Trumpet Lessons in Colorado
What trumpet lessons cost across Colorado, and how to find the right teacher.
Trumpet lesson prices across Colorado
A one-hour trumpet lesson in Colorado typically costs $64 to $102, and a half hour $34 to $56. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Denver area runs highest, up to $107 an hour.
Every town has two guides: a trumpet 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Denver area | |||
| Denver | $35–$58 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Aurora | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakewood | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Thornton | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Arvada | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Westminster | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Centennial | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Highlands Ranch | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Castle Rock | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Broomfield | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Commerce City | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Parker | $35–$57 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Littleton | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Brighton | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Northglenn | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Englewood | $35–$58 | $66–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Dakota Ridge | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Ken Caryl | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Wheat Ridge | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Columbine | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Four Square Mile | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Golden | $35–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Sherrelwood | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Welby | $35–$57 | $66–$105 | LessonsCosts |
| Greenwood Village | $34–$56 | $64–$102 | LessonsCosts |
| Lone Tree | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Federal Heights | $36–$59 | $67–$107 | LessonsCosts |
| Castle Pines | $34–$55 | $64–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| The Pinery | $34–$55 | $63–$101 | LessonsCosts |
| Berkley | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Cherry Creek | $36–$58 | $67–$106 | LessonsCosts |
| Colorado Springs area | |||
| Colorado Springs | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Security-Widefield | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Fountain | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Cimarron Hills | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Carson | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Black Forest | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Monument | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Collins area | |||
| Fort Collins | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Loveland | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Berthoud | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Wellington | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Boulder area | |||
| Boulder | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Longmont | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Lafayette | $35–$57 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Louisville | $34–$56 | $65–$103 | LessonsCosts |
| Superior | $35–$57 | $65–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Greeley area | |||
| Greeley | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Windsor | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Erie | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Evans | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Johnstown | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Firestone | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Frederick | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Grand Junction area | |||
| Grand Junction | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Clifton | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Fruita | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Pueblo area | |||
| Pueblo | $31–$44 | $58–$81 | LessonsCosts |
| Pueblo West | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Colorado towns | |||
| Cañon City | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Durango | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Edwards | $33–$52 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Fort Morgan | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Montrose | $33–$54 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| Rifle | $35–$57 | $66–$104 | LessonsCosts |
| Steamboat Springs | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Sterling | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
No Colorado town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Colorado.
Meet a Trumpet Teacher in Colorado Before You Continue Weekly
The free first lesson is a low-pressure way to meet the teacher, experience the teaching style, test your trumpet setup, and decide whether weekly live online trumpet lessons feel right for you or your child in Colorado.
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Weekly options for changing family calendars
- Build tone, breath support, articulation, rhythm, and trumpet confidence
- Claim a free first 30-minute lesson
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How trumpet learning works in Colorado
How does trumpet fit school music in Colorado?
Colorado school band starts at different grades by district, so trumpet students do not all enter at the same age. Denver County School District 1 offers band to grades 4–6, while Ute Meadows in Jefferson County School District R-1 offers it in grades 4 and 5; Boulder Valley School District RE-2 starts in grade 5, and beginning band at Blevins Middle School in Poudre School District R-1 starts in grade 6. Schools provide the ensemble setting, while private lessons give you or your child individual help with the instrument.
When school music starts in Colorado districts
Who runs what for Colorado trumpet players?
Colorado's student trumpet route is led by school band programs and the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA), which runs concert-band festivals and the All-State Band audition. The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) runs Solo & Ensemble Festivals, while the Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA) offers Rising Stars and Achievement Day for private-study students. These routes serve different goals: school ensemble recognition, individual performance feedback, or a student festival that can be competitive or noncompetitive.
Who runs what in Colorado
Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA)
- Runs
- Runs Solo & Ensemble Festivals and school music festivals.
- For
- Colorado high school students under eligibility rules.
Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA)
- Runs
- Supports educators and student All-State auditions and performances.
- For
- Colorado students in eligible school ensembles.
Colorado State Music Teachers Association (CSMTA)
- Runs
- Offers Rising Stars and Achievement Day for private-study students.
- For
- Students of member and nonmember teachers in Colorado.
Auditions and events in Colorado
How does a trumpet player reach Colorado's top student honors?
