Trumpet Lessons in Illinois

What trumpet lessons cost across Illinois, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 22 min read

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

Trumpet lesson prices across Illinois

A one-hour trumpet lesson in Illinois typically costs $61 to $97, and a half hour $33 to $53. Most towns sit close to that range. The Chicago area runs highest, up to $102 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.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Chicago area
Chicago	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Round Lake Beach	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Aurora	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Naperville	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Joliet	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Elgin	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Waukegan	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Cicero	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Schaumburg	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Evanston	$34–$55	$64–$101	Lessons Costs
Arlington Heights	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Bolingbrook	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
DeKalb	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Palatine	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Skokie	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Des Plaines	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Orland Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Oak Lawn	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Berwyn	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Mount Prospect	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Tinley Park	$33–$54	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Wheaton	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Oak Park	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Hoffman Estates	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Downers Grove	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Glenview	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Plainfield	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Elmhurst	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lombard	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Buffalo Grove	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Romeoville	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Crystal Lake	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Bartlett	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Carol Stream	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Streamwood	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Park Ridge	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Wheeling	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Carpentersville	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Hanover Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Oswego	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Addison	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Calumet City	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Northbrook	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Woodridge	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
St. Charles	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Glendale Heights	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Elk Grove Village	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Mundelein	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
North Chicago	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Gurnee	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Highland Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Algonquin	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Niles	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lake in the Hills	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Burbank	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Glen Ellyn	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Lansing	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
McHenry	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
New Lenox	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Huntley	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Wilmette	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Batavia	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Vernon Hills	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Oak Forest	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Chicago Heights	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Lockport	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Woodstock	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
West Chicago	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Morton Grove	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Zion	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Melrose Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Homer Glen	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
South Elgin	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Rolling Meadows	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Elmwood Park	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Westmont	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Yorkville	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Lisle	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Maywood	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Roselle	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Bloomingdale	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Villa Park	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Darien	$33–$54	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Blue Island	$33–$54	$63–$99	Lessons Costs
Montgomery	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Geneva	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Park Forest	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Grayslake	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
South Holland	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Dolton	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Frankfort	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Crest Hill	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Libertyville	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Harvey	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Mokena	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Lake Zurich	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Deerfield	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Evergreen Park	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Lake Forest	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Brookfield	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Homewood	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
North Aurora	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Matteson	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Round Lake	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Bensenville	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Alsip	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Sycamore	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Shorewood	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Bellwood	$34–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Palos Hills	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Cary	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Lemont	$33–$53	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Hinsdale	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Bridgeview	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Westchester	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Country Club Hills	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
La Grange	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Prospect Heights	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Norridge	$34–$55	$63–$101	Lessons Costs
Morris	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Antioch	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Warrenville	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Hickory Hills	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lindenhurst	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Beach Park	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Chicago Ridge	$33–$55	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Wauconda	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Midlothian	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Forest Park	$33–$54	$63–$99	Lessons Costs
Wood Dale	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Channahon	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Hazel Crest	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
La Grange Park	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Western Springs	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Lincolnwood	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Minooka	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Richton Park	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Northlake	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Winnetka	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Justice	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Plano	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Palos Heights	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
River Forest	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Schiller Park	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Markham	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Burr Ridge	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Fox Lake	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Barrington	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Manhattan	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Pingree Grove	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Campton Hills	$32–$51	$60–$92	Lessons Costs
Summit	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Gages Lake	$33–$53	$61–$98	Lessons Costs
Worth	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Crestwood	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
River Grove	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Alton area
Alton	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Belleville	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
O'Fallon	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Granite City	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Edwardsville	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Collinsville	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
East St. Louis	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Godfrey	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Cahokia Heights	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Fairview Heights	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Swansea	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Shiloh	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Glen Carbon	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Troy	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Waterloo	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Columbia	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Rockford area
Rockford	$31–$44	$57–$80	Lessons Costs
Belvidere	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Loves Park	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Machesney Park	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Roscoe	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Peoria area
Peoria	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Pekin	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
East Peoria	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Morton	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Washington	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Champaign area
Champaign	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Urbana	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Rantoul	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Bloomington area
Bloomington	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Normal	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Springfield area
Springfield	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Chatham	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Moline area
Moline	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Rock Island	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
East Moline	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Kewanee	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Kankakee area
Kankakee	$32–$46	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Bourbonnais	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Bradley	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Charleston area
Charleston	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Mattoon	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Ottawa area
Ottawa	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Streator	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Marion area
Marion	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Herrin	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Other Illinois towns
Canton	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Carbondale	$33–$54	$62–$99	Lessons Costs
Centralia	$33–$54	$63–$100	Lessons Costs
Danville	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Decatur	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Dixon	$33–$52	$60–$96	Lessons Costs
Effingham	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Freeport	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Galesburg	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Jacksonville	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Lincoln	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Macomb	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Mount Vernon	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Pontiac	$32–$49	$59–$90	Lessons Costs
Quincy	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Sterling	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Taylorville	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs

Meet a Trumpet Teacher in Illinois 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 Illinois.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Find Your Next Trumpet Teacher in Illinois

Browse trumpet teachers, compare availability, and begin with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in Illinois.

Instrument

Day & Time

Student Age

Student Skill Level

2 trumpet instructors available in the next 5 days

Joshua Ruff

Bachelor’s in TrumpetFun & UpbeatImprovisation ExpertGreat with All Ages

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

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 5 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Illinois via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Joshua

Justin Henke

Bachelor’s in TrumpetWarm & EncouragingPerformance ExpertGreat with All Ages

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

✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 9 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Illinois via Zoom

Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening

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

Book Free Trial with Justin

How trumpet learning works in Illinois

How does trumpet fit school music in Illinois?

Illinois school band entry is set locally, with many routes beginning in fourth or fifth grade and some starting later. McLean County Unit District No. 5 lets fifth graders sign up at the start of the year, while Cicero School District 99 starts elementary band in fourth grade and provides instruments at no cost. In Springfield School District 186, fifth graders can join an after-school beginning band. Because these entry points differ, private lessons can help you or your child build basic sound and reading skills before school rehearsals begin.

When school music starts in Illinois districts

McLean County Unit District No. 5Band5

Springfield School District 186Beginning band5

Community Unit School District 300Band5

Cicero School District 99Elementary band4

Evanston/Skokie School District 65Band4 and 5

Quincy Public School District #172Band4

Galesburg Community Unit School District #205Band elective5

McHenry Community Consolidated School District 15Beginning band6

Batavia Public School District 101Band5

Who runs what for Illinois trumpet players?

Illinois offers two distinct student routes: the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) develops school musicians through district festivals and All-State programs, while the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) runs high school solo and ensemble contests. ILMEA also serves younger students through district programs, so it is the route toward honors ensembles; IHSA gives eligible high school students a contest setting. Knowing which organization matches your goal helps you plan with your school music director rather than treating every audition as the same process.

Who runs what in Illinois

Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA)

Runs: Runs district festivals, student programs, and All-State opportunities.
For: Elementary through high school students.

Illinois High School Association (IHSA)

Runs: Runs the high school Music Solo & Ensemble tournament.
For: Eligible students representing member schools.

Auditions and events in Illinois

How does a trumpet player reach Illinois's top student honors?

For Illinois school musicians, the main route toward the state's top student honors runs through ILMEA's nine districts. A school music director nominates an eligible student, who auditions for a district program; selected students join a district ensemble, and high school students in grades 9–12 may then be considered for All-State. Participation in a school ensemble is generally required, except when the school does not offer that ensemble; homeschool families can register as an ILMEA Participating School. Attending the entire district festival is required for All-State consideration. The 2026–27 Illinois Music Education Conference and All-State event is set for January 27–30, 2027, in Peoria. Separate IESA Solo & Ensemble contests run in March and April for eligible younger students.

