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Viola Lessons in Minnesota

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

Marc Levesque - About Us - Lesson With You
Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 19 min read

Viola lesson prices across Minnesota

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

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

Town30 minutesOne hourGuides
Minneapolis area
Minneapolis$33–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
St. Paul$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Bloomington$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Brooklyn Park$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Plymouth$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Woodbury$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lakeville$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Blaine$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Maple Grove$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Eagan$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Burnsville$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Coon Rapids$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Eden Prairie$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Apple Valley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Edina$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Minnetonka$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
St. Louis Park$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Shakopee$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Cottage Grove$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Maplewood$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Richfield$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Inver Grove Heights$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Roseville$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Andover$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Savage$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Brooklyn Center$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Fridley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Chaska$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Oakdale$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Ramsey$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Prior Lake$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Rosemount$32–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Elk River$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Shoreview$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Chanhassen$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
White Bear Lake$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Farmington$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Champlin$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
New Brighton$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Crystal$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Otsego$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Columbia Heights$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Hastings$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lino Lakes$32–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Golden Valley$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
West St. Paul$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
New Hope$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Forest Lake$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
South St. Paul$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
St. Michael$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Stillwater$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Hopkins$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Anoka$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Ham Lake$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Buffalo$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Hugo$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Monticello$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Robbinsdale$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Rogers$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Waconia$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lake Elmo$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Mounds View$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Vadnais Heights$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
North St. Paul$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Big Lake$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
East Bethel$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Mendota Heights$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
North Branch$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Victoria$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Little Canada$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
St. Cloud area
St. Cloud$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Sartell$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Sauk Rapids$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Duluth area
Duluth$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Hibbing$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Cloquet$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Mankato area
Mankato$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
North Mankato$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
St. Peter$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Faribault area
Faribault$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Northfield$32–$47$59–$87LessonsCosts
Other Minnesota towns
Albert Lea$32–$47$59–$86LessonsCosts
Alexandria$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Austin$32–$48$59–$87LessonsCosts
Bemidji$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Brainerd$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Fergus Falls$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Grand Rapids$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Hutchinson$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Marshall$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Moorhead$31–$44$58–$81LessonsCosts
New Ulm$32–$47$58–$85LessonsCosts
Owatonna$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Red Wing$32–$45$58–$82LessonsCosts
Rochester$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Willmar$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Winona$32–$48$59–$88LessonsCosts
Worthington$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts

Find Your Next Viola Instructor in Minnesota

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How viola learning works in Minnesota

How does viola fit school music in Minnesota?

Minnesota school orchestras begin at different points: Mounds View Public Schools and Winona Area Public Schools start in fourth grade, while Anoka-Hennepin Public School District offers Beginning Orchestra in middle school. Minnetonka Public Schools lets students choose orchestra, band, or choir starting in fifth grade. Public elementary and middle schools must offer at least three arts areas, but music need not be among the two areas students study, so a viola student’s access to school orchestra depends on district and school choices.

When school music starts in Minnesota districts

Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625Orchestra at saint paul music academyGrades 3–5
Anoka-Hennepin Public School DistrictBeginning orchestraMiddle school
Osseo Area SchoolsOrchestraGrade 5
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191Orchestra experiencesGrade 5
Eden Prairie Public School DistrictOrchestraGrade 5
Mounds View Public SchoolsOrchestraGrade 4
Edina Public SchoolsOrchestraGrade 5
St. Louis Park Public SchoolsOrchestra 6Grade 6
Forest Lake Area Schools ISD 831OrchestraGrade 6
School District 197OrchestraGrade 5
Owatonna Public SchoolsBeginning orchestraSummer before grade 4
Winona Area Public SchoolsOrchestraGrade 4
Willmar Public Schools - District 347OrchestraGrades 6–8
Northfield Public Schools, ISD #659Elementary orchestraGrades 4 and 5

Who runs what for Minnesota violists?

Minnesota’s student music path has separate school-contest and orchestra-honor routes. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) oversees high school solo and ensemble contests, with regional events set by each region; the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) runs the statewide All-State Orchestra audition and ensemble process. The Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA) also offers student activities and honor orchestras, while the Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) runs student contests, examinations, and ensemble events. Knowing which group runs a goal helps you find the right sponsor and eligibility route.

Who runs what in Minnesota

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

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

Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)

Runs
Runs All-State Orchestra auditions and ensembles.
For
Eligible high school orchestra students

Minnesota String and Orchestra Teachers Association (MNSOTA)

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

Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)

Runs
Offers student contests, examinations, and ensemble events.
For
Students through participating teachers

Auditions and events in Minnesota

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

Minnesota’s All-State Orchestra is the main statewide school honor route for high school violists. Students selected for the 2027 cycle attend camp in Moorhead from July 27–31, 2027, then perform with the orchestra in February 2028. Recordings open January 1 and are due by noon March 2. A private teacher who is an MMEA and NAfME member may sponsor the audition, and MMEA verifies eligibility. The Minnesota State High School League’s Solo & Ensemble Contest is a distinct regional opportunity, with each region setting its events rather than advancing students through a statewide solo-contest ladder. A viola student can also look beyond high school honors to the Music Teachers National Association Junior String competition for ages 11–14.