For a high-school trumpet player, Colorado’s top school honor is All-State Band, reached through a school band director. Grades 10–12 at eligible schools may audition for Concert Band, while grades 11–12 at any CHSAA-member high school may audition for Symphonic Band. The 2027 video audition deadline is November 20, 2026, and selected students attend the April 1–3 weekend. Younger students have another route through CSMTA’s Rising Stars Festival, which offers competitive and noncompetitive divisions for ages 6–19; its 2027 festival is April 10 at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music. Colorado’s MTNA competition also offers a state-level route, followed by a national final for selected brass finalists.
The trumpet route in Colorado, step by step
- Director-submitted videoFor 2027 All-State Band, submit through a registered Colorado Bandmasters Association member director by 7 p.m. November 20, 2026.
- All-State weekendSelected students attend all events April 1–3, 2027.
- Rising StarsStudents ages 6–19 may enter competitive or noncompetitive divisions.
The Colorado trumpet year
Colorado All-State Jazz BandEntry fee: $30 per auditionStart the piece Jul to Oct
Colorado All-State OrchestraEntry fee: $35 per auditionStart the piece Aug to Nov
Colorado All-State Middle School Jazz BandEntry fee: $30 per audition; $50 participation fee for selected studentsStart the piece Aug to Nov
Colorado All-State BandEntry fee: $25 per auditionStart the piece Oct to Jan
CSMTA Rising Stars FestivalColorado State Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan
Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
Colorado All-State Band uses the same audition materials and procedures for Concert Band and Symphonic Band, with a video submission rather than an in-person first round. For CHSAA Solo & Ensemble, trumpet players do not have to memorize, but a soloist must bring an original score with numbered measures; an accompanist performs but is not judged. CSMTA Rising Stars asks trumpet students to prepare two contrasting selections by different composers. In weekly lessons, a polished event piece often takes three to six months, leaving time to strengthen tone, articulation, and confidence rather than simply learn notes.
What else is there to enter?
CSMTA's Rising Stars Festival suits young players who want either a competitive performance or a noncompetitive chance to play for listeners. Achievement Day is another noncompetitive route, organized through local associations for students whose association permits entry. High school trumpet players can also take part in CHSAA Solo & Ensemble Festivals, where a solo or small-group performance receives adjudicator feedback. These events give you or your child a performance goal beyond the school concert calendar.
Trumpet events in Colorado, 2026–27
Colorado All-State Band
Colorado Bandmasters Association
- When
- April 1–3, 2027
- Entry
- $25 per audition
- Who
- Grades 10–12; students must be in their school music program during the event
Colorado All-State Jazz Band
Colorado Bandmasters Association
- When
- January 30, 2027
- Entry
- $30 per audition
- Who
- Grades 9–12; must belong to a high-school jazz ensemble or an approved band class
Colorado All-State Middle School Jazz Band
Colorado Bandmasters Association
- When
- February 21–22, 2027
- Entry
- $30 per audition; $50 participation fee for selected students
- Who
- Middle school students
Colorado All-State Orchestra
Colorado All State Orchestra
- When
- February 4–6, 2027
- Entry
- $35 per audition
- Who
- Grades 10–12; must meet school orchestra and academic eligibility requirements
CSMTA Rising Stars Festival
Colorado State Music Teachers Association
- When
- Usually April; 2027 date not posted
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Ages 6–19; non-collegiate
CSMTA Achievement Day
Colorado State Music Teachers Association local associations
- When
- Various dates during the year, set by local associations
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- Student participants; age or grade eligibility varies by local association
Colorado State MTNA Competitions
Colorado State Music Teachers Association / Music Teachers National Association
- When
- 2027 date not posted
- Entry
- Ask the organizer
- Who
- MTNA student categories; Colorado event eligibility depends on competition category
Homeschool and private school students
Homeschool students in Colorado can enter the All-State Band and CHSAA Solo & Ensemble route only if they meet the applicable eligibility rules; All-State students must actively participate in a curricular high-school ensemble, and a private or extracurricular youth group does not meet that condition. In Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Home School Music offers concert band, jazz band, orchestra, and other music programs for homeschooled students ages 8 through high school, giving a trumpet player an ensemble option while building school eligibility.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on trumpet
A child can begin trumpet when they can hold it comfortably and manage the mouthpiece without strain; many start private lessons before school band begins. That is especially useful in Colorado, where band starts as early as grade 4 in Denver County School District 1 and Jefferson County School District R-1, but not until grade 6 in places such as Poudre School District R-1. One-on-one work builds a steady sound and reading skills, then helps your child participate fully once school band starts.