The trumpet route in Illinois, step by step

District auditionAuditions lead to district ensemble selection; district festivals are held in November.
District ensembleSelected students attend the full festival to qualify for All-State consideration.
All-State considerationSelected students in grades 9–12 may be considered; the 2026–27 event is January 27–30, 2027, in Peoria.

The Illinois trumpet year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

Illinois State MTNA Performance CompetitionsIllinois State Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece May to Aug

Start the piece May to AugNov 7–8

MTNA East Central Division CompetitionsMusic Teachers National AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan

ILMEA All-State Student ProgramsIllinois Music Education AssociationStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 27–30

IHSA Music Solo & Ensemble ContestIllinois High School AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar

IESA Music Solo & EnsembleIllinois Elementary School AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar to Apr

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

Illinois trumpet auditions call for both technical control and prepared music. ILMEA junior wind auditions use the junior scale sheet and Cycle 3 commissioned etude; only District 7 adds supplemental material. Senior wind auditions use the senior scale sheet, with a three-minute limit and all notes tongued, plus the Cycle 3 etude. Start that event piece three to six months ahead in weekly lessons, so there is time to settle the notes, articulation, breath plan, and confident performance under pressure. Illinois State Music Teachers Association (ISMTA)'s Achievement in Music program is a separate study path, with repertoire selected from its syllabus and approved collections, plus theory, aural skills, sight-reading, and harmonization components.

What else is there to enter?

Illinois has additional ways to perform beyond the main honors route. ILMEA district festivals serve elementary through senior-high students, while IHSA and IESA solo and ensemble contests give eligible school students a focused performance goal in spring. The Illinois State Music Teachers Association's Achievement in Music program suits students who want structured growth in repertoire and musicianship, not only an audition outcome. These options let a trumpet player choose between ensemble recognition, a solo performance, or steady skill-building.

Trumpet events in Illinois, 2026–27

ILMEA All-State Student Programs

Illinois Music Education Association

When: January 27–30, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Selected junior high and high school students; ensemble and grade eligibility varies

IHSA Music Solo & Ensemble Contest

Illinois High School Association

When: March 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: High school students representing IHSA member schools

IESA Music Solo & Ensemble

Illinois Elementary School Association

When: March–April 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Students representing IESA member schools; elementary and middle school grades

ILMEA District Student Programs and Festivals

Illinois Music Education Association

When: district festivals in November 2026
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Elementary, junior high, and high school students; district offerings and grade divisions vary

MTNA East Central Division Competitions

Music Teachers National Association

When: January 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: State winners in eligible junior, senior, and young artist divisions

Illinois State MTNA Performance Competitions

Illinois State Music Teachers Association

When: Usually early November each year
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Junior, senior, and young artist divisions; exact age or grade cutoffs depend on division

Homeschool and private school students

Homeschool students in Illinois can enter the ILMEA route when a family or co-op registers as a Participating School and nominates the student for auditions. A selected student in grades 9–12 can be considered for All-State after attending the full district festival. This creates a school-based path for homeschooled trumpet players who otherwise do not have a school music director to nominate them.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on trumpet

Trumpet often suits a child once they can comfortably hold the instrument and manage the mouthpiece, commonly around age eight or nine, though readiness matters more than a birthday. Illinois school band often begins in fourth or fifth grade, so an earlier private start can make the first ensemble experience less crowded with new tasks. In lessons, your child can learn how to form a steady sound, use the valves, and read simple rhythms, then carry those skills into school band without feeling rushed.