The viola route in Minnesota, step by step

  1. Sponsor and verifyBefore the audition cycle, arrange an eligible sponsor; MMEA confirms the student meets its requirements.
  2. Submit recordingThe 2027 platform opens January 1; recordings are due by noon March 2.
  3. Attend campSelected students attend All-State camp in Moorhead July 27–31, 2027.
  4. PerformThe All-State Orchestra performs February 18–19, 2028.

The Minnesota viola year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

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

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 25

Young Artist CompetitionRochester Chamber Music SocietyStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 10

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For the 2027 Minnesota All-State viola audition, prepare separate continuous-take videos of scales, an orchestral excerpt, and a solo. The solo is unaccompanied, lasts two to five minutes, and is selected by the student and sponsoring teacher; it should show secure rhythm and intonation, a clear tone, controlled bowing, left-hand technique, and musical expression. Typical All-State orchestra music expects fluency through fifth position, with varied articulations, tone colors, and phrasing. Plan on three to six months of weekly lessons for an event piece so the notes, technique, and full take are ready together.

What else is there to enter?

Beyond All-State, Minnesota’s high school Solo & Ensemble Contest gives viola players a regional solo or small-ensemble performance, with each region setting its own events. The Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs (MFMC) State Student Auditions are another option for high school juniors and seniors, with applications due in late January and recordings due at the end of January; the teacher must be an MFMC member. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association Ensemble Festival suits players who want to perform together and receive an evaluation without a required memorized performance. Younger players can also consider the Minnesota Junior String competition through Music Teachers National Association.

Viola events in Minnesota, 2026–27

2027 All-State Auditions

Minnesota Music Educators Association

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

MFMC State Student Auditions

Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs

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

Young Artists Competition

Golden Valley Orchestra

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

Young Artist Competition

Rochester Chamber Music Society

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

Homeschool and private school students

Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in extracurricular activities through their resident district on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State Orchestra, a homeschooled student needs shared-time participation in the corresponding secondary-school orchestra to qualify. Other music contests and festivals have their own entry rules, so a student can also pursue an event that fits their age, repertoire, and performance goals.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on viola

A child can start viola when a properly sized instrument and the focus for short, guided practice are in place. Early lessons build a comfortable hold, steady bow movement, listening for pitch, and the alto-clef reading that makes viola parts distinct. Because the first school orchestra opportunity ranges from elementary grades to middle school across Minnesota, private study lets your child begin when ready rather than wait for a particular grade; lessons can also support the parts they meet once school orchestra begins.

A teen in Minnesota

A Minnesota teen can build viola skills in school orchestra and pursue the All-State route during freshman, sophomore, or junior year, provided they belong to a secondary-school orchestra through the following February. The audition recording window opens in January and closes in early March, so school rehearsals and individual preparation need to work together. Weekly lessons give a teen a regular place to refine sound and phrasing while keeping up with orchestra parts; a sponsoring teacher can also help confirm the school-orchestra eligibility path.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults can start viola or return to it without a school music background. The Central Minnesota Community Orchestra includes adult viola players and performs in fall and spring in St. Cloud; the Bemidji Area Community Band welcomes adult musicians of every skill level, though its concert-band parts do not include viola. If orchestra is your goal, steady work on tone, reading, and playing in tune gives you a practical foundation. We meet you at your current level, whether you are learning for the first time or rebuilding after a break.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good viola teacher do?

A good viola teacher helps you or your child develop a relaxed bow arm, dependable intonation, and the alto-clef reading that school orchestra parts require. For a student aiming at Minnesota All-State, the teacher should also be able to shape orchestral excerpts and a solo over time; a beginner or adult returning to music needs a pace and repertoire suited to their experience. Training matters, but so does a teacher’s ability to explain ideas in a way that fits the student’s age, goals, and personality. At Lesson With You, you can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one; every teacher holds at least a bachelor’s degree in viola.

How do live online viola lessons work?

A live viola lesson over Zoom lets your teacher hear tone, pitch, rhythm, and bow changes in real time while seeing your posture, left hand, and bow path. Set the camera so the teacher can see your full playing position, keep the instrument in tune, and have your music and stand ready; the teacher can ask you to repeat a passage and respond as you play. Online lessons do not offer the same room as an in-person studio, but they remove the commute and let you choose a teacher for fit rather than proximity. A student in Minneapolis or Bemidji has the same choice of teacher and the same weekly one-on-one lesson.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

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

Viola in Minnesota

Where to hear viola

For a student learning the viola, hearing its sound in a full orchestra is useful alongside solo playing. The Saint Cloud Symphony Orchestra offers a concert ticket package for one student and two adults, while children and college students can attend Austin Symphony Orchestra concerts free in Austin. Duluth’s Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra offers reduced-price tickets for children and college students. These options give families in different parts of Minnesota a chance to hear string sections at work.

Where to play with others

Viola players have routes beyond school orchestra, including folk and community music. In Northfield, the all-ages Northern Roots Nordic Jam welcomes viola players on Thursday evenings, so a student or adult can try playing by ear with others. The Twin Cities Hardingfelelag keeps Norwegian Hardanger fiddle and Valdres dance music in practice in St. Paul, with participants from newer learners to experienced folk musicians. These options offer a different kind of ensemble experience from reading orchestral parts, and can help a violist build listening and rhythmic confidence.

Viola around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

In the Twin Cities, Minnesota Youth Symphonies includes viola in its orchestra program, giving students an ensemble goal beyond school orchestra. Young people 20 and under can seek Minnesota Opera youth rush tickets on performance day, while the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra offers free tickets to eligible concerts for students of all ages when reserved two weeks ahead. The choices pair a student orchestra pathway with opportunities to hear professional musicians.

School year
Sep 8 to Jun 11, 37 lesson weeks (Minneapolis Public School District)

Duluth area

Duluth Superior Symphony Youth Orchestra offers young string players a route through groups including Sinfonia, Concert Orchestra, and Youth Symphony. Families can also hear live music at Duluth’s summer Music in the Park concerts. Together, these give a developing violist a chance to connect regular ensemble playing with community performances.

School year
Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)

St. Cloud area

In St. Cloud, Central Minnesota Youth Orchestra offers four ensembles for young string players and a Fair Share Program for families concerned about payment. That gives a developing violist a local path toward regular group playing alongside school orchestra, with several ensemble options as skills grow.

School year
Sep 2 to Jun 3, 37 lesson weeks (St. Cloud Area School District 742)

Rochester area

Rochester’s Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras has Bravura Strings for viola players in grades 4–8 with one or two years of string experience, as well as an advanced Concert Orchestra for student violists. Rochester Symphony Kids presents a Saturday-afternoon Peter and the Wolf concert, giving families another way to hear live music together.

Town guides
Rochester

Mankato area

MAYSO’s North Star Strings is an introductory orchestra that accepts all applicants, while its Youth Symphony Orchestra offers another ensemble step for developing players. For listening, Symphony on the Prairie in North Mankato is a free-will-donation concert. The combination gives Mankato-area violists options for both participating and hearing orchestral music.

School year
Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)

Faribault area

Faribault’s Concerts in the Park bring free Thursday-evening music to the Historic Central Park Band Shell from mid-June to mid-August. These outdoor performances give young violists a relaxed way to hear live music as part of a family outing.

Town guides
Faribault, Northfield

Owatonna area

Owatonna Middle School Chamber Orchestra is for selected seventh- and eighth-grade string players, with selection by teacher recommendation or tryouts, so it offers a focused next step for a developing violist. Downtown Thursdays brings free live music to Owatonna on the first Thursday from June through September, adding a community listening option.

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

Willmar area

The Willmar Area Symphonic Orchestra invites interested players to contact its strings representative, giving a violist a local ensemble route. In Spicer, the Tasting Grove Summer Music Series offers free Thursday-evening live music from May through August. Prairie Winds Summer Band concerts in Willmar provide another free listening opportunity on Wednesday evenings in June and early July.

School year
Aug 31 to May 28, 37 lesson weeks (Willmar Public Schools - District 347)
Town guides
Willmar

A little viola history in Minnesota

Minnesota has a visible viola tradition in its makers, performers, and orchestras. Minneapolis maker William Bartruff makes violas, including work by students at the Violin Makers Guild of America. Violist Elizabeth Cregan founded the Saint Paul Viola Ensemble, which performs fundraising concerts around the metro area, and Minnesota Orchestra violist Sifei Cheng performs with the chamber group The Isles Ensemble. The Minnesota Orchestra’s concerts in Minneapolis let students hear viola as part of a professional orchestra. For a young player, that local presence makes the instrument’s role in both ensemble playing and chamber music tangible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a teacher who can match your level and goals, from first bow strokes and alto clef to orchestral excerpts. Lesson With You offers weekly live one-on-one Zoom lessons, and you can choose a teacher or ask us to recommend one; every teacher has at least a bachelor’s degree in viola.

Yes, a teacher can hear your pitch, tone, and rhythm and watch your posture, left hand, and bowing in real time over Zoom. You avoid the commute and can choose a teacher who fits, whether you live in Minneapolis or Bemidji.

It depends on the district: Mounds View and Winona begin orchestra in fourth grade, while Anoka-Hennepin offers Beginning Orchestra in middle school. Private lessons can help a student prepare before school orchestra begins or progress alongside it.

The main statewide school route is MMEA All-State Orchestra: eligible freshmen, sophomores, and juniors must belong to a secondary-school orchestra through the following February and submit an audition recording. Selected students attend camp in Moorhead and perform with the orchestra the following February.

Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in extracurricular activities through their resident district on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State, a homeschooled student must join the corresponding secondary-school orchestra through shared-time participation.

A child can start when they are ready to manage a properly sized viola and follow guidance on posture, bowing, and practice. Private lessons can begin before school orchestra or alongside it, depending on the child’s readiness.

No, adults can start or return to viola at any age, and lessons can begin at your current level. In Bemidji, the Bemidji Area Community Band welcomes adult musicians, though its concert-band parts do not include viola; an orchestra repertoire goal is a better fit for a violist.

Viola 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.