Guitar Lessons in Texas
What guitar lessons cost across Texas, and how to find the right teacher.
Guitar lesson prices across Texas
A one-hour guitar lesson in Texas typically costs $62 to $99, and a half hour $33 to $54. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Dallas area runs highest, up to $108 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.
| Town | 30 minutes | One hour | Guides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas area | |||
| Dallas | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Worth | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Denton | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Arlington | $36–$58 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Plano | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Irving | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Garland | $36–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Frisco | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| McKinney | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Grand Prairie | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Mesquite | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Carrollton | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Lewisville | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Richardson | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Allen | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Flower Mound | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Mansfield | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| North Richland Hills | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Rowlett | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Euless | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Wylie | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| DeSoto | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Little Elm | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Burleson | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Rockwall | $34–$56 | $64–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Grapevine | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Bedford | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Cedar Hill | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Keller | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Haltom City | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| The Colony | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Waxahachie | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Coppell | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Lancaster | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Hurst | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Duncanville | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Midlothian | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Prosper | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Farmers Branch | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Weatherford | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Cleburne | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Celina | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Forney | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Greenville | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Southlake | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Sachse | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Balch Springs | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Colleyville | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Princeton | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| University Park | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Saginaw | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Benbrook | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Anna | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Corinth | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Watauga | $36–$59 | $68–$108 | LessonsCosts |
| Fate | $34–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Ennis | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Murphy | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Terrell | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Melissa | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Royse City | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Crowley | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Seagoville | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| White Settlement | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Glenn Heights | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Addison | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Red Oak | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Highland Village | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Rendon | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Azle | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Forest Hill | $36–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Trophy Club | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Lantana | $36–$59 | $68–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Fairview | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Heath | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Heartland | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Houston area | |||
| Houston | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Galveston | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Pasadena | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Pearland | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| The Woodlands | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| League City | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Sugar Land | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Conroe | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Atascocita | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Baytown | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Missouri City | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Spring | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Texas City | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Channelview | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Friendswood | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Rosenberg | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| La Porte | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Mission Bend | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Fulshear | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Deer Park | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Alvin | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Jackson | $34–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Katy | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Fresno | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Pecan Grove | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Cloverleaf | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Dickinson | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Angleton | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| La Marque | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Cinco Ranch | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Stafford | $35–$57 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Bellaire | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Aldine | $34–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Humble | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| South Houston | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| West University Place | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Manvel | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Seabrook | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Tomball | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Santa Fe | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Iowa Colony | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Richmond | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Webster | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Four Corners | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Clute | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Freeport | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Galena Park | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Austin area | |||
| Austin | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Round Rock | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Georgetown | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Cedar Park | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Leander | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| San Marcos | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Pflugerville | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Kyle | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Hutto | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Brushy Creek | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakeway | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Steiner Ranch | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Manor | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Taylor | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Buda | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Lockhart | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Wells Branch | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Hornsby Bend | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Elgin | $33–$54 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Bastrop | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Sonterra | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| San Antonio area | |||
| San Antonio | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| New Braunfels | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Schertz | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Timberwood Park | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Cibolo | $32–$51 | $60–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Canyon Lake | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Seguin | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Converse | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Boerne | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Universal City | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Live Oak | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Selma | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Leon Valley | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Pleasanton | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Fair Oaks Ranch | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Scenic Oaks | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| McAllen area | |||
