The Complete Guide to Oboe Lesson Pricing
How Much Do Oboe Lessons Cost?
Rose Park
3/24/25 • 4 min read
The Average Oboe Lesson Cost:
Oboe lessons generally cost between $40-$60 per hour, but costs can vary widely depending on the teacher’s education and performing level, the location, lesson length and whether the lesson is taught in-person or online.
On average, one-hour oboe lessons cost $65. For half-hour online lessons using platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet, prices range from $25 to $40. For local in-person lessons, the average cost of a half-hour session is $40, while group band ensemble sessions are typically priced at $20 for a half-hour lesson.
Teachers without degrees in oboe may charge as low as $40 per hour, while those with a degree charge an average of $60 per hour. Professional oboe players with extensive touring and performing experience can charge over $90 per hour!
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What Determines Oboe Lesson Costs?
Oboe Teacher Level
Oboe teachers without a formal music degree generally charge about $30 per hour, but their instruction may not be at a professional level.
Teachers with a music degree in a different instrument, like flute, who have some oboe skills, often charge around $40 per hour. While they have a solid musical background, they may not have the advanced oboe techniques or in-depth knowledge needed for detailed instruction.
This matters because proper embouchure, breath support, and articulation are key to playing well—and bad habits can be tough to fix later. Plus, since oboists rely on the right reeds for sound and playability, a teacher without specialized oboe experience might not be able to offer the best guidance on choosing or adjusting reeds.
For the best learning experience, look for a oboe teacher with at least a Bachelor’s degree in oboe performance. Lessons with these instructors typically range from $50 to $70 per hour, while those with a Master’s or Doctorate often charge around $80 per hour.
In-person vs Online Lessons
Online oboe lessons are typically the most affordable option, requiring just a stable internet connection and basic digital equipment like a laptop. In-person lessons at a teacher’s studio generally cost about $10 to $15 more per session, while lessons at your home may add another $10.
That said, in-person rates can vary depending on how many qualified oboe teachers are available in your area. If you’re looking for experienced instructors at a reasonable price, online lessons might be your best bet.
Pre-recorded vs Live Lessons
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible oboe lessons, there is the option of pre-recorded lessons. These are typically video or app-based lessons that aim to teach you foundational skills for a monthly fee.
Unfortunately, pre-recorded lessons cannot be compared to the quality of live one-on-one lessons where the teacher can customize the lesson material just for you, provide live feedback on your playing in real time, and help you become better at practicing and performing.
For those looking to progress quickly, live 1-on-1 lessons are the better choice. At Lesson With You, you can find affordable oboe lessons starting at just $35 for a half hour.
Do Beginners Need Professional Oboe Teachers at First?
When learning the oboe, starting with proper technique makes all the difference. A professional oboe instructor ensures that students build strong fundamentals in embouchure, breath control, and articulation—skills that are critical for producing a clear, controlled tone.
The sooner you start with a skilled instructor, the faster you’ll see lasting improvements and gain the confidence to advance.
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What Do Students Learn in Oboe Lessons?
Oboe Techniques
In oboe lessons, students focus on embouchure, breath control, finger placement, and articulation—important techniques for producing a clear and steady tone.
Since the oboe requires precise breath support and embouchure adjustments, students also develop sight-reading and ear training skills to support their musical accuracy and expression. These skills help you play more smoothly and confidently across different styles of music.
Music Theory
A deep understanding of music theory is essential for oboists. Lessons typically include scales, harmonic progressions, rhythm, and phrasing to help students understand musical structure. By learning these concepts, you can read music more easily, interpret pieces more effectively, and develop stronger musical intuition.
Reeds
Reeds are at the core of playing the oboe, and knowing how to handle them can make a huge difference in your sound. Students learn how to pick the right reeds, take care of them, and make small adjustments to get the best tone and response.
Practice Methods
A great oboe repertoire grows with dedicated time and practice! Teachers introduce students to structured practice methods tailored to their level and goals, helping them build technique while keeping practice sessions fun. As students progress, they review their approach, exploring different musical styles and learning how to practice efficiently to bring artistry into every piece they play.
How to Find the Most Affordable Oboe Lessons
We surveyed over 100 oboe teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and two other major sites, Wyzant and Lessonface, using a random zip code as the location. We specifically looked for teachers who have a degree in trumpet or other woodwinds and offer online lessons.
Lesson With You has a fixed price of $65 per hour and indeed the cost value is better than any other site we have found. Oboe instructors at Lesson With You has advanced degrees in oboe but the lessons are only $65 per hour, making the live online lessons an incredible value. Besides, the first lesson is free with no contracts required.
Lessonface.com has a slightly lower average price, at $62 per hour. Even teachers who didn’t major in oboe, such as those with degrees in Flute or Clarinet, charge around $50 per hour for online lessons. Those who majored in Oboe often charge between $60 and $65 per hour for online lessons. The free lesson they offer is only 15 minutes, which isn’t enough to cover everything in a first lesson.
Wyzant has an average cost of $63 per hour among the teachers we surveyed. But like Lessonface, some of the instructors didn’t major in oboe. Also, they do not offer a free trial to new students.
Both websites have a decent number of oboe teachers available, so surely there are some good deals, but finding teachers whose education and prices matched that of the teachers at Lesson With You is difficult and time consuming.
Take a Free Trial at Lesson With You!
If flexibility and affordability are top priorities for you, online oboe lessons are where it’s at. The most important thing is to be clear on your specific goals for learning the instrument.
We offer an exceptional 1-on-1 oboe lessons at Lesson With You taught by experts. Lessons start at just $35 and the first lesson is FREE.
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Rose Park
Rose Park is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where she studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor's and Master's degrees before co-founding Lesson With You. As a pianist, Rose was a prizewinner in many international piano competitions and performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Japan.