Ukulele Lessons in Minnesota
What ukulele lessons cost across Minnesota, and how to find the right teacher.
Ukulele lesson prices across Minnesota
A one-hour ukulele 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: an ukulele 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis area | |||
| Minneapolis | $33–$55 | $63–$100 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Paul | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Bloomington | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Brooklyn Park | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Plymouth | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Woodbury | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Lakeville | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Blaine | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Maple Grove | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Eagan | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Burnsville | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Coon Rapids | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Eden Prairie | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Apple Valley | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Edina | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Minnetonka | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Louis Park | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Shakopee | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Cottage Grove | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Maplewood | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Richfield | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Inver Grove Heights | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Roseville | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Andover | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Savage | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Brooklyn Center | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Fridley | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Chaska | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Oakdale | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Ramsey | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Prior Lake | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Rosemount | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Elk River | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Shoreview | $33–$53 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Chanhassen | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| White Bear Lake | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Farmington | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Champlin | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| New Brighton | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Crystal | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Otsego | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Columbia Heights | $33–$54 | $62–$99 | LessonsCosts |
| Hastings | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Lino Lakes | $32–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Golden Valley | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| West St. Paul | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| New Hope | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Forest Lake | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| South St. Paul | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Michael | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Stillwater | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Hopkins | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Anoka | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Ham Lake | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Buffalo | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Hugo | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Monticello | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| Robbinsdale | $33–$54 | $62–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Rogers | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Waconia | $33–$52 | $60–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| Lake Elmo | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Mounds View | $33–$53 | $61–$97 | LessonsCosts |
| Vadnais Heights | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| North St. Paul | $33–$53 | $61–$98 | LessonsCosts |
| Big Lake | $33–$52 | $60–$95 | LessonsCosts |
| East Bethel | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Mendota Heights | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| North Branch | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Victoria | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
| Little Canada | $33–$53 | $61–$96 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Cloud area | |||
| St. Cloud | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Sartell | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Sauk Rapids | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Duluth area | |||
| Duluth | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Hibbing | $31–$43 | $56–$78 | LessonsCosts |
| Cloquet | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Mankato area | |||
| Mankato | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| North Mankato | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| St. Peter | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Faribault area | |||
| Faribault | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Northfield | $32–$47 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Other Minnesota towns | |||
| Albert Lea | $32–$47 | $59–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Alexandria | $32–$49 | $59–$89 | LessonsCosts |
| Austin | $32–$48 | $59–$87 | LessonsCosts |
| Bemidji | $32–$50 | $59–$92 | LessonsCosts |
| Brainerd | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Fergus Falls | $32–$50 | $59–$91 | LessonsCosts |
| Grand Rapids | $32–$49 | $59–$90 | LessonsCosts |
| Hutchinson | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Marshall | $33–$51 | $60–$93 | LessonsCosts |
| Moorhead | $31–$44 | $58–$81 | LessonsCosts |
| New Ulm | $32–$47 | $58–$85 | LessonsCosts |
| Owatonna | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Red Wing | $32–$45 | $58–$82 | LessonsCosts |
| Rochester | $31–$43 | $57–$79 | LessonsCosts |
| Willmar | $32–$47 | $58–$86 | LessonsCosts |
| Winona | $32–$48 | $59–$88 | LessonsCosts |
| Worthington | $33–$51 | $60–$94 | LessonsCosts |
No Minnesota town by that name yet. Lessons are live online, so you can still start from anywhere in Minnesota.
Book a Free 30 Minute Ukulele Lesson in Minnesota
Meet a ukulele teacher, test the online setup from home, and decide whether weekly lessons feel right for you or your child in Minnesota.
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Weekly options for changing family calendars
- Develop chord changes, strumming, songs, and confidence
- Meet your teacher in a free first lesson
Find Your Next Ukulele Teacher in Minnesota
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How ukulele learning works in Minnesota
Minnesota’s ukulele honor route is unusual: the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) includes ukulele in its All-State Popular Music Ensemble, while the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) runs high school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests. MSHSL regional events are set by each region, so the available contest path depends on local school participation. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) offers student contests and examinations, including ensemble festivals, through participating teachers. These routes serve different goals: school contests connect you to your district, while MMEA and MMTA offer additional student opportunities.
Who runs what in Minnesota
Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)
- Runs
- Runs high school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests.
- For
- Minnesota high school students.
Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)
- Runs
- Runs All-State Popular Music Ensemble auditions and ensembles.
- For
- Eligible high school students enrolled in a school ensemble.
Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)
- Runs
- Offers student contests, examinations, and ensemble festivals.
- For
- Students whose teachers participate or who pay the added entry fee.
Minnesota Band Directors Association (MBDA)
- Runs
- Runs state Honor Bands for middle and high school students.
- For
- Students in grades 6–10.
Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA)
- Runs
- Offers student activities and honor orchestras.
- For
- String and orchestra students.
American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN)
- Runs
- Holds state Honor Choirs.
- For
- Students in grades 4–10.
Auditions and events in Minnesota
How does an ukulele player reach Minnesota's top student honors?
The strongest statewide ukulele honor route is MMEA’s All-State Popular Music Ensemble. For 2026–27, applicants must be freshmen, sophomores, or juniors and enrolled in a school ensemble, though their school need not have a modern band program. A private teacher can sponsor an applicant, while MMEA confirms school ensemble membership with the director. The audition recording deadline is noon on March 2, 2027. Selected students rehearse virtually in fall 2027, then attend an in-person rehearsal and concert January 8–9, 2028, at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids. MMTA’s Voice and Instrumental Contest and Solo Festival is another student route, with regional events in late January and callbacks in March.
The ukulele route in Minnesota, step by step
- Check eligibilityFor 2026–27, be a freshman, sophomore, or junior enrolled in a school ensemble.
- Submit auditionSend separate audition recordings by the March 2, 2027 deadline.
- Virtual rehearsalsSelected students rehearse online in fall 2027.
- In-person concertAttend rehearsal and concert January 8–9, 2028, in Coon Rapids.
What do auditions ask you to prepare?
For MMEA’s 2027 Popular Music Ensemble audition, prepare a one-minute song of your choice, the specified opening section of Train’s “Hey Soul Sister,” and a 45-to-90-second improvised solo over a provided backtrack in concert D major or B-flat major. Record each component in a separate continuous-take video; the track and your playing must both be audible when a track is used. The song and “Hey Soul Sister” are unaccompanied. MMTA solo festival competitors prepare one repertoire selection, while its ensemble festivals allow varied repertoire and encourage, but do not require, memorization. Building a polished event piece usually takes three to six months of weekly lessons.
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 teen seeking MMEA All-State eligibility needs shared-time membership in the corresponding secondary-school ensemble; the school ensemble does not need to be a modern band program. That creates a school connection for the audition while private ukulele lessons support individual preparation.
Starting at any age
Starting a child on ukulele
A child can begin ukulele when they can comfortably hold it and coordinate simple strums; its small body and four strings make it approachable for many young beginners. School music opportunities differ by district, so private lessons give your child a place to build chord changes and steady rhythm before and alongside school music. A weekly teacher can shape songs and skills to your child's pace, then help connect that playing to a school ensemble when one is available.
A teen in Minnesota
For a Minnesota teen, the clearest ukulele honor opportunity is MMEA’s All-State Popular Music Ensemble, open in 2026–27 to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who are enrolled in a school ensemble. Auditions are submitted in early spring, with selected students rehearsing virtually in fall and meeting in person for the January concert. Weekly lessons fit well alongside school commitments because the same teacher can help you shape a song, strengthen rhythm, and build confidence over time without adding a commute.
Starting or coming back as an adult
Adults in Minnesota can enjoy ukulele with other players through Ukes of the Valley in Apple Valley, where all-ability play-along jams are part of the sessions, and the Twin Cities Ukulele Club, which offers regular jams. In Sandstone, the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association lists an all-level old-time jam. Starting later or returning after a long break is entirely workable; a dedicated teacher meets you at your current skill level and helps you build toward the kind of playing you want to share.
Finding the right teacher
What should a good ukulele teacher do?
A good ukulele teacher helps you or your child build clean chord changes, steady strumming, confident singing or playing, and musical listening, then adapts those skills to a goal such as an MMEA audition or relaxed group playing. Fit matters alongside training because beginners, returning adults, and teens preparing a recording need different pacing and encouragement. Every Lesson With You teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in guitar. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend someone whose approach suits your age, experience, and musical interests.
How do live online ukulele lessons work?
Live Zoom ukulele lessons let your teacher hear your rhythm and tone in real time and see your fretting hand, strumming motion, and posture. A quiet room, a stable camera angle, and a way to rest the device near your playing position make feedback clearer; the teacher can ask you to repeat a chord change or adjust your hand while you play. There is no commute, and you can work with a teacher who fits rather than only someone close by. A student in Minneapolis and one in Bemidji have the same choice of teacher and the same weekly lesson.
What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You
GabrielMaster’s in GuitarWillBachelor’s in GuitarJessBachelor’s in SingingUkulele in Minnesota
For younger players, the Minneapolis Youth Ukulele Orchestra offers a way to learn ensemble playing and perform with others, with a Junior Orchestra for elementary students. Adults who want a casual group setting can join Ukes of the Valley’s all-ability play-along jam in Apple Valley. These offer two different ways to make ukulele playing social, from a youth ensemble to an informal community jam.
Ukulele around Minnesota, area by area
Minneapolis area
Saint Paul offers live performance options for families who want to hear orchestral and vocal music. Young people 20 and under can buy Minnesota Opera youth rush tickets for $10 on performance day, starting 90 minutes before curtain. These performances give a ukulele student a chance to listen closely to melody, rhythm, and how parts fit together.
- 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
Duluth gives families both concert listening and a free summer option. Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra tickets are $10 for college students with valid ID and children ages 13–17, and $5 for children 12 and under. The city’s Music in the Park series has free Tuesday concerts in summer. Those performances offer an easy way for young ukulele players to hear a range of live music.
- School year
- Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)
Rochester area
Rochester’s Riverside Music Series offers five free Sunday-evening concerts at Mayo Park in summer 2027, with no tickets required. Rochester Symphony Kids also presents a Saturday-afternoon Peter and the Wolf concert at Dakota Middle School, giving younger listeners a family-oriented introduction to orchestral music. The mix makes it easy to choose between an outdoor community concert and a focused children’s performance.
- Town guides
- Rochester
Mankato area
Mankato’s Serendipity Music Series offers free midweek, midday performances for the community. Families in North Mankato can also hear the Mankato Symphony Orchestra’s Symphony on the Prairie, a free-will-donation concert. These community performances give ukulele students a chance to hear live music and notice how melody and accompaniment work together.
- School year
- Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)
- Town guides
- Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter
Faribault area
Faribault’s free Concerts in the Park take place Thursday evenings at the Historic Central Park Band Shell from mid-June through mid-August. In Northfield, St. Olaf Music Department events on campus are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. Together they offer an outdoor summer concert option and campus performances for families who want to hear live music.
- Town guides
- Faribault, Northfield
Willmar area
In Spicer, the Tasting Grove Summer Music Series presents free live music on Thursday evenings from May through August. Willmar’s Prairie Winds Summer Band performs Wednesday evenings at Rice Park in June and early July, with free popcorn and water. These community concerts are welcoming listening opportunities for ukulele players and families.
- School year
- Aug 31 to May 28, 37 lesson weeks (Willmar Public Schools - District 347)
- Town guides
- Willmar
Bemidji area
Bemidji State University student recitals are free, and K–12 students can attend its performances for free. The weekly summer family-friendly concert series on the Lake Bemidji waterfront adds an outdoor option. Together, these events give a ukulele student chances to hear musicianship in both a campus recital and a relaxed community setting.
- School year
- Sep 8 to May 28, 37 lesson weeks (Bemidji Area Schools)
- Town guides
- Bemidji
A little ukulele history in Minnesota
Minnesota has a small but visible ukulele-making and gathering tradition. Randolph Ukuleles has crafted concert, tenor, and baritone instruments in Saint Paul since 2008, and Hogbac Acoustics builds ukuleles in North Mankato as part of its custom acoustic-instrument work. In Two Harbors, the annual Silver Creek International Ukulele Carnival, founded in 2011, brings players together for learning and shared music. For a student, that local craft and gathering culture shows that ukulele is not only a first instrument, but also a way to join a lasting community of players.
Start Ukulele Lessons in Minnesota with a Free First Lesson
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Weekly options for changing family calendars
- Develop chord changes, strumming, songs, and confidence
- Meet your teacher in a free first lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose a teacher who listens to your goals and can give clear feedback on chords, rhythm, and tone. Lesson With You offers live weekly one-on-one lessons over Zoom, and you can choose a teacher or ask us to recommend one; the first 30-minute lesson is free, with no payment method needed.
Yes, a teacher can hear your timing and tone and see your fretting and strumming hands during a live Zoom lesson. You get real-time feedback without a commute, plus access to a teacher who fits rather than only the closest option.
A Minnesota ukulele player can audition for MMEA’s All-State Popular Music Ensemble as a freshman, sophomore, or junior enrolled in a school ensemble. The audition is submitted by video, and selected students rehearse virtually before meeting in person for the January 2028 concert.
Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students can participate in resident-district extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State, a homeschooled student needs shared-time membership in the corresponding secondary-school ensemble.
A child can start when they can comfortably hold the ukulele and coordinate simple strums, since its small body and four strings suit many young beginners. Private lessons build chords and rhythm even before a school ensemble is available.
No, adults can start or return to ukulele at any age and build toward playing with others. Minnesota has all-ability ukulele jams in Apple Valley and Twin Cities group jams, while weekly lessons can meet you at your current level.
Ukulele 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.