| McAllen | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Edinburg | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Mission | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Pharr | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Weslaco | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| San Juan | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Alamo | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Alton | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Donna | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Mercedes | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Palmview | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Hidalgo | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| La Homa | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| El Paso area | |||
| El Paso | $32–$45 | $58–$83 | LessonsCosts |
| Socorro | $32–$45 | $58–$82 | LessonsCosts |
| Horizon City | $32–$46 | $58–$83 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Bliss | $31–$44 | $57–$80 | LessonsCosts |
| Killeen area | |||
| Killeen | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Temple | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Copperas Cove | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Harker Heights | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Hood | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Belton | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Gatesville | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Corpus Christi area | |||
| Corpus Christi | $32–$47 | $58–$85 | LessonsCosts |
| Portland | $32–$46 | $58–$85 | LessonsCosts |
| Rockport | $32–$45 | $58–$82 | LessonsCosts |
| Brownsville area | |||
| Brownsville | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Harlingen | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| San Benito | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Beaumont area | |||
| Beaumont | $32–$47 | $58–$85 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Arthur | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
| Orange | $31–$44 | $57–$80 | LessonsCosts |
| Nederland | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Groves | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Lumberton | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Neches | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| College Station area | |||
| College Station | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Bryan | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Lubbock area | |||
| Lubbock | $32–$45 | $58–$83 | LessonsCosts |
| Levelland | $32–$45 | $58–$82 | LessonsCosts |
| Waco area | |||
| Waco | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Hewitt | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Robinson | $32–$47 | $58–$85 | LessonsCosts |
| Bellmead | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Amarillo area | |||
| Amarillo | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
| Canyon | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
| Odessa area | |||
| Odessa | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| West Odessa | $32–$46 | $58–$83 | LessonsCosts |
| Longview area | |||
| Longview | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Marshall | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Kilgore | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Henderson | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Wichita Falls area | |||
| Wichita Falls | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Burkburnett | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Sherman area | |||
| Sherman | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Denison | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Rio Grande City area | |||
| Rio Grande City | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Roma | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Texas towns | |||
| Abilene | $31–$44 | $58–$81 | LessonsCosts |
| Alice | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Andrews | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Athens | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Bay City | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Beeville | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Big Spring | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Bonham | $32–$51 | $60–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Borger | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Brenham | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Brownwood | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Corsicana | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Del Rio | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Dumas | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Eagle Pass | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| El Campo | $34–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Fredericksburg | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Gainesville | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Granbury | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Hereford | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Huntsville | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Jacksonville | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Kerrville | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Kingsville | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Laredo | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Lufkin | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Midland | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Mineral Wells | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Mount Pleasant | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Nacogdoches | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Palestine | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Pampa | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Paris | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Plainview | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Port Lavaca | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| San Angelo | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
| Snyder | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Stephenville | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Sulphur Springs | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Sweetwater | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Texarkana | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Tyler | $32–$47 | $59–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Uvalde | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Victoria | $32–$46 | $58–$84 | LessonsCosts |
No Texas town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Texas.
Meet a Guitar Teacher in Texas Before You Continue Weekly
Use the first lesson to talk through the student's goals, hear how the teacher explains corrections, and decide whether 30, 45, or 60 minutes makes sense.
- 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
Find Your Next Guitar Teacher in Texas
Browse guitar teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Texas.
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How guitar learning works in Texas
How does guitar fit school music in Texas?
Middle school students complete a fine arts course in grade 6, 7, or 8, and music is one option. In Lewisville Independent School District and Wylie ISD, students can choose band, orchestra, or choir beginning in sixth grade. A guitarist can take part in those school options where available, while continuing to develop guitar through individual study.
Who runs what for Texas guitarists?
Texas offers guitar students two distinct kinds of statewide opportunity. The Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA) Student Affiliate runs competitions, examinations, and performances from grade one through college, including programs connected with private study. The Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA) invites student ensembles, including school, private studio, youth orchestra, and community groups, to apply to perform at its summer convention. For a guitarist, TMTA is an individual student route, while TODA is a chance for an ensemble to represent its work.
Who runs what in Texas
Texas Music Teachers Association (TMTA)
- Runs
- Runs student competitions, examinations, and performances.
- For
- Students from grade one through college.
Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA)
- Runs
- Invites student ensembles to apply for convention performances.
- For
- School, private studio, youth, and community ensembles.
Auditions and events in Texas
How does a guitarist reach Texas's top student honors?
For Texas high-school guitarists, the top school honor route is TMEA All-State Jazz guitar: eligible students audition at Region, selected players advance to Area, and the highest-ranking musicians there earn All-State places. Candidates must be in grades 9–12 and enrolled full-time in a Texas school during both the audition and event semesters, with school music-organization certification. A separate UIL route starts at the regional solo contest; a Class 1 solo earning Division I can qualify for the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest if it meets the memory rule. UIL state solo and ensemble is traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend, with the 2027 contest scheduled for May 29 and 31 in the Austin area.
The guitar route in Texas, step by step
- TMEA RegionHigh-school jazz guitarists audition at Region; selected students advance.
- TMEA AreaArea auditions determine which musicians earn All-State places.
- UIL region soloGrades 9–12 compete in winter or early spring; a qualifying Class 1 solo can advance.
- UIL state contestTexas State Solo-Ensemble Contest is traditionally on Memorial Day weekend; 2027 dates are May 29 and 31.
