar lessons work?

Guitar in New Jersey

Where to hear guitar

Where to play with others

Guitar around New Jersey, area by area

Trenton area

Vineland area

Atlantic City area

A little guitar history in New Jersey

Start Guitar Lessons at Lesson With You

More for New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions