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Ukulele Lessons in California

What ukulele lessons cost across California, and how to find the right teacher.

Marc Levesque - About Us - Lesson With You
Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 27 min read

Ukulele lesson prices across California

A one-hour ukulele lesson in California typically costs $74 to $118, and a half hour $40 to $65. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The San Francisco area runs highest, up to $137 an hour.

Every town has two guides: an ukulele lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Town30 minutesOne hourGuides
Los Angeles area
Los Angeles$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Mission Viejo$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Long Beach$41–$68$78–$123LessonsCosts
Anaheim$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Santa Ana$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Irvine$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Santa Clarita$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Huntington Beach$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Glendale$41–$68$78–$123LessonsCosts
Garden Grove$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Lancaster$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Palmdale$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Pomona$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Torrance$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Fullerton$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Orange$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Pasadena$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
East Los Angeles$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
Downey$41–$67$78–$123LessonsCosts
Costa Mesa$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
West Covina$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
El Monte$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Inglewood$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Burbank$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Norwalk$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Carson$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Compton$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
South Gate$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Santa Monica$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Westminster$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Lake Forest$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Whittier$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Hawthorne$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Newport Beach$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Buena Park$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Alhambra$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Lakewood$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Tustin$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Bellflower$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Baldwin Park$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Redondo Beach$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Yorba Linda$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Lynwood$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Laguna Niguel$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
San Clemente$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
La Habra$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Montebello$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Florence-Graham$43–$70$81–$128LessonsCosts
Pico Rivera$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Gardena$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Monterey Park$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Fountain Valley$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
South Whittier$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Arcadia$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Hacienda Heights$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Diamond Bar$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Huntington Park$43–$70$81–$128LessonsCosts
Placentia$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Paramount$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Aliso Viejo$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Glendora$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Rosemead$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Covina$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Cypress$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Azusa$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Cerritos$41–$66$76–$122LessonsCosts
Brea$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
La Mirada$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Rancho Santa Margarita$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Rowland Heights$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Altadena$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Rancho Palos Verdes$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Culver City$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Stanton$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
San Gabriel$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Bell Gardens$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Monrovia$40–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
La Puente$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Claremont$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Temple City$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
San Juan Capistrano$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
West Hollywood$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
Manhattan Beach$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Westmont$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
San Dimas$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Dana Point$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Bell$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Beverly Hills$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Lawndale$43–$70$80–$127LessonsCosts
Laguna Hills$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
La Verne$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Walnut$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
South Pasadena$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
North Tustin$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
West Whittier-Los Nietos$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Seal Beach$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Maywood$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Ladera Ranch$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
San Fernando$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
East San Gabriel$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
West Rancho Dominguez$41–$67$76–$122LessonsCosts
Laguna Beach$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
Calabasas$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
West Puente Valley$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Duarte$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
West Carson$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Cudahy$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Willowbrook$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Stevenson Ranch$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
Valinda$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Lomita$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
La Cañada Flintridge$40–$66$75–$120LessonsCosts
Agoura Hills$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
La Crescenta-Montrose$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Lennox$43–$70$80–$128LessonsCosts
South El Monte$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Hermosa Beach$42–$69$79–$127LessonsCosts
Santa Fe Springs$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Castaic$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Laguna Woods$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
South San Jose Hills$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
El Segundo$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Artesia$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Vincent$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
La Palma$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Coto de Caza$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Walnut Park$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
East Rancho Dominguez$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Hawaiian Gardens$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Lake Los Angeles$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Palos Verdes Estates$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Avocado Heights$41–$67$76–$122LessonsCosts
San Marino$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Commerce$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Rancho Mission Viejo$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Los Alamitos$40–$66$76–$120LessonsCosts
Rossmoor$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Quartz Hill$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Signal Hill$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
View Park-Windsor Hills$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Del Aire$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Sun Village$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Sierra Madre$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Citrus$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Malibu$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
San Francisco area
San Francisco$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
Concord$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Oakland$45–$73$84–$133LessonsCosts
