Viola Lessons in Minnesota
What viola lessons cost across Minnesota, and how to find the right teacher.
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.
| 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.
Meet a Viola Teacher in Minnesota Before Weekly Lessons
The free first lesson is a low-pressure way to meet the teacher, try live online viola instruction, and decide whether weekly lessons feel right for you or your child in Minnesota.
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Live feedback on bowing, tone, and intonation
- Setup guidance for viola size and comfort
- Claim a free first 30-minute lesson
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
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
- Sponsor and verifyBefore the audition cycle, arrange an eligible sponsor; MMEA confirms the student meets its requirements.
- Submit recordingThe 2027 platform opens January 1; recordings are due by noon March 2.
- Attend campSelected students attend All-State camp in Moorhead July 27–31, 2027.
- PerformThe All-State Orchestra performs February 18–19, 2028.
The Minnesota viola year
MFMC State Student AuditionsEntry fee: $25 per categoryStart the piece Jul to Oct
Young Artist CompetitionRochester Chamber Music SocietyStart the piece Oct to Jan
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
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)
- Town guides
- Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Plymouth, Woodbury, Lakeville, Blaine
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)
- Town guides
- St. Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids
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)
- Town guides
- Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter
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.
Start Viola Lessons With a Free Trial
- One teacher, one student, one personalized plan
- Live feedback on bowing, tone, and intonation
- Setup guidance for viola size and comfort
- Claim a free first 30-minute lesson
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.
