Trombone Lessons in Minnesota

What trombone lessons cost across Minnesota, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

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

Trombone lesson prices across Minnesota

A one-hour trombone lesson in Minnesota typically costs $60 to $95, and a half hour $33 to $52. Most towns sit close to that range. The Minneapolis area runs highest, up to $100 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a trombone 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
Minneapolis area
Minneapolis	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
St. Paul	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Bloomington	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Brooklyn Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Plymouth	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Woodbury	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lakeville	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Blaine	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Maple Grove	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Eagan	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Burnsville	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Coon Rapids	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Eden Prairie	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Apple Valley	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Edina	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Minnetonka	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
St. Louis Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Shakopee	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Cottage Grove	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Maplewood	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Richfield	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Inver Grove Heights	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Roseville	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Andover	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Savage	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Brooklyn Center	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Fridley	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Chaska	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Oakdale	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Ramsey	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Prior Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Rosemount	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Elk River	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Shoreview	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Chanhassen	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
White Bear Lake	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Farmington	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Champlin	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
New Brighton	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Crystal	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Otsego	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Columbia Heights	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Hastings	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lino Lakes	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Golden Valley	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
West St. Paul	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
New Hope	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Forest Lake	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
South St. Paul	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
St. Michael	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Stillwater	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Hopkins	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Anoka	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Ham Lake	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Buffalo	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Hugo	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Monticello	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Robbinsdale	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Rogers	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Waconia	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Lake Elmo	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Mounds View	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Vadnais Heights	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
North St. Paul	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Big Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
East Bethel	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Mendota Heights	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
North Branch	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Victoria	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Little Canada	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
St. Cloud area
St. Cloud	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Sartell	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Sauk Rapids	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Duluth area
Duluth	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Hibbing	$31–$43	$56–$78	Lessons Costs
Cloquet	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Mankato area
Mankato	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
North Mankato	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
St. Peter	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Faribault area
Faribault	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Northfield	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Other Minnesota towns
Albert Lea	$32–$47	$59–$86	Lessons Costs
Alexandria	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Austin	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Bemidji	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Brainerd	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Fergus Falls	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Grand Rapids	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Hutchinson	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Marshall	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Moorhead	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
New Ulm	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Owatonna	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Red Wing	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Rochester	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Willmar	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Winona	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Worthington	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs

Meet a Trombone Teacher in Minnesota Before Weekly Lessons

The free first lesson is a low-pressure way to meet the teacher, try live online trombone instruction, and decide whether weekly lessons feel right for you or your child in Minnesota.

Live 1:1 feedback without a commute
Same dedicated trombone teacher each week
Help with tone, slide positions, and rhythm
Free first 30-minute lesson

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Trombone Instructor in Minnesota

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

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

1 trombone instructor available in the next 5 days

Colin Stubbs

Great 4.0

Bachelor’s in TromboneGreat with All AgesProgress FocusedPopular

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

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 3 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Colin

How trombone learning works in Minnesota

How does trombone fit school music in Minnesota?

Minnesota school music is organized locally, so trombone usually enters through a school band rather than a statewide instrument program. Some Minneapolis Public School District elementary schools offer band in fifth grade; Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625 starts at Capitol Hill in fifth grade, with lessons beginning in October, while Anoka-Hennepin Public School District offers Beginning Band and Band in middle school. Other districts start in fifth or sixth grade, and public schools must offer arts learning, though music need not be one of the required areas. Ask your school when its band begins and how students join.

When school music starts in Minnesota districts

Minneapolis Public School DistrictBand5

Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625Band at capitol hill5

Osseo Area SchoolsBand5

Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District 196Beginning band5

Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191Band5

North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale School District 622Beginning band6

Eden Prairie Public School DistrictBeginning band5

Mounds View Public SchoolsBand5

Who runs what for Minnesota trombonists?