A teen in Illinois

A teen starting trumpet in Illinois can join a school band route even if they missed the elementary beginning, since some districts offer beginning band in high school. For honors, the usual path runs through a director's nomination and an ILMEA district audition, then a district ensemble and possible All-State consideration for grades 9–12. Weekly lessons give you or your teen focused time to build tone and technique alongside school rehearsals, while keeping school deadlines and ensemble responsibilities in view.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults in Illinois can play trumpet with community wind groups, including DePaul New Horizons Concert Band in Chicago, Kishwaukee Concert Band in DeKalb, and Spring Valley Concert Band in Schaumburg. These groups give returning players a reason to rebuild endurance and ensemble skills, while a newer player can first work toward reading parts and holding a steady sound in a group. It is not too late to start or return; a teacher can meet you at your current level and shape weekly work around your goals and available practice time.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good trumpet teacher do?

A good Illinois trumpet teacher builds a dependable tone and clear articulation, then connects that work to the student's school band or ILMEA goals. Younger beginners often need patient help with breath, embouchure, and reading; a teen preparing an audition needs specific feedback on musical detail and consistency. Training matters, but the teacher's way of explaining and listening matters just as much, because the right match helps a student keep practicing. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor's degree in trumpet, and you can choose one yourself or ask us to recommend a fit.

How do live online trumpet lessons work?

A live Zoom trumpet lesson lets the teacher hear tone, articulation, and phrasing in real time and see hand position, posture, and breathing. Set the device far enough back to show your face and trumpet, and use a quiet room where the sound carries clearly. Unlike a studio visit, there is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than whoever is closest. A weekly one-on-one lesson with the same teacher builds continuity; in Chicago and Bradley, you or your child have the same choice of teacher and the same lesson. The first 30-minute lesson is free, with no payment method needed.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

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

JoshuaBachelor’s in Trumpet

JustinBachelor’s in Trumpet

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.

Trumpet in Illinois

Where to hear trumpet

Illinois offers several distinct ways to hear trumpet beyond local concert options. In Chicago, students ages 9–19 can take the stage with other young musicians and professional mentors at the Jazz Links Jam Sessions, where trumpet is welcome. The Chicago Jazz Festival offers free admission each September, while Woodstock's monthly Jazz on the Square open jam lets musicians sit in with the house band. These settings let a student hear how trumpet works in jazz and experience live playing at different levels.

Where to play with others

Illinois trumpet players can move from school band into youth ensembles, while adults have community bands and open jams as routes to play with others. In Chicago, students ages 9–19 can bring trumpet to the Jazz Links Jam Sessions and play alongside other students and professional mentors. Woodstock’s monthly Jazz on the Square jam also welcomes musicians to sit in with its house band, giving players a less formal setting to build ensemble experience.

Trumpet around Illinois, area by area

Chicago area

Chicago students can pursue a youth orchestra route through Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, which serves elementary through high school musicians and requires some prior experience. Need-based assistance is available across its programs, so families can ask about support as they consider whether this ensemble setting fits their player's readiness. For a young trumpeter who wants regular ensemble experience beyond school band, it offers a distinct next step.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 11, 39 lesson weeks (Chicago Public Schools)
Town guides: Chicago, Round Lake Beach, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Elgin, Waukegan, Cicero

Rockford area

Rockford Jams gives families a low-cost way to hear live music, with most performances free and prime concerts priced at $5 per person; children five and under are free. For a student who wants to hear young musicians, Rockford Symphony Youth Orchestra concerts are free and feature student performers, offering a useful glimpse of ensemble sound and stage presence.

Town guides: Rockford, Belvidere, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Roscoe

Peoria area

In Peoria, Youth Music Illinois has junior and senior jazz ensembles, with membership decided by audition, so trumpet students interested in jazz can pursue a focused ensemble setting. Students can also attend regular Peoria Symphony Orchestra performances for $15 per ticket. On April 30, 2027, its student concert offers two free performances for schoolchildren in grades 3–12.

School year: Aug 5 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (Peoria Public Schools District 150)
Town guides: Peoria, Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Washington

Champaign area

Urbana's C4A ensembles offer another group setting for young musicians, with semester participation and discounts for multiple ensembles or family members. The Champaign County Arts Council's Sounds of Summer series brings free concerts throughout the county. In Mahomet, a free summer concert features Candy Foster and Shades of Blue.