A teen in Colorado
A teen can begin trumpet privately even if school band is already underway, then use the school ensemble to build listening and performance experience. Colorado's All-State Band route is open to grades 10–12 for Concert Band at eligible smaller schools, and grades 11–12 for Symphonic Band at any CHSAA-member high school. A weekly private lesson gives a teen a focused place to work alongside rehearsals and school responsibilities, while the band director guides the school audition process.
Starting or coming back as an adult
Adults can learn trumpet in Colorado and join ensembles when they are ready. In Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak Gold Band and Swingmasters Jazz Band welcome adult instrumentalists age 18 or older with at least high-school-level band experience; New Horizons Band of Colorado Springs lets adults visit a rehearsal. Northern Colorado New Horizons in Loveland welcomes beginners as well as experienced players. Starting again or starting from scratch is not too late, and a dedicated teacher can shape lessons around your experience and goals.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good trumpet teacher do?
A good Colorado trumpet teacher helps a student develop a reliable tone, comfortable breathing, and clear articulation, then connects that work to the student's own goal, from first school band parts to an All-State audition. Fit matters as much as training: a young beginner needs patient pacing, while a teen may want focused preparation and an adult may be returning after years away. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in trumpet. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one who fits your age, goals, and learning style.
How do live online trumpet lessons work?
A live Zoom trumpet lesson gives the teacher a real-time view and sound of your playing, so they can respond to tone, breath, articulation, and posture as you work. Set up the camera to show your face, hands, and trumpet, with enough room to play comfortably; a quiet space helps both of you hear the sound clearly. In Denver or Greenwood Village, you meet with the same choice of teachers and receive the same one-on-one weekly lesson. There is no commute, and a teacher who suits the student is not limited by who lives close by.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
JoshuaBachelor’s in TrumpetJustinBachelor’s in TrumpetTrumpet in Colorado
Where to hear trumpet
Colorado offers student-friendly listening beyond the area's individual concert options. The Greeley Chamber Orchestra admits youth age 18 and under free, while the Baroque Chamber Orchestra of Colorado's 2026–27 season includes Vivaldi, Tartini, Handel's Messiah, and Folias and Fandangos, with tickets for those under 18. Hearing different ensemble sounds gives you or your child a chance to recognize how trumpet parts shift between orchestral and chamber music.
Where to play with others
Across Colorado, trumpet players have several ways to play with others beyond school band. Adult community bands and youth orchestras serve different stages: community bands are for adult instrumentalists, while youth orchestras give younger players regular ensemble experience. The state route also includes school concert bands and jazz ensembles, so a player can build from school participation toward a community group as their experience grows.
Trumpet around Colorado, area by area
Denver area
Denver gives trumpet students both ensemble opportunities and a way to hear live music. Denver Young Artists Orchestra offers weekly rehearsals and coached sectionals, while Denver Metro Jazz rehearses in Englewood for community big-band playing. Levitt Pavilion Denver presents free, all-ages summer concerts and community events at Ruby Hill Park, adding an outdoor listening option to the area's orchestral and jazz activity.
- School year
- Aug 24 to Jun 4, 37 lesson weeks (Denver County School District 1)
- Town guides
- Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial, Highlands Ranch
Colorado Springs area
In Colorado Springs, selected Colorado Springs Philharmonic concerts offer free admission for ages 7–17 when accompanied by an adult with a full-price ticket, with up to two children per adult ticket. Old Colorado City's Tuesday summer concerts at Bancroft Park are free from 6 to 8 p.m., June through October. These give a trumpet student two distinct listening settings, from orchestral programming to outdoor concerts.
- School year
- Aug 12 to May 25, 37 lesson weeks (Colorado Springs School District 11)
- Town guides
- Colorado Springs, Security-Widefield, Fountain, Cimarron Hills, Fort Carson, Black Forest, Monument
Fort Collins area
In Fort Collins, student and child tickets to Fort Collins Symphony Signature Concerts are $10. In Loveland, the orchestra's student season ticket includes one student ticket to each of six regular concerts. These options let a trumpet student hear orchestral playing across the area and connect concert listening with the instrument's role in an ensemble.
