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Oboe Lessons in California

What oboe 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

Oboe lesson prices across California

A one-hour oboe 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: an oboe 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 Oboe Instructor in California

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

2 oboe instructors available in the next 5 days
Lauren Vilendrer

Lauren Vilendrer

Master’s in OboeWarm & EncouragingPerformance ExpertGreat with All Ages
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
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Gennavieve Wrobel

Gennavieve Wrobel

Top Rated 5.0
Doctorate in OboeGreat with All AgesInspires PracticePopular
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 7 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Gennavieve

How oboe learning works in California

How does oboe fit school music in California?

School oboe playing in California usually begins through a school band, but the entry grade depends on the district: Leonardo da Vinci TK-8 in Sacramento offers beginning band in grades 4–8, while A.P. Giannini Middle School in San Francisco Unified and Pershing Middle School in San Diego Unified offer band to incoming sixth graders. Other districts begin earlier or later, and some high schools accept beginners. Riverside Unified and Sacramento City Unified say students can borrow instruments, which can make trying oboe through school more practical. A private lesson helps you prepare for the role oboe plays in a band.

When school music starts in California districts

San Francisco Unified School DistrictBand6
San Diego Unified School DistrictBand6
Sacramento City Unified School DistrictBeginning band4
Capistrano Unified School DistrictBeginning band5
Fresno Unified School DistrictBand6
Mt. Diablo Unified School DistrictBeginning band6
Anaheim Union High School DistrictBeginning band7
Kern High School DistrictBeginning band9

Who runs what for California oboists?

California's student music routes have distinct roles: the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) runs regional and state solo and ensemble festivals, while the California Band Directors Association (CBDA) offers All-State Honor Bands for eligible school band students. The California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) auditions students in grades 7–12 for All-State orchestras, a separate path for orchestral players. Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC) offers Certificate of Merit and a wind and brass program called VOCE. Knowing which route fits oboe helps you focus preparation rather than treating every honor program as the same audition.

Who runs what in California

California Music Educators Association (CMEA)

Runs
Runs regional and state solo and ensemble festivals for students.
For
School music students

California Band Directors Association (CBDA)

Runs
Offers All-State Honor Bands and All-State Honor Jazz Bands.
For
Junior high and high school band students

California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA)

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

Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC)

Runs
Offers Certificate of Merit and the wind and brass VOCE program.
For
Oboe students studying with a teacher

Auditions and events in California

How does an oboist reach California's top student honors?

For an oboist, California's most direct state solo route is the CMEA State Solo & Ensemble Festival. First, perform at a qualifying regional festival; a Superior or I rating in the current or previous school year qualifies a student for the state event. The 2027 Northern California festival is May 7–8, with woodwinds and brass performing on the evening of May 7, and the Southern California festival is May 22 in Norwalk. School band students may also pursue CBDA All-State Honor Bands, but the current qualifications should be confirmed with their director. MTAC's VOCE is another state-level wind and brass opportunity, with its cycle details to be checked through MTAC.

The oboe route in California, step by step

  1. Qualifying regional solo festivalEarn a Superior or I rating to qualify for the state festival.
  2. Northern California state festivalThe 2027 festival is May 7–8; woodwinds and brass perform on the evening of May 7.
  3. Southern California state festivalThe 2027 festival is May 22 in Norwalk.

The California oboe 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 the North Coast CMEA solo festival, the student and teacher choose the oboe solo, and the player supplies a copy of the solo part for the adjudicator. An accompanist is optional; an oboist can play alone, bring an accompanist, or request the festival accompanist, with the music due at least two weeks ahead. A Superior rating can lead to state eligibility. MTAC Certificate of Merit includes oboe technique, ear training, sight reading, theory, and prepared repertoire, so weekly lessons can build these skills steadily. For a festival piece, allow three to six months of weekly work on tone, phrasing, and reliable performance.

What else is there to enter?

Beyond the CMEA solo route, the Music Teachers’ Association of California Certificate of Merit gives oboe students a structured way to work toward an evaluation with their teacher. MTAC’s VOCE is another state-level option for wind and brass players. Students who would rather play with others than enter a solo event can build ensemble experience through school band.