Antioch$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Fremont$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Hayward$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Berkeley$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Richmond$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
San Mateo$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Daly City$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
San Leandro$44–$72$83–$133LessonsCosts
San Ramon$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Livermore$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Redwood City$45–$73$83–$133LessonsCosts
Alameda$45–$73$84–$133LessonsCosts
Pleasanton$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Pittsburg$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Dublin$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Walnut Creek$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Union City$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Brentwood$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Castro Valley$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
South San Francisco$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
San Rafael$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Novato$43–$70$80–$127LessonsCosts
Newark$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
Oakley$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Danville$43–$70$81–$128LessonsCosts
San Bruno$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Pacifica$44–$72$83–$131LessonsCosts
Martinez$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Pleasant Hill$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Foster City$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Menlo Park$44–$72$83–$132LessonsCosts
San Pablo$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Burlingame$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
San Carlos$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
San Lorenzo$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
East Palo Alto$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
Belmont$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
Hercules$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
El Cerrito$45–$73$83–$133LessonsCosts
Lafayette$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Bay Point$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Millbrae$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Ashland$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Orinda$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Albany$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Pinole$44–$71$82–$130LessonsCosts
Moraga$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Discovery Bay$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Alamo$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Cherryland$45–$74$85–$135LessonsCosts
Mill Valley$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
North Fair Oaks$46–$75$86–$137LessonsCosts
Emeryville$45–$73$84–$134LessonsCosts
Larkspur$44–$71$82–$131LessonsCosts
San Anselmo$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Tamalpais-Homestead Valley$43–$70$81–$129LessonsCosts
Half Moon Bay$44–$72$82–$131LessonsCosts
Hillsborough$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Piedmont$44–$72$83–$132LessonsCosts
Clayton$43–$71$81–$129LessonsCosts
Fairview$44–$71$81–$130LessonsCosts
Riverside area
Riverside$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Indio$35–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Victorville$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
San Bernardino$37–$59$68–$109LessonsCosts
Fontana$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Moreno Valley$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Hemet$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Ontario$37–$59$68–$109LessonsCosts
Rancho Cucamonga$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Corona$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Murrieta$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Temecula$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Menifee$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
Jurupa Valley$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Rialto$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Hesperia$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Chino$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Perris$35–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Upland$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Chino Hills$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Apple Valley$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Redlands$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Lake Elsinore$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Eastvale$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Highland$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Beaumont$35–$57$66–$104LessonsCosts
San Jacinto$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Yucaipa$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Colton$36–$59$68–$109LessonsCosts
Cathedral City$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
Palm Desert$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
French Valley$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Palm Springs$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Coachella$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
La Quinta$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Adelanto$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Montclair$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Wildomar$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Desert Hot Springs$34–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Banning$35–$57$65–$103LessonsCosts
Temescal Valley$36–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Twentynine Palms$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Bloomington$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Loma Linda$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Barstow$35–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Norco$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Yucca Valley$33–$54$63–$100LessonsCosts
East Hemet$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Mead Valley$34–$56$64–$103LessonsCosts
Valle Vista$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Phelan$34–$55$64–$101LessonsCosts
Rancho Mirage$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Blythe$35–$57$65–$103LessonsCosts
Woodcrest$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
El Sobrante$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Grand Terrace$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Lakeland Village$35–$57$65–$103LessonsCosts
Muscoy$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Big Bear City$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Canyon Lake$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Calimesa$34–$55$64–$101LessonsCosts
Lake Arrowhead$34–$55$63–$101LessonsCosts
Home Gardens$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
San Diego area
San Diego$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Chula Vista$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Oceanside$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Escondido$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Carlsbad$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
El Cajon$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Vista$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
San Marcos$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Encinitas$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
La Mesa$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Santee$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
National City$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Poway$37–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
La Presa$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Fallbrook$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Spring Valley$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Lemon Grove$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Imperial Beach$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Ramona$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Lakeside$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Winter Gardens$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Rancho San Diego$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Casa de Oro-Mount Helix$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Coronado$38–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Bostonia$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Camp Pendleton South$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Alpine$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
Solana Beach$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Bonita$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Valley Center$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Sacramento area
Sacramento$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Elk Grove$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts
Roseville$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Arden-Arcade$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Citrus Heights$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Folsom$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Rancho Cordova$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Davis$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Carmichael$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Rocklin$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Woodland$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
West Sacramento$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Lincoln$37–$60$69–$109LessonsCosts
El Dorado Hills$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Florin$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Antelope$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
North Highlands$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Vineyard$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Foothill Farms$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Orangevale$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Fair Oaks$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Galt$38–$62$71–$114LessonsCosts
Rosemont$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Granite Bay$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
South Lake Tahoe$35–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Cameron Park$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Rio Linda$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Parkway$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Lemon Hill$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Auburn$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
North Auburn$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
La Riviera$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Diamond Springs$36–$58$66–$106LessonsCosts
Placerville$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
San Jose area
San Jose$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Sunnyvale$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Santa Clara$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Gilroy$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Mountain View$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Milpitas$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Palo Alto$41–$66$76–$122LessonsCosts
Cupertino$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Morgan Hill$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Hollister$42–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Campbell$42–$69$79–$126LessonsCosts
Los Gatos$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Los Altos$41–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Saratoga$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Stanford$42–$68$78–$125LessonsCosts
Alum Rock$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Fresno area
Fresno$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Clovis$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Madera$35–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Sanger$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Reedley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Selma$33–$54$63–$99LessonsCosts
Chowchilla$35–$57$66–$105LessonsCosts
Coalinga$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Kerman$36–$59$67–$107LessonsCosts
Parlier$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Kingsburg$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Mendota$37–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Oxnard area
Oxnard$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Thousand Oaks$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
Simi Valley$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
San Buenaventura$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Camarillo$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Moorpark$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Santa Paula$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Port Hueneme$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Fillmore$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Oak Park$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Bakersfield area
Bakersfield$34–$55$63–$101LessonsCosts
Delano$35–$57$66–$104LessonsCosts
Oildale$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
East Niles$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Ridgecrest$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Wasco$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Rosamond$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Shafter$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Arvin$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Rosedale$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
California City$32–$48$59–$87LessonsCosts
McFarland$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Lamont$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Tehachapi$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
East Bakersfield$36–$58$67–$106LessonsCosts
Hillcrest$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Stockton area
Stockton$38–$61$71–$112LessonsCosts
Tracy$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Manteca$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Lodi$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Lathrop$36–$59$68–$108LessonsCosts
Mountain House$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Ripon$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Garden Acres$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Modesto area
Modesto$37–$60$69–$111LessonsCosts
Turlock$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Ceres$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Riverbank$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Patterson$37–$60$68–$109LessonsCosts
Oakdale$37–$60$69–$110LessonsCosts
Salida$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Newman$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Santa Barbara area
Santa Barbara$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts
Santa Maria$40–$66$76–$120LessonsCosts
Lompoc$40–$65$75–$119LessonsCosts
Goleta$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Orcutt$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Eastern Goleta Valley$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Isla Vista$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
Carpinteria$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
University of California-Santa Barbara$40–$65$74–$118LessonsCosts
Vallejo area
Vallejo$39–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Fairfield$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Vacaville$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Suisun City$40–$65$75–$120LessonsCosts
Benicia$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Dixon$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Salinas area
Salinas$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Seaside$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Monterey$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Soledad$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Marina$41–$66$76–$121LessonsCosts
Greenfield$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Prunedale$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts
Pacific Grove$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
King City$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Santa Rosa area
Santa Rosa$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Petaluma$39–$64$73–$116LessonsCosts
Rohnert Park$40–$64$74–$118LessonsCosts
Windsor$37–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Healdsburg$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Sonoma$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Visalia area
Visalia$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Tulare$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Porterville$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Dinuba$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Lindsay$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Farmersville$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Merced area
Merced$34–$56$64–$102LessonsCosts
Los Banos$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Atwater$34–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
Livingston$34–$55$63–$101LessonsCosts
Winton$33–$54$63–$99LessonsCosts
Delhi$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Santa Cruz area
Santa Cruz$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
Watsonville$43–$69$80–$127LessonsCosts
Live Oak$42–$69$79–$125LessonsCosts
Scotts Valley$41–$67$77–$123LessonsCosts
Soquel$41–$67$77–$122LessonsCosts
El Paso de Robles area
El Paso de Robles$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
San Luis Obispo$39–$63$73–$116LessonsCosts
Atascadero$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Arroyo Grande$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Nipomo$38–$62$71–$113LessonsCosts
Los Osos$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Grover Beach$39–$64$74–$117LessonsCosts
Morro Bay$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
Yuba City area
Yuba City$35–$58$66–$105LessonsCosts
Linda$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Olivehurst$35–$57$65–$104LessonsCosts
Marysville$34–$56$65–$103LessonsCosts
Hanford area
Hanford$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Lemoore$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Corcoran$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Avenal$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
El Centro area
El Centro$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Calexico$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Brawley$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Imperial$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Redding area
Redding$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Anderson$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Chico area
Chico$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Oroville$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Napa area
Napa$42–$68$79–$125LessonsCosts
American Canyon$42–$68$78–$124LessonsCosts
Eureka area
Eureka$39–$63$73–$115LessonsCosts
Arcata$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
McKinleyville$37–$61$70–$111LessonsCosts
Fortuna$39–$63$72–$115LessonsCosts
Truckee area
Truckee$36–$58$67–$107LessonsCosts
Grass Valley$38–$61$70–$112LessonsCosts
Other California towns
Clearlake$39–$63$73–$115LessonsCosts
Red Bluff$38–$62$72–$114LessonsCosts
Susanville$39–$64$73–$117LessonsCosts
Ukiah$38–$63$72–$114LessonsCosts