- Town guides
- Fort Collins, Loveland, Berthoud, Wellington
Boulder area
Boulder pairs youth ensemble experience with several ways to hear live music. Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras offers young players a progression through Sinfonia, Philharmonic, and Symphony, as well as chamber music. CU Boulder College of Music student degree recitals are free and open to the public, and CU Boulder Faculty Tuesdays offers free weekly performances in the Warner Imig Music Building.
- School year
- Aug 12 to May 20, 37 lesson weeks (Boulder Valley School District RE-2)
- Town guides
- Boulder, Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Superior
Greeley area
Greeley Philharmonic Youth Orchestra offers a concert-cycle setting for young players who want ensemble experience beyond school band. Greeley's Family FunPlex summer concert series has free Thursday concerts at 7 p.m. for all ages. A trumpet student can hear live music in the area while deciding whether a larger youth ensemble feels like a good next step.
- School year
- Aug 10 to May 20, 37 lesson weeks (Greeley-Evans School District 6)
Grand Junction area
Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra concerts offer $5 student tickets, and Love Recital Hall concerts are free for students, giving young players two ways to hear live music. In Delta, Valley Youth Orchestra offers an ensemble option for students from the wider region, with scholarships available based on financial need. The combination can support both regular listening and playing with other young musicians.
- School year
- Aug 11 to May 25, 38 lesson weeks (Mesa County Valley School District 51)
- Town guides
- Grand Junction, Clifton, Fruita
Montrose area
Montrose offers trumpet students a listening option beyond the summer series: Valley Symphony Association single-concert student tickets cost $5. The Montrose Summer Music Series also offers free concerts from June through September at the Montrose Amphitheater. Hearing a symphonic program and outdoor concerts can help a student recognize how trumpet fits into different kinds of live music.
- School year
- Aug 17 to May 20, 36 lesson weeks (Montrose County School District RE-1J)
- Town guides
- Montrose
A little trumpet history in Colorado
Colorado's trumpet life includes concert and jazz playing, instrument craft, and performers who work across styles. In Greeley, Brazilian-born trumpet artist Dayvison Costa has appeared with the Greeley Chamber Orchestra and Colorado All-Star Jazz Orchestra, and the Greeley Chamber Orchestra will feature him on February 5, 2027. In Eaton, Bill Pfund builds trumpets and personally plays, adjusts, and approves each instrument. For a student, these examples show the instrument's place in both ensemble performance and careful instrument making.
Start Trumpet Lessons at Lesson With You!
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Weekly options for changing family calendars
- Build tone, breath support, articulation, rhythm, and trumpet confidence
- Claim a free first 30-minute lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher who understands your goal, whether that is first school band playing, an audition, or returning to trumpet as an adult. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in trumpet, and you can select a teacher or ask for a recommendation.
Yes, a live Zoom lesson lets a teacher hear your tone and articulation and respond in real time. A camera view that includes your face, hands, and trumpet helps the teacher guide your playing, while you avoid a commute and can work with a teacher who fits you.
Colorado schools start band at different grades, which is where trumpet instruction generally begins in school. Some programs start in grade 4, while others begin in grade 5 or 6, so private lessons can help a student start before their school's band program opens.
A high-school trumpet player can audition for Colorado All-State Band through a school band director, submitting a video by the audition deadline. CSMTA's Rising Stars Festival is another state-level route for students ages 6–19, with both competitive and noncompetitive divisions.
Yes, homeschool students can enter when they meet the applicable eligibility rules. For All-State ensembles, they must actively participate in a curricular high-school ensemble; a private or extracurricular youth group alone does not qualify.
A child can start when they can comfortably hold the trumpet and manage the mouthpiece without strain. Private lessons before school band begins can build sound and reading skills, especially in districts where band starts in grade 4.
No, adults can begin trumpet or return to it at any age. Colorado has adult community bands in Colorado Springs and Loveland, and private lessons can build the skills and confidence needed to join an ensemble when you are ready.
Trumpet lessons in Colorado typically cost about $76 an hour, or $34 to $56 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.