Oboe 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

The CMEA state solo route is described for school music students, so homeschool and private school oboists should confirm eligibility with a regional festival organizer before preparing. MTAC Certificate of Merit offers another route for oboe students studying with a teacher, while private lessons can also prepare a player for ensemble opportunities.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on oboe

A child who can manage the oboe's double reed and steady air can begin private study before school band starts, often around late elementary school. That timing matters because California districts start band at different grades: some offer it in fourth or fifth grade, while others begin in sixth or later. Oboe has specific embouchure and reed-control demands, so individual lessons help a beginner form a comfortable sound and learn to read before joining classmates. A private teacher can also help you or your child approach school band with more confidence.

A teen in California

A teen can start oboe even if school band is already underway; a teacher can build reading, tone, and ensemble skills alongside the school's rehearsal calendar. California's clearest state solo route begins with a qualifying regional CMEA festival, then a Superior or I rating can open the state festival. The California Band Directors Association also runs All-State Honor Bands, though eligibility rules for the current cycle need checking with a school director. Weekly lessons give a teen a regular place to prepare music while balancing classes and rehearsals.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults are welcome to begin or return to oboe, and it is not too late to build a sound and play with others. The New Horizons Band at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad offers a beginning band for adults who are new to concert band instruments or returning after a substantial break. In Fairfield, Solano Winds welcomes new members for almost every concert set, while the Claremont Symphony Orchestra and Camellia Symphony Orchestra in Sacramento hold auditions. A teacher can meet you at your current level and help you work toward the ensemble that suits your goals.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good oboe teacher do?

A strong oboe teacher listens closely to tone, reed response, and breathing, then builds technique without asking a beginner to force the sound. That matters in California because a student pursuing CMEA solo festivals or MTAC Certificate of Merit needs both expressive repertoire and dependable reading skills. Fit is personal: a younger beginner may need a patient pace, while a teen preparing for band or an adult returning to music may want a different focus. Lesson With You lets you choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one, with each teacher holding at least a bachelor's degree in oboe.

How do live online oboe lessons work?

In a live Zoom lesson, your teacher hears your tone and articulation in real time and watches your hands, posture, and breath support. Set the camera so the oboe and your face are visible, and use a quiet room where the reed's sound is clear. The format is one-on-one each week with the same teacher, so feedback builds on what you have been practicing; there is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than only the closest option. Students in Los Angeles and Alpine have the same choice of teacher and the same lesson.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in oboeEvery Lesson With You oboe teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in oboe.
Gennavieve WrobelGennavieveDoctorate in OboeLauren VilendrerLaurenMaster’s in Oboe
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.

Oboe in California

Where to hear oboe

California offers students a range of ways to hear oboe in orchestral and chamber settings. In Claremont, the Claremont Symphony Orchestra presents seven free classical concerts at Bridges Hall of Music, with no tickets required. Berkeley families can attend UC Berkeley Department of Music’s free weekly noon concerts in Hertz Hall during each semester, traditionally on Wednesdays. These performances let you hear how the oboe blends with other instruments and takes a featured line.

Where to play with others

For a young oboist, youth orchestras are the clearest route to playing with others beyond school band. Bakersfield Youth Symphony Orchestra accepts students from seventh grade through age 19 and includes oboe audition material, while Stockton Youth Symphony includes oboe in its orchestral instruments. In Culver City, Westside Youth Orchestra welcomes oboe and English horn players ages 10 to 19. Adults have community orchestra options in Half Moon Bay and Fairfield, where groups welcome players without auditions or for most concert sets.

Oboe around California, area by area

Los Angeles area

In Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra gives young players an ensemble route, while the MAC·LA summer concert series at MacArthur Park is free and open to all ages. LA Phil Student Insiders can access $10 or $20 rush tickets to Walt Disney Concert Hall concerts; middle school students need a parent or guardian. These options pair a chance to play with a chance to hear orchestral music.