The Texas guitar year
South Texas Guitar FestivalEntry fee: $40 per student per competing ensembleStart the piece May to Aug
UIL Solo and Small Ensemble Contest (Region)University Interscholastic LeagueStart the piece Jun to Sep
State Solo and Ensemble CompetitionEntry fee: $20 per solo; $10 per ensemble member (on-time entries)Start the piece Nov to Feb
Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
For UIL guitar, choose a solo from the 2026–27 UIL Prescribed Music List; Class 1 is the most difficult level, followed by Class 2 and Class 3, with eligibility for the latter levels depending on earlier Division I ratings. At region, guitarists may use printed music, but a state-qualifying Class 1 solo must be memorized unless the list marks it exempt. A solo needs appropriate accompaniment unless its score says it is unaccompanied. TMTA performance contestants also prepare a memorized program for several judges. In weekly lessons, allow three to six months to learn and polish an event piece.
What else is there to enter?
For students who want feedback without following a school honor route, TMTA Student Affiliate virtual festivals run in fall and spring for members from grade one through adult. Its Performance Contest adds local and regional rounds in March, followed by state semi-finals and finals in June. The South Texas Guitar Festival in Corpus Christi is another option for middle- and high-school ensembles and independent groups; its November 20–21, 2026 event is still ahead, so a group considering it should confirm its entry details directly.
Guitar events in Texas, 2026–27
State Solo and Ensemble Competition
University Interscholastic League
- When
- May 29 and 31, 2027
- Entry
- $20 per solo; $10 per ensemble member (on-time entries)
- Who
- Grades 9–12; students must qualify through a UIL region contest
TMTA Student Affiliate Virtual Festivals
Texas Music Teachers Association
- When
- Fall 2026 and spring 2027
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Student Affiliates in Grade 1 through adult
South Texas Guitar Festival
Del Mar College
- When
- November 2026; the 2026 event is November 20–21
- Entry
- $40 per student per competing ensemble
- Who
- Middle school and high school guitar ensembles; independent studios may also enter
UIL Solo and Small Ensemble Contest (Region)
University Interscholastic League
- When
- Varies by UIL music region; typically December–February
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Grades 9–12; grades 7–8 may participate in some small ensembles
Homeschool and private school students
Homeschool students may take part in UIL activities in 2026–27 through the school tied to their residence if it permits homeschool participation, or through the closest participating school if the resident school opts out. UIL regional solo contests are for grades 9–12, and a school principal or designee must certify eligibility. TMEA All-State requires students to be full-time at a Texas school during the audition and event semesters, so a homeschool student who does not meet that condition is not eligible. North Texas students also have homeschool music programs through Texas Homeschool Music.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on guitar
Guitar suits a child once they can comfortably hold the instrument and coordinate both hands; many children begin in elementary school, before Texas middle-school music choices start in sixth grade. Elementary music includes playing instruments, but the school curriculum is not a guitar sequence, so private lessons give your child steady guitar-specific guidance. A teacher can build hand position, clear notes, rhythm, and simple songs at a pace that feels manageable, then help the student keep developing while choosing a school music option later.
A teen in Texas
A Texas teen can pursue guitar through school music, but the most direct honors route is jazz guitar in the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State process or a University Interscholastic League (UIL) solo entry. The calendar moves from UIL regional contests in winter and early spring to the state event on Memorial Day weekend; the TMEA jazz audition route advances from Region to Area and then All-State. Weekly lessons give a teen time to balance schoolwork with focused playing, and a teacher can shape a plan around the student's goal without assuming every guitarist wants a competition.
Starting or coming back as an adult
Adults in Texas are welcome to start or return to guitar at any age, though the named community ensembles here are not guitar groups. If you want to play with others, you can work toward a confident solo, a duet, or a small informal ensemble rather than fitting into a group built for other instruments. A dedicated teacher meets you where you are, whether that means learning your first chords or rebuilding reading and technique, and helps you choose music that makes regular practice worth keeping.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good guitar teacher do?
A strong guitar teacher gives a student a clear path from relaxed hand position and steady rhythm to the music they actually want to play. In Texas, that can mean preparing a teen for memorized UIL repertoire or TMEA jazz auditions, while a younger beginner or returning adult needs a different pace and repertoire. Fit matters alongside training because students practice more consistently when the teacher's way of explaining suits their age, goals, and personality. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree in guitar, and you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.
How do live online guitar lessons work?
