How Much Do Saxophone Lessons Cost?
Saxophone lessons by budget: compare online, studio, and in home options
Rose Park
Updated 10/15/25 • 4 min read
The Average Saxophone Lesson Cost:
Saxophone lessons typically cost between $40 and $70 per hour*, depending on the teacher’s education, performance experience, location, lesson length, and whether lessons are online or in person.
The average cost of a one hour saxophone lesson is about $68 nationwide. Live online lessons through Zoom or Google Meet are usually more affordable, averaging $30 to $40 for a half hour. Local in person lessons generally cost $35 to $45 for a half hour, while small group or ensemble classes average about $20 for a half hour.
Saxophone teachers without a formal music degree may charge around $40 per hour. Instructors with a degree in saxophone average about $67 per hour, and professionally performing saxophonists with touring or recording experience can charge over $100 per hour.
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What Determines Saxophone Lesson Costs?
Saxophone Teacher Level
Saxophone teachers without a formal music degree usually charge around $40 per hour. That can seem like a great deal, but the lessons may not have the same depth or structure as those from a professional. It can also be risky for beginners since bad habits, like weak embouchure, can take months or even years to fix later.
Some teachers have a degree in another instrument, such as jazz guitar or clarinet, and also teach saxophone. Their rates often range from $40 to $45 per hour. They might know music theory well but may not have the saxophone skills to help beginners build strong technique and sound.
For the best start, look for a saxophone teacher with at least a bachelor’s degree in saxophone and a few years of teaching experience. These teachers typically charge $60 to $70 per hour, and those with a master’s degree may charge $70 to $90 per hour.
In-person vs Online Lessons
Online saxophone lessons are one of the easiest and most affordable ways to start learning. You can set them up at home with a few simple devices and connect with expert teachers from anywhere. For beginners and busy families, it’s a convenient way to learn without spending extra time traveling to a studio.
In person lessons are great for students who don’t mind traveling and prefer more hands on interaction with their teacher. Studio lessons usually cost about $10 more per hour, with a small additional increase if the teacher comes to your home.
If you want flexible scheduling and professional instruction at a reasonable price, live online saxophone lessons are an excellent choice.
Location
Location also plays a big role in how much saxophone lessons cost. In larger cities where living expenses are higher, lesson rates are usually more expensive than in suburban or smaller areas.
For example, in-person lessons in California can cost about 20 to 30 percent more than in Indiana, and teachers in places like New York or Chicago often charge similar higher rates. The difference for online lessons is a bit smaller, averaging around 15 percent.
Pre-recorded vs Live Saxophone Lessons
If you’re looking for the cheapest possible saxophone lessons, there is the option of pre-recorded lessons. These are typically video or app-based lessons that aim to teach you basic 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, provide feedback on your playing in real time, and help you become better at practicing and performing.
No matter if you choose online or in person lessons, learning the saxophone on your own through videos isn’t the best option for beginners, especially for kids who need proper guidance from the start.
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How to Find the Most Affordable Saxophone Lessons
We surveyed over 100 saxophone teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, and two other major lesson platforms, Wyzant and Lessonface, using a random zip code as the location. We specifically looked for teachers who majored in saxophone and offer online lessons.
Lesson With You has a fixed rate of $65 per hour, which is slightly lower than the average price across other major lesson sites. Saxophone instructors at Lesson With You hold at least a bachelor’s degree in saxophone, and lessons include a free first session with no contract required.
Lessonface had an average rate of $68 per hour among the teachers we reviewed. However, many of the saxophone instructors either did not major in saxophone or teach several instruments, which may affect the level of specialized instruction.
Wyzant had an average cost of $66 per hour among saxophone teachers. The platform offers a large pool of instructors, though many either lack a music degree or did not major specifically in saxophone.
Both Lessonface and Wyzant have a wide range of saxophone teachers available, but finding instructors whose education and pricing closely match those at Lesson With You can take more time and research.
Why the Right Saxophone Teacher Makes All the Difference for Beginners
If you are picking up the saxophone for the first time, having the right teacher can make a huge difference in how quickly and comfortably you learn. A professional saxophone instructor helps you build strong basics from the start, such as posture, breath control, tone, and reading music, so you don’t develop habits that are hard to change later.
Learning the saxophone on your own can seem tempting, but beginners often struggle without clear feedback or proper guidance. With an experienced teacher, you will progress smoothly, avoid frustration, and stay motivated as you improve. Planning for at least a year of regular lessons gives you time to build confidence and enjoy playing for years to come.
What You Will Learn in Saxophone Lessons
Saxophone Techniques and Skills
A great saxophone sound starts with the basics — good posture, steady breath support, relaxed mouth position, and comfortable finger placement. These all work together to create a warm, consistent tone. An experienced instructor will guide you through each step and help you build simple, steady practice habits that make playing easier and more enjoyable.
In lessons, you’ll work on scales, short exercises, and songs that match your level and style. As you improve, your teacher will introduce new music and genres to keep things fun and inspiring. If you’ve played the saxophone before, lessons are a great way to polish your tone, strengthen technique, and explore new styles that keep you motivated to grow.
Educational and Personal Benefits of Saxophone Lessons
Saxophone lessons are not just about learning notes. They are about expression, creativity, and having fun with music. For kids, playing the saxophone builds focus, confidence, and teamwork, whether it is performing with friends, joining a school band, or playing in a church or community group.
For adults, the saxophone offers a creative break from daily routines. It’s a great way to relax, connect with others, and enjoy the feeling of real progress. Whether you are playing jazz, pop, or just jamming with friends, the saxophone brings energy, balance, and joy to everyday life.
Find Your Next Saxophone Instructor
★ 5.0
Owen Kilpatrick
✓ Passed selective interview screening
- Teaches: Classical, Pop, Jazz
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 7 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
★ 5.0
Gabe Bertolini
✓ Passed selective interview screening
Student Reviews
- Teaches: Classical, Pop, Jazz
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 6 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
★ 5.0
Gabriella Zelek
✓ Passed selective interview screening
Student Reviews
- Teaches: Classical, Pop, Jazz
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 6 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
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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.