Find Your Next Ukulele Teacher in California

Browse ukulele teachers, compare availability, and start with a free trial before choosing weekly lessons in California.

4 ukulele instructors available in the next 5 days
Will Orchard

Will Orchard

Top Rated 5.0
Bachelor’s in GuitarMulti-Genre SpecialistTheory ExpertiseStudent Favorite
Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Will
Gabriel Maia

Gabriel Maia

Top Rated 5.0
Master’s in GuitarTechnique ExpertVersatile RepertoireStudent Favorite
Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English, Portuguese, Spanish🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Gabriel
Jess Kerber

Jess Kerber

Top Rated 5.0
Bachelor’s in SingingFun & UpbeatWarm & EncouragingPopular
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Jess
Nick Prato

Nick Prato

Bachelor’s in GuitarProgress FocusedMulti-Genre SpecialistWarm & Encouraging
Genres: Acoustic, Bass, Electric Guitar, Ukulele
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in California via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Nick

How ukulele learning works in California

How does ukulele fit school music in California?

The state’s grade 1 standards ask students to create musical ideas and perform with expression; San Diego Unified offers fifth graders band, choir, or string orchestra, while Davis Joint Unified starts fifth-grade band and strings. Those options can build reading and ensemble skills, but they do not make ukulele a school-group instrument, so private study gives you or your child a direct path on ukulele alongside school music.

Who runs what for California ukulele players?

California’s student music organizations support band, orchestra, choir, and solo-and-ensemble work, but they do not provide a ukulele All-State route. The California Music Educators Association (CMEA) runs student festivals through its Student Affairs Commission, while the California Band Directors Association (CBDA), California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA), and California Choral Directors Association (CCDA) serve their own ensemble families. That distinction matters: a ukulele player can prepare for solo-and-ensemble opportunities, but should not plan on the state honor-band, orchestra, or choir auditions as a ukulele pathway.

Who runs what in California

California Music Educators Association (CMEA)

Runs
Runs student festivals, including solo and ensemble opportunities.
For
California student musicians

California Band Directors Association (CBDA)

Runs
Offers All-State honor bands and jazz bands.
For
Junior high and high school band students

California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA)

Runs
Auditions students for junior high and high school All-State orchestras.
For
Students in grades 7–12

California Choral Directors Association (CCDA)

Runs
Runs All-State Honor Choirs.
For
Junior high and high school singers

Auditions and events in California

How does an ukulele player reach California's top student honors?

California’s student performance route for ukulele centers on solo and ensemble festivals. The CMEA Bay Section Solo and Ensemble Festival at San José State University is one option, with 2027 registration closing February 1 and payment and final entry updates due February 16. North Coast CMEA also holds a Solo and Ensemble Festival, giving students another setting to perform prepared music. These are performance festivals rather than a sequence of school honors, so you can choose an entry that suits your experience and focus on presenting a finished piece.