A live Zoom guitar lesson lets the teacher hear tone, rhythm, and note clarity while seeing both hands, so camera placement should show the fretboard and picking hand. A phone or computer, a stable stand, and a quiet place to play are enough to begin; the teacher gives real-time feedback and adjusts the lesson as you play. Unlike a studio appointment, there is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than whoever is closest. In Houston or Mineral Wells, you get the same choice of teacher and the same weekly one-on-one lesson.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
Guitar in Texas
Where to hear guitar
In College Station, Texas A&M's Crescendo series presents a free Guitar Ensemble and Singer-Songwriters concert on November 18, 2026. San Antonio College's fall 2026 schedule includes a free public Guitar Ensemble concert on November 16. Both upcoming performances give students a chance to hear guitar in an ensemble setting, with different approaches represented in two Texas cities.
Where to play with others
Guitarists have direct ways to play with others in several parts of Texas. In Midland, Basin Classical Guitar Orchestra welcomes players age 16 and older to collaborate and perform classical guitar music. Fort Worth's Allegro Guitar Society holds an all-levels play-along on the second Sunday of each month, offering a less formal setting for joining other players. These options suit adults and older students looking for shared playing beyond solo practice.
Guitar around Texas, area by area
Dallas area
Dallas gives students a way to hear major orchestral performances alongside their guitar study. Elementary through college students with valid identification can buy a Dallas Symphony Student Card for one free ticket to eligible concerts, with guest tickets available as well. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's 2026 Parks Concerts are free and open to the public, making them an easy option for a family outing even when the program is not guitar-centered.
Houston area
Houston offers students two ways to hear live music beyond their guitar practice. Youth ages 10–18 can attend Houston Symphony Classical Series concerts free with a paid adult, subject to availability at showtime. DACAMERA presents free one-hour chamber music and jazz concerts at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, so a student can hear different styles in an accessible setting.
- School year
- Aug 10 to May 28, 38 lesson weeks (Houston Independent School District)
- Town guides
- Houston, Galveston, Pasadena, Pearland, The Woodlands, League City, Sugar Land, Conroe
Austin area
Austin students can hear orchestral music at a lower barrier through $10 student rush tickets for Masterworks and select Butler Pops performances, available 90 minutes before the concert when seats remain. The Austin Symphony Orchestra also presents free ensemble concerts on Sunday evenings at Hartman Concert Park. Those performances give a young guitarist a chance to listen closely to ensemble sound and phrasing, even when the repertoire is not written for guitar.
- School year
- Aug 18 to May 27, 37 lesson weeks (Austin Independent School District)
- Town guides
- Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, San Marcos, Pflugerville, Kyle
A little guitar history in Texas
Guitar in Texas connects to several distinct traditions, including conjunto, where the bajo sexto joined accordion, electric bass, and drums as the music developed. San Antonio's Acosta shop made bajo sextos and guitarra dobles for musicians including Lydia Mendoza and Lonnie Johnson. In Austin, guitar maker Ted Newman Jones established Newman Guitars in 1977 after designing a five-string open-G guitar with Keith Richards. For a student, that history shows how guitar in Texas belongs to both regional musical traditions and continuing instrument-making.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher whose training and teaching style fit your age, goals, and way of learning. Lesson With You offers live weekly Zoom lessons with one dedicated teacher, and every teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in guitar. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.
Yes, because a teacher can hear your timing and tone while watching both hands and giving feedback as you play. A stable camera view of the fretboard and picking hand helps, and online lessons remove the commute while giving you access to a teacher who fits. Lessons are one-on-one over Zoom each week.
A high-school guitarist can pursue TMEA All-State Jazz guitar through Region and Area auditions, with All-State places awarded at Area. A separate UIL route begins at a regional solo contest, where a Class 1 solo earning Division I can qualify for the Texas State Solo-Ensemble Contest if it meets the memory rule. Both paths have school eligibility requirements.
Yes, eligible homeschool students can participate in UIL activities through their resident school if it allows homeschool participation, or through the closest participating school if it opts out. UIL regional solo contests require school certification, and TMEA All-State requires students to be full-time at a Texas school during both relevant semesters. Those rules make the route depend on the student's school participation status.
A child can begin when they can hold a guitar comfortably and coordinate both hands, often during elementary school. Texas elementary music includes playing instruments, but it is not a guitar-specific sequence, so private lessons provide the focused guidance that helps a young player progress. The teacher can adapt the pace and instrument setup to the child.
No, adults can begin or return to guitar at any age. A teacher can start with chords and rhythm or help rebuild reading and technique, then shape lessons around the music you want to play. Adults who want ensemble playing can work toward a duet, solo, or small informal group.
Guitar lessons in Texas typically cost about $74 an hour, or $33 to $54 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.