Minnesota has distinct routes for school contests, All-State recognition and private-study opportunities. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) runs regional solo, small ensemble and large ensemble contests, while the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) selects high school students for All-State band, choir and orchestra. The Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA) also runs Honor Bands for grades 6–8 and 9–10, a useful route for younger band players. These groups serve different ages and purposes, so a family can choose a contest or honor experience that fits the student's stage.

Who runs what in Minnesota

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

Runs: Runs regional high-school solo and ensemble contests.
For: Minnesota high-school students.

Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)

Runs: Offers student contests, examinations and an Ensemble Festival.
For: Students through participating teachers.

Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA)

Runs: Runs Honor Bands for grades 6–8 and 9–10.
For: Students in those grade bands.

Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA)

Runs: Offers student activities and honor orchestras.
For: String and orchestra students.

Auditions and events in Minnesota

How does a trombonist reach Minnesota's top student honors?

For Minnesota's top high-school band honor, a trombone player auditions for MMEA All-State through the wind, brass and percussion route. You must be a sophomore or junior when auditioning and remain in good standing with a secondary-school band through the following February; a private teacher can sponsor you, but your band director verifies membership. The 2027 audition platform opens January 1 and submissions are due by noon March 2, with final rosters selected in mid-April. Selected players attend camp July 27–31, 2027, in Moorhead, then perform in February 2028. A separate route is the MSHSL solo and ensemble contest, entered through regional contests without one statewide sequence of qualifying rounds.

The trombone route in Minnesota, step by step

Audition submissionSubmit through a sponsoring teacher by noon March 2, 2027; MMEA opens the audition platform January 1.
Roster selectionMMEA selects final rosters in mid-April 2027 based on scores and placement policies.
PerformanceSelected All-State band members perform in February 2028.

The Minnesota trombone year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

MFMC State Student AuditionsEntry fee: $25 per categoryStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 25

Young Artist CompetitionRochester Chamber Music SocietyStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 10

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Minnesota's 2027 MMEA All-State trombone audition calls for the complete assigned brass scale page in one continuous take and the full Etude Set 2 etude in a separate continuous video. Each wind or brass component is its own file, so the student needs to prepare clean starts and finishes as well as accurate notes. In weekly lessons, three to six months on an event piece gives time to build tone, slide accuracy and musical shape without rushing the recording near the March deadline.

What else is there to enter?

Beyond All-State, Minnesota high-school trombonists can enter the MSHSL regional solo and ensemble contest, where local regions determine events and timing. Students seeking a non-school performance goal can consider the Young Artists Competition in Golden Valley, though its suitability depends on the student's repertoire and age category. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association's Ensemble Festival offers a group-performance option for students whose teachers take part; it is a different kind of experience from a solo audition.

Trombone events in Minnesota, 2026–27

2027 All-State Auditions

Minnesota Music Educators Association

When: Auditions open January 1, 2027; deadline March 2, 2027. All-State camp July 27–31, 2027; February performances February 17–19, 2028.
Entry: $1,050 per student for 2027–28 All-State camp
Who: Minnesota high school students; see MMEA eligibility policies

MFMC State Student Auditions

Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs

When: Application deadline January 25, 2027; recording deadline January 31, 2027
Entry: $25 per category
Who: Minnesota high school juniors and seniors; teacher must be an MFMC member

Young Artists Competition

Golden Valley Orchestra

When: Auditions January 12 or 19, 2027; concert April 25, 2027
Entry: $60 per audition application
Who: Junior: up to 15; Senior: 16–19

Young Artist Competition

Rochester Chamber Music Society

When: April 10, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Students enrolled in Minnesota pre-college programs (K–12)

Homeschool and private school students

Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in extracurricular activities through their resident public school district on the same basis as public-school students. A homeschooled student who wants to audition for MMEA All-State must be a member in good standing of a secondary-school band through shared-time participation, making a place in that band the practical route to the audition.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on trombone

Trombone often suits a child once they can manage the instrument's size and make a steady buzz; many Minnesota school band routes begin in fifth grade, though some begin in sixth or later. Starting private lessons beforehand gives a child time to build comfortable breathing, slide control and note reading before band rehearsals add new demands. Lessons alongside school band help connect the weekly ensemble music to individual practice, so your child can arrive ready to listen and play with confidence.