The ukulele route in California, step by step

  1. Choose a solo or ensemble festivalThe CMEA Bay Section and North Coast festivals offer student solo and ensemble opportunities.
  2. Enter the Bay Section festivalFor 2027, registration closes February 1; payment and final entry updates are due February 16.
  3. Perform at the festivalThe 2027 Bay Section Solo and Ensemble Festival is based at San José State University.

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For a California ukulele festival entry, prepare a solo or ensemble performance; the Bay Section registration asks for the student's name, instrument, and grade, and the host collects practical details such as accompanist needs and time limits. The North Coast CMEA festival allows an optional accompanist, including use of its festival accompanist. In weekly lessons, allow three to six months to shape an event piece, with time for clean chord changes, steady rhythm, and a confident start and finish.

Homeschool and private school students

Homeschool students can pursue ukulele through community play-alongs and jams that welcome players of different ages, including the ukulele-led beginner acoustic jam at Gilroy Library for kids in grades K–8, teens, adults, and older adults. For a formal student performance opportunity, a solo or ensemble festival is a more suitable route than school-based honor groups, which do not include ukulele.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on ukulele

Ukulele is a comfortable first instrument for many children because its four strings make basic chords and singing accompaniment accessible without waiting for a school ensemble opening. California’s early music standards begin in grade 1, while the named district band and string programs begin in grade 5, and neither establishes a ukulele school group. A private teacher can build steady rhythm, chord changes, and simple melody playing before that point, then help your child connect those skills to school music and songs they enjoy.

A teen in California

A teen who wants to play ukulele can develop a solo or ensemble piece for a CMEA festival, since California's student honor groups are for band, orchestra, and choir rather than ukulele. The Bay Section festival in San José offers one student performance opportunity, while a weekly lesson gives your teen a consistent place to work around school commitments and build toward playing with confidence.

Starting or coming back as an adult

It is not too late to begin ukulele as an adult in California, and playing with others can be part of learning rather than a distant goal. Valley Ukulele Society in Folsom welcomes all skill levels, while the Mid County Senior Center group in Capitola especially welcomes beginners; the Corralitos Cultural Center jam in Corralitos includes ukulele in its acoustic mix. A live teacher can meet you at your current level, whether you are learning your first chords or returning after time away, and shape weekly work toward joining a group with confidence.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good ukulele teacher do?

A good ukulele teacher helps you or your child move from comfortable chord shapes to reliable rhythm, clear melody, and playing with other people. For a California student considering a CMEA solo or ensemble festival, the teacher should help select music that suits the player's current level and build it into a finished performance, while an adult beginner may value a slower start with familiar songs. Training matters, but patience and a teaching style that fits the learner matter just as much. At Lesson With You, every teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in guitar; you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one.

How do live online ukulele lessons work?

In a live Zoom lesson, your teacher can hear your strumming pulse and chord changes in real time, and see your fretting hand and how you hold the ukulele. Set up where the instrument and both hands are visible, with a stable device and a quiet place to play. Online lessons are not a recording or a self-paced course: you work one-on-one each week with a dedicated teacher who learns how you respond. A player in Los Angeles or Alpine has the same choice of teacher and the same lesson, without a commute and without being limited to whoever is closest.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

A teacher with a degree in guitarEvery Lesson With You ukulele teacher holds at least a bachelor's degree in guitar.
Gabriel MaiaGabrielMaster’s in GuitarWill OrchardWillBachelor’s in GuitarJess KerberJessBachelor’s in Singing
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.

Ukulele in California

California has several ukulele-friendly gatherings, each with a different format. San Diego’s Jam Oasis lists a third-Monday ukulele-oriented jam and open mic at Queen Bee’s, where players can bring any instrument and lead a song. Gilroy Library hosts a monthly beginner acoustic jam for children, teens, adults, and older adults, led by ukulele and open to other acoustic instruments. Vallejo’s John F. Kennedy Library hosts a community ukulele play-along and sing-along, with loaner instruments available at no cost and registration required. These song-centered gatherings differ from school band or orchestra.

Ukulele around California, area by area

Los Angeles area

In Los Angeles, the MAC·LA summer concert series at MacArthur Park is free and open to all ages, with no ticket or reservation required. High school and full-time college or graduate students can join Student Insiders for access to student tickets to Los Angeles Philharmonic concerts. These options give a ukulele player a chance to hear a range of live music in the area.