Town guides: Champaign, Urbana, Rantoul

Bloomington area

Bloomington-Normal Youth Symphony gives young musicians a local orchestra route, with membership by audition and a $200 student fee. Families can hear Illinois Wesleyan University School of Music events in Bloomington free of charge. In Streator, Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra concerts are free for students through 12th grade, so a student can hear orchestral brass in a different part of the region.

School year: Aug 20 to Jun 2, 39 lesson weeks (McLean County Unit District No. 5)
Town guides: Bloomington, Normal

Springfield area

Springfield's Capital Area Concert Band welcomes people who played an instrument in high school and does not charge participation or audition fees, making it a practical community route for returning trumpet players. Most University of Illinois Springfield music events, including concerts and recitals, are free and open to the public, so students can hear live performance without a ticket charge.

Town guides: Springfield, Chatham

Kankakee area

Kankakee Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra offers a youth orchestra option for students ready to audition. The Kankakee Municipal Band performs free outdoor concerts at Bird Park on Thursday evenings during its 10-week summer season. Families can also hear the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra's free summer series at Cobb Park, presented with the Riverview Historic District.

Town guides: Kankakee, Bourbonnais, Bradley

Decatur area

Decatur Youth Symphony Orchestra serves area students in grades 6–12 with at least a year of instrumental experience and an audition, and scholarships are available. For listening, the Decatur Municipal Band offers free public concerts and family events through summer and fall.

School year: Aug 12 to May 24, 38 lesson weeks (Decatur School District 61)
Town guides: Decatur

A little trumpet history in Illinois

Illinois has a direct connection to trumpet making and performance. Schilke Music Products began in Chicago in 1956 and still makes trumpets there, while Chicago-born Vincent Cichowicz helped found the International Trumpet Guild. Elmwood Park native Lee Loughnane became known as the trumpet player in the band Chicago. These links place the instrument within the state's working musical history, from a Chicago maker's craft to performers heard well beyond Illinois. For a student, that history offers a local example of how focused practice can lead into a lasting musical life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good trumpet teacher in Illinois?

Choose a teacher who listens closely to your tone and explains breathing, articulation, and technique in a way that suits your goals. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in trumpet; you can choose a teacher or ask us to recommend one.

Do live video trumpet lessons really work?

Yes, a live lesson lets a teacher hear your tone and articulation and see posture and hand position in real time. A quiet room and a camera angle that shows your face and trumpet make feedback useful, without a commute or limiting you to the closest teacher.

When do Illinois schools start teaching trumpet?

Many Illinois school band programs begin in fourth or fifth grade, but the starting point depends on the district. Cicero School District 99 starts elementary band in fourth grade, while McLean County Unit District No. 5 lets fifth graders sign up at the beginning of the year.

How does a trumpet player reach Illinois's top student honors?

The usual route is a school music director's nomination, an ILMEA district audition, and selection for a district ensemble. Selected high school students in grades 9–12 can be considered for All-State after attending the full district festival.

Can homeschool students enter Illinois music contests?

Yes, a homeschool family or co-op can register as an ILMEA Participating School and nominate a student for auditions. A selected high school student can be considered for All-State after attending the entire district festival.

What age should a child start trumpet lessons?

Many children are ready around age eight or nine, when they can comfortably hold the instrument and manage the mouthpiece. Readiness matters more than age, and a private start before fourth- or fifth-grade band can make school rehearsals feel more familiar.

Is it too late to learn trumpet as an adult in Illinois?

No, adults can begin or return to trumpet at any age and build toward playing with others. Illinois has community wind groups such as DePaul New Horizons Concert Band in Chicago and Kishwaukee Concert Band in DeKalb, while weekly lessons can start at your current level.

How much are trumpet lessons in Illinois?

Trumpet lessons in Illinois typically cost about $72 an hour, or $33 to $53 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

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Trumpet in Illinois

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Trumpet around Illinois, area by area

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A little trumpet history in Illinois

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