A teen in Minnesota

A Minnesota teen can build school-band experience first, then consider the All-State route in sophomore or junior year. The audition season begins in January, with submissions due in early March, and selected students attend summer camp before a February performance the following school year. Regional solo and ensemble contests offer another goal, with timing set by each region. Weekly lessons can keep individual practice focused while school rehearsals and other commitments fill the calendar.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can join Minnesota community bands that welcome trombone players, including the Bemidji Area Community Band in Bemidji, the Roseville Community Band in Roseville, and the Delano Community Band in Delano. The Zumbrota Community Band in Zumbrota also welcomes adult brass players. It is not too late to start or return; a teacher can begin with the sound and reading skills you have now, then help you prepare music that lets you take part comfortably with other players.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good trombone teacher do?

A good trombone teacher helps you or your child build a reliable buzz, steady air and accurate slide positions, then connects those skills to the music Minnesota band auditions ask students to record. The right match depends on the goal: a young beginner needs patient pacing, while a teen preparing for All-State needs a clear plan for polished video takes. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree in trombone. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one who fits the student's age, experience and personality.

How do live online trombone lessons work?

In a live Zoom trombone lesson, your teacher sees your posture, slide path and breathing while hearing tone and articulation in real time, then offers immediate feedback as you play. A quiet room, a stable internet connection and enough space to extend the slide let you work safely at home; the teacher can also help position the camera and microphone. You avoid a commute and can choose a teacher who fits rather than being limited to the closest option. A student in Minneapolis and a student in Bemidji get the same teacher choice and weekly one-on-one lesson.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

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

ColinBachelor’s in Trombone

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.

Trombone in Minnesota

Where to hear trombone

Families outside the Twin Cities, Duluth and Rochester can still make live music part of a trombone student's listening. The St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra offers a $25 package for one student and two adults, while Austin Symphony Orchestra concerts are free for children under 18 and college students with valid ID. In Faribault, free Concerts in the Park run on Thursdays from mid-June to mid-August, giving families another chance to hear live music together.

Where to play with others

Across Minnesota, young trombonists can audition for Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras in Rochester, while community bands offer a less formal route to playing with others. The Delano Community Band welcomes tenor and bass trombone players without an audition, and the Zumbrota Community Band is open to adult and high-school brass players. In Bemidji, the Bemidji Area Community Band welcomes musicians of every skill level for its summer concert band, giving players at different stages a place to build ensemble experience.

Trombone around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

Young trombonists in the Twin Cities metro can audition for Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies, which has openings in several school-year orchestras. In Minneapolis, Rock U runs a 14-week band program, another group setting for developing players. Saint Paul families can also make a concert outing accessible: Minnesota Opera offers youth rush tickets for people 20 and under on performance day.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 11, 37 lesson weeks (Minneapolis Public School District)
Town guides: Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Woodbury, Lakeville, Blaine

Duluth area

In Duluth, Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra concerts give families a chance to hear orchestral playing; children ages 13 to 17 and college students with valid ID pay $10, while tickets for children 12 and under are $5. The city's Music in the Park series offers free Tuesday concerts in summer. Hearing the trombone in live ensemble music helps a student connect individual practice with the sound of a full group.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)
Town guides: Duluth, Superior, Hibbing, Cloquet

Rochester area

Rochester's Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras invites students in grades 4–12 to audition, giving young trombonists an ensemble goal beyond school band. Rochester Symphony Kids presents a Saturday-afternoon Peter and the Wolf concert at Dakota Middle School, a family option centered on young listeners. One builds a route for playing with others; the other lets a student hear music performed live.

Town guides: Rochester

Mankato area

Young players in Mankato can audition for Mankato Area Youth Symphony Orchestra. For listening, the Serendipity Music Series offers free midweek, midday performances, and Symphony on the Prairie in North Mankato is a free-will-donation concert. Those options let a student hear live music while working toward a group experience of their own.

School year: Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)
Town guides: Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter

Faribault area

Northfield Community Summer Band is a non-auditioned group for players who want to perform with others, while St. Olaf Music Department events in Northfield are free and open to the public unless noted otherwise. Faribault's free Concerts in the Park take place Thursdays from mid-June to mid-August. Families can choose between hearing live music and finding a community setting for playing.

Town guides: Faribault, Northfield

Owatonna area

Owatonna Community Band has no auditions and a history dating to 1977, so players can consider a noncompetitive way to perform with others. Downtown Thursdays brings free live music to Owatonna on the first Thursday of June through September. Both offer local ways to stay connected with music, as a player or listener.

School year: Aug 31 to Jun 4, 38 lesson weeks (Owatonna Public Schools)
Town guides: Owatonna

A little trombone history in Minnesota

Minnesota's trombone history includes Minneapolis trombonist Babe Wagner, who brought the instrument to the lead in Dutchmen-style polka music and was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame in 1992. In Minneapolis, the Trombone Choir has premiered works written for the ensemble, including pieces by Stan Bann. Together, these examples show the instrument in both a regional dance tradition and new ensemble music, giving students more than one kind of sound and repertoire to explore as they develop.

Start Trombone Lessons With a Free Trial

Live 1:1 feedback without a commute
Same dedicated trombone teacher each week
Help with tone, slide positions, and rhythm
Free first 30-minute lesson

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good trombone teacher in Minnesota?

Choose a teacher who can help with the student's specific goal, from first notes to school-band auditions. Lesson With You offers live weekly one-on-one lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in trombone, and you can select a teacher or ask us to recommend one.

Do live video trombone lessons really work?

Yes, because a teacher can hear tone and articulation while watching posture, breathing and slide movement in real time. Lessons take place live over Zoom, so you get feedback without commuting and can work with a teacher who fits rather than only one close by.

When do Minnesota schools start teaching trombone?

Many Minnesota schools begin band in fifth grade, while some begin in sixth grade or later. For example, Minneapolis has fifth-grade band in some elementary schools, and Saint Paul starts at Capitol Hill in fifth grade.

How does a trombonist reach Minnesota's top student honors?

A high-school trombonist can audition for MMEA All-State band as a sophomore or junior while in good standing with a secondary-school band. The 2027 audition opens January 1 and is due by noon March 2, followed by summer camp for selected players and a February 2028 performance.

Can homeschool students enter Minnesota music contests?

Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students can participate in extracurricular activities through their resident district on the same basis as public-school students. For MMEA All-State, shared-time participation must make the student a member in good standing of a secondary-school band.

What age should a child start trombone lessons?

A child is often ready when they can manage the trombone's size and make a steady buzz; many Minnesota school band programs begin in fifth grade. Private lessons before band can build air, slide control and note reading at a comfortable pace.

Is it too late to learn trombone as an adult in Minnesota?

No, adults can start or return to trombone and work toward playing with community bands. Minnesota options include the Bemidji Area Community Band in Bemidji and the Delano Community Band in Delano, and a teacher can adapt lessons to your starting point.

How much are trombone lessons in Minnesota?

Trombone lessons in Minnesota typically cost about $71 an hour, or $33 to $52 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Trombone lesson prices across Minnesota

Meet a Trombone Teacher in Minnesota Before Weekly Lessons

Find Your Next Trombone Instructor in Minnesota

Colin Stubbs

How trombone learning works in Minnesota

How does trombone fit school music in Minnesota?

Who runs what for Minnesota trombonists?

Auditions and events in Minnesota

How does a trombonist reach Minnesota's top student honors?

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on trombone

A teen in Minnesota

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good trombone teacher do?

How do live online trombone lessons work?

Trombone in Minnesota

Where to hear trombone

Where to play with others

Trombone around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

Duluth area

Rochester area

Mankato area

Faribault area

Owatonna area

A little trombone history in Minnesota

Start Trombone Lessons With a Free Trial

More for Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions