Viola Lessons in Pennsylvania

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

Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 18 min read

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

Viola lesson prices across Pennsylvania

A one-hour viola lesson in Pennsylvania typically costs $59 to $92, and a half hour $32 to $50. Prices change noticeably from town to town. The Philadelphia area runs highest, up to $111 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.

Find your town

Town	30 minutes	One hour	Guides
Philadelphia area
Philadelphia	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Levittown	$36–$59	$67–$107	Lessons Costs
Norristown	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Chester	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Drexel Hill	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
King of Prussia	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Pottstown	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
West Chester	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Phoenixville	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Lansdale	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Willow Grove	$36–$59	$68–$108	Lessons Costs
Ardmore	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Montgomeryville	$36–$58	$66–$106	Lessons Costs
Coatesville	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Yeadon	$37–$60	$68–$109	Lessons Costs
Lansdowne	$37–$60	$69–$110	Lessons Costs
Darby	$37–$61	$70–$111	Lessons Costs
Broomall	$36–$58	$67–$106	Lessons Costs
Roslyn	$37–$60	$69–$109	Lessons Costs
Pittsburgh area
Pittsburgh	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Bethel Park	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Monroeville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Plum	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Allison Park	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
New Castle	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Baldwin	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Murrysville	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
West Mifflin	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
McKeesport	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Franklin Park	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Greensburg	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Wilkinsburg	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Carnot-Moon	$32–$46	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Washington	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Butler	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Jefferson Hills	$31–$44	$58–$81	Lessons Costs
New Kensington	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Lower Burrell	$32–$46	$58–$84	Lessons Costs
Munhall	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Allentown area
Allentown	$35–$57	$66–$105	Lessons Costs
Bethlehem	$34–$56	$64–$102	Lessons Costs
Easton	$35–$57	$65–$104	Lessons Costs
Fullerton	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Emmaus	$35–$56	$65–$103	Lessons Costs
Northampton	$34–$56	$64–$103	Lessons Costs
Harrisburg area
Harrisburg	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Carlisle	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Colonial Park	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Hershey	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Progress	$33–$53	$61–$96	Lessons Costs
Scranton area
Scranton	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Wilkes-Barre	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Hazleton	$32–$49	$59–$89	Lessons Costs
Dunmore	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Kingston	$32–$48	$59–$87	Lessons Costs
Mountain Top	$32–$45	$58–$83	Lessons Costs
Nanticoke	$32–$47	$58–$86	Lessons Costs
Lancaster area
Lancaster	$33–$54	$62–$98	Lessons Costs
Ephrata	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Elizabethtown	$33–$53	$61–$97	Lessons Costs
Reading area
Reading	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Wyomissing	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
York area
York	$33–$52	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
Hanover	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
Weigelstown	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Shiloh	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Chambersburg area
Chambersburg	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Waynesboro	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Hermitage area
Hermitage	$32–$47	$58–$85	Lessons Costs
Sharon	$32–$50	$59–$91	Lessons Costs
Other Pennsylvania towns
Altoona	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Bloomsburg	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Erie	$32–$45	$58–$82	Lessons Costs
Indiana	$33–$52	$60–$95	Lessons Costs
Johnstown	$31–$43	$57–$79	Lessons Costs
Lebanon	$32–$48	$59–$88	Lessons Costs
Meadville	$32–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Pottsville	$33–$51	$60–$94	Lessons Costs
St. Marys	$32–$50	$59–$92	Lessons Costs
State College	$33–$51	$60–$93	Lessons Costs
Williamsport	$32–$47	$59–$87	Lessons Costs

Meet a Viola Teacher in Pennsylvania Before Weekly Lessons

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Find Your Next Viola Instructor in Pennsylvania

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How viola learning works in Pennsylvania

How does viola fit school music in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania school orchestra entry depends on the district, with elementary starts ranging from third grade to middle school. Vare-Washington Elementary in The School District of Philadelphia and Aronimink Elementary in Upper Darby begin in third grade; Bethel Park and Easton begin in fourth, while Reading School District has orchestra students in sixth grade. Some districts provide school-owned instruments, including Philadelphia, so ask what is available where you live. The state sets arts standards, but local school boards set graduation requirements, which means school music offerings are not uniform.

When school music starts in Pennsylvania districts

The School District of PhiladelphiaOrchestra at vare-washington elementary3rd grade

Reading School DistrictOrchestra6th grade

School District of the City of YorkString instrument lessons4th through 8th grades

Bethel Park School DistrictBeginning orchestra4th grade

Upper Darby School DistrictOrchestra at aronimink elementary3rd grade

Easton Area School DistrictOrchestra4th grade

Williamsport Area School DistrictOrchestraBy 4th grade

Plum Borough School DistrictOrchestra4th grade

Who runs what for Pennsylvania violists?

For viola students, Pennsylvania's clearest school-honors route runs through the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), while the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) offers a separate performance-festival and competition path. PMEA district, regional and All-State orchestras are school-centered and selective; eligibility depends on grade and school-orchestra participation. PMTA's Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival and Keystone Concerto Festival are teacher-entered opportunities, so a private teacher can help you decide if that route fits. The PA-Delaware String Teachers Association (PADESTA) represents string teachers, performers, faculty and students, rather than running the main audition ladder.

Who runs what in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA)

Runs: Runs district, regional and All-State student orchestra festivals.
For: Eligible school orchestra students

Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA)

Runs: Runs the Dorothy Sutton festival and Keystone Concerto Festival.
For: Students entered by eligible teachers

PA-Delaware String Teachers Association (PADESTA)

Runs: Represents string teachers, performers, faculty and students.
For: String-music community in Pennsylvania and Delaware

Auditions and events in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania's top school orchestra honor route begins with a PMEA District Orchestra audition. Viola players in grades 9–12 can audition; students in grades 10–12 who advance move on to regional orchestra and then All-State, with school-orchestra participation or an approved equivalent required. District 7's audition is scheduled for December 5, 2026, and PMEA All-State Ensembles are set for April 14–17, 2027, after district and regional selection. A separate route is the PMTA performance-festival path: a student first earns a Superior rating in local preliminaries and passes the theory exam to reach the Dorothy Sutton state showcase. For a wider competition route, PMTA's state Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) competition is Pennsylvania's step toward national-level performance competition.

The viola route in Pennsylvania, step by step

District OrchestraGrades 9–12 audition at the district level; District 7 auditions are December 5, 2026.
Regional OrchestraStudents in grades 10–12 who advance from district audition to regional selection.
All-State EnsemblesRegional qualifiers advance to PMEA All-State, scheduled for April 14–17, 2027.

The Pennsylvania viola year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

Pennsylvania State MTNA Performance CompetitionsPennsylvania Music Teachers AssociationStart the piece May to Aug

Start the piece May to AugNov 8

PMEA District 7 Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz, and Modern Band FestivalsPMEA District 7Start the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan to Apr

PMEA Solo & Small Ensemble Music Performance AssessmentPennsylvania Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar to May

Hershey Symphony Young Artist CompetitionHershey Symphony OrchestraStart the piece Sep to Dec

Start the piece Sep to DecMar 16

PMEA All-State EnsemblesPennsylvania Music Educators AssociationStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 14–17

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For PMEA District 7, viola auditions use the district's announced excerpts and scale materials, and string scales are memorized, slurred in groups of four notes per bow, at a minimum quarter-note tempo of 120. Use the official solo edition, since the required version matters. At Dorothy Sutton preliminaries, prepare two contrasting works by different composers within a 15-minute limit; memorization is encouraged but not required for viola, and accompanied works need a live accompanist. A strong audition piece generally takes three to six months of weekly lessons to prepare well, especially when you are also keeping school orchestra music in shape.

What else is there to enter?

Viola students looking beyond school orchestra can enter the Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association (PMTA) Dorothy Sutton Performance Festival through local preliminary auditions, with Superior ratings and a theory exam required to reach the state showcase. It takes place in early November. PMEA’s Solo & Small Ensemble Music Performance Assessment suits K–12 students sponsored by a participating music teacher and usually runs in spring. The Hershey Symphony Young Artist Competition is for grades 8–11 from specified south-central counties who want a regional competition opportunity.

Viola events in Pennsylvania, 2026–27

PMEA All-State Ensembles

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association

When: April 14–17, 2027; audition windows run November 2026–February 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Primarily grades 10–12; selection and eligibility depend on ensemble

PMEA Solo & Small Ensemble Music Performance Assessment

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association

When: Usually March–May 2027; event dates vary by district
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: K–12 students, sponsored by a participating music teacher

PMEA District 7 Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Jazz, and Modern Band Festivals

PMEA District 7

When: January–April 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: School music students; eligibility and grades vary by festival

Hershey Symphony Young Artist Competition

Hershey Symphony Orchestra

When: Final audition March 16, 2027
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Grades 8–11 during the 2026–27 school year