San Francisco area

San Francisco offers a free, family-friendly way to hear live music through the Golden Gate Park Band, which typically plays Sunday afternoons from late April to early October. Full-time college students can also seek rush tickets for select San Francisco Symphony concerts at Davies Symphony Hall, subject to availability. A ukulele player can hear outdoor band music as well as orchestral performance.

School year
Aug 17 to Jun 2, 38 lesson weeks (San Francisco Unified School District)

Riverside area

In Redlands, students in grades 6–12 who attend school in Riverside or San Bernardino County can receive four free tickets to Redlands Symphony concerts and recitals this season. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival also presents free performances on summer Tuesday and Friday evenings. These opportunities let a young player hear live ensemble music in the Riverside area.

San Diego area

San Diego Symphony offers student tickets for Masterworks concerts, with a valid student ID required for pickup and a limit of two tickets per concert. A ukulele player can listen for the pulse and chord changes that help songs feel steady, even in a large ensemble. This is one way to connect familiar playing skills with a live orchestral performance.

School year
Aug 10 to May 26, 38 lesson weeks (San Diego Unified School District)

Sacramento area

Sacramento's Concerts in the Park is a free all-ages option for hearing live music, with evening performances. Sacramento State also lists student tickets for its Opera Theatre performances. These give players in the Sacramento area a chance to hear live music across popular and theatrical settings.

School year
Aug 11 to May 27, 38 lesson weeks (Sacramento City Unified School District)

San Jose area

In San Jose, San José State University hosts a free public noon-time concert series featuring faculty, students, and visiting artists. Symphony San Jose also offers accompanying guests age 17 or younger half-price single tickets, with some exclusions. The noon concerts make a convenient listening option for families able to visit during the day.

School year
Aug 6 to Jun 3, 38 lesson weeks (East Side Union High School District)

Fresno area

Engelmann Cellars in Fresno has free, family-friendly live music on Sunday afternoons. A ukulele player can listen for how performers keep time together and shape a song's rhythm, then bring those ideas back to playing at home. This provides a local live-music option for families in the Fresno area.

School year
Aug 17 to Jun 10, 38 lesson weeks (Fresno Unified School District)

Bakersfield area

Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra subscription concerts offer student admission, with the amount depending on the seating tier. The Fred & Beverly Dukes Memorial Concert Series presents free Sunday-afternoon concerts. Together, these give Bakersfield-area ukulele players two local ways to hear live music, from orchestral performance to a free concert series.

A little ukulele history in California

California has a small but specific ukulele-making history. Kala Ukulele began in Petaluma in 2005 with founder Mike Upton's aim of making ukuleles more accessible, while Santa Cruz builder Tony Graziano turned to ukulele making after moving there. In Torrance, Mitch Chang founded the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival in 2015. The festival and these makers show that the instrument has a place here beyond beginner chords, giving a student local examples of craft and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a teacher who can help you build rhythm, chord changes, and music that fits your goals, whether that means playing for yourself or preparing a festival piece. Lesson With You offers one-on-one weekly Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in guitar, and you can select a teacher or ask for a recommendation.

Yes, a live teacher can hear your timing and see your fretting hand and strumming in real time, then give immediate feedback. Weekly Zoom lessons let you learn at home without a commute, and the teacher can adapt the work to your progress.

California's All-State band, orchestra, and choir groups do not include ukulele, so the clearest formal student route is a CMEA solo or ensemble festival. The Bay Section and North Coast festivals give players a setting to perform prepared music, rather than an All-State ukulele audition.

Yes, homeschool students can pursue solo and ensemble festival opportunities, including the CMEA Bay Section and North Coast festivals. Those provide a practical route for a ukulele player because California's All-State groups do not include a ukulele ensemble.

Many children are ready when they can hold the instrument comfortably, follow a steady beat, and enjoy repeating a short musical idea. California school music starts in the early grades, but the named district band and string groups begin in fifth grade, so private ukulele lessons can start earlier if the child is ready.

No, adults can begin or return to ukulele at any age, and California has groups that welcome new players. Valley Ukulele Society in Folsom welcomes all skill levels, while the beginner-friendly Mid County Senior Center group meets in Capitola.

Ukulele lessons in California typically cost about $88 an hour, or $40 to $65 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.