San Francisco area

Across this area, Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra and East Bay Youth Orchestra offer young musicians orchestral settings. In San Francisco, full-time college students can get $25 rush tickets to select San Francisco Symphony concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, subject to availability. The Golden Gate Park Band presents free family-friendly concerts, typically Sunday afternoons from late April to early October, offering an easy way to hear live music.

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

Riverside area

In Riverside, Riverside Youth Orchestra offers a school-year ensemble, and Ontario Youth Symphony has a spring session for young players. Students in grades 6–12 attending school in Riverside or San Bernardino County can get four free tickets to Redlands Symphony concerts and recitals this season. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival also presents free performances on summer Tuesdays and Fridays.

San Diego area

Young oboists can look to Mainly Mozart Youth Orchestra in Solana Beach and San Diego for ensemble opportunities. In San Diego, student tickets are available for San Diego Symphony Masterworks concerts, with a valid student ID required for pickup. Most UC San Diego Department of Music events in La Jolla are free and open to the public, giving families another way to hear live performance.

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

Sacramento area

Sacramento offers young players Camellia Symphony Orchestra's Juniors and Cadets strings ensembles, while Concerts in the Park provides free all-ages live music. Student tickets to Sacramento State Opera Theatre performances are $5. Hearing different kinds of live performance can help a young oboist connect solo practice with the sound and timing of ensemble music.

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

San Jose area

In San Jose, Golden State Youth Orchestra invites musicians ages 6 to 18 to audition, and San Jose Youth Symphony accepts applicants from third grade through college level by audition or invitation. Symphony San Jose offers accompanying guests age 17 or younger half-price single tickets, with some exclusions. San José State University hosts free public noon concerts featuring faculty, students, and visiting artists.

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

Fresno area

In Fresno, Youth Orchestras of Fresno offers young players an orchestral setting to work toward beyond school music. Families can also hear free, family-friendly live music at Engelmann Cellars on Sunday afternoons, from 2 to 5 p.m. The contrast between a youth orchestra and a casual live performance gives an oboist chances to experience music in different settings.

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

Oxnard area

Young musicians from the Ventura and Oxnard areas can consider Lyceum Oaks Youth Orchestra’s Ventura campus, which welcomes players from both areas. The orchestra offers an ensemble setting for oboists to play alongside other musicians, giving students a way to connect individual practice with group music-making.

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

A little oboe history in California

California oboe playing has a place in chamber music as well as orchestra. Master Sinfonia Chamber Orchestra’s 2026–27 season includes Martinů’s Sinfonia Concertante No. 2, which gives oboe a solo role alongside violin, cello, and bassoon in performances in Palo Alto and Los Altos. For a student, hearing the instrument in that setting shows how it can carry a featured line while still responding closely to other players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a teacher who can help you build tone, reed control, and reading at a pace that fits your goal. Lesson With You offers live weekly one-on-one Zoom lessons with a dedicated teacher who holds at least a bachelor's degree in oboe; you can choose one yourself or ask us to recommend one.

Yes, a teacher can hear tone and articulation and see your posture, hands, and breath in real time over Zoom. Weekly one-on-one lessons keep feedback consistent, without a commute, and give you access to a teacher who fits rather than only the closest option.

There is no single start grade for oboe because it enters through school band, and California districts begin band at different ages. Examples include beginning band in grades 4–8 at Sacramento's Leonardo da Vinci TK-8 and sixth-grade band options in San Francisco and San Diego.

The clearest state solo route is to perform at a qualifying regional CMEA solo festival and earn a Superior or I rating in the current or previous school year. That qualifies a student for the CMEA State Solo & Ensemble Festival; the state event also has Northern and Southern California dates.

The state solo festival route is described for school music students, so a homeschool oboist should confirm eligibility with the regional CMEA festival before preparing. MTAC Certificate of Merit is another route for oboe students studying with a teacher.

Many children are ready in late elementary school if they can manage the oboe's reed and steady air. Starting before or alongside school band gives a child time to develop tone and reading before ensemble parts move quickly.

No, adults can begin or return to oboe at any age and build toward playing with others. The New Horizons Band at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad offers a beginning band for adults new to concert band instruments or returning after a substantial break.

Oboe 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.