Pennsylvania State MTNA Performance Competitions

Pennsylvania Music Teachers Association

When: Usually early November each year
Entry: Ask the organizer
Who: Junior, senior, and young artist divisions; junior division is for school-age students

Homeschool and private school students

Homeschool students can qualify for PMEA District 7 festivals when they play in a community-based ensemble equivalent to a school orchestra and have sponsorship from an appropriate PMEA-member director. Private, parochial, charter and cyber-school students follow the same ensemble and sponsorship rule; cyber students participate through their home district. The key is having an eligible ensemble connection, not simply taking private lessons, so arrange that relationship before the audition season.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on viola

A child who can hold the instrument comfortably and follow a short practice routine is ready to begin viola; many start before their district orchestra opens. In Pennsylvania, some elementary programs begin in third grade, while others start in fourth or later, so early individual lessons build bow control, viola reading and steady rhythm before school rehearsals begin. Once orchestra starts, the private teacher can help your child connect the school part to sound production and intonation, making group playing more rewarding rather than a first encounter with the instrument.

A teen in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania teen can audition for PMEA District Orchestra in grades 9–12; regional and All-State honors are open to students in grades 10–12 who advance. In District 7, auditions are scheduled for December 5, 2026, so a teen can plan lessons around that date and school orchestra rehearsals. Students outside the public school orchestra route need to play in an eligible school or community ensemble and have sponsorship from a PMEA-member director.

Starting or coming back as an adult

It is not too late to start viola as an adult in Pennsylvania, and playing with others can give your practice a clear purpose. The Philadelphia Community Orchestra in Philadelphia has no auditions and welcomes musicians and sound makers of all kinds; adults can also join the Bethlehem Municipal Band in Bethlehem. A teacher can begin with your current reading and coordination, then shape lessons toward ensemble playing or simply enjoying the instrument at home. You do not need a childhood start to make steady progress.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good viola teacher do?

A good viola teacher listens for a relaxed bow, a clear tone and reliable intonation, then chooses work that matches the student's age, experience and goals. For a student aiming at PMEA, that includes building the excerpt and scale habits the audition route requires; an adult beginner may need a more gradual path into reading and ensemble parts. Training matters, but a teacher's pace and way of explaining matter just as much for weekly progress. Every Lesson With You teacher has at least a bachelor's degree in viola. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend one who fits your goals and personality.

How do live online viola lessons work?

A live Zoom viola lesson gives your teacher a real-time view of your bow arm, left hand and posture while they listen to your tone and intonation. Set the camera far enough back to show your playing position, and keep your instrument tuned with music within reach. In Philadelphia and Franklin Park, you get the same weekly one-on-one lesson and choice of teacher, without a commute or a limit to the closest teacher. One dedicated teacher learns how you respond to feedback, helping a steady weekly rhythm fit more easily at home.

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 Pennsylvania

Where to hear viola

Pennsylvania offers ways to hear orchestral and chamber music beyond the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh concert options. In State College, the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra offers student tickets and a free family concert on March 20, 2027. Allentown's Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra welcomes students 21 and under free, while college and high school students in Harrisburg can get last-minute Symphony Masterworks tickets for $10. These performances let you or your child hear how viola lines work within an ensemble.

Where to play with others

Across Pennsylvania, young violists can audition for the Erie Junior Philharmonic, which offers youth orchestra experience with need-based assistance, or the Williamsport Symphony Youth Orchestra, where prospective members audition before joining. In State College, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra has Chamber Orchestra for ages 10–18 and Symphony Orchestra for ages 12–18; State College Area School District students must also participate in school music. These groups give students different ways to develop ensemble skills beyond their school orchestra.

Viola around Pennsylvania, area by area

Philadelphia area

In Philadelphia, Curtis student recitals are free and open to all patrons, giving you or your child a chance to hear live music without a ticket charge. The city is also home to Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, which accepts string players ages 15–22 by audition. Playing in an ensemble offers a different experience from listening, so a young violist can build toward that opportunity as skills and age allow.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 9, 40 lesson weeks (The School District of Philadelphia)
Town guides: Philadelphia, Wilmington, Camden, Levittown, Sicklerville, Norristown, Chester, Drexel Hill

Pittsburgh area

Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra offers a junior string orchestra for young string players ages 8–12, with membership by audition. The ensemble gives a developing violist an age-focused setting for learning to listen across the section and follow a conductor. Families can also hear a free public concert in Wexford on July 2, 2027.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 8, 40 lesson weeks (Pittsburgh Public Schools)
Town guides: Pittsburgh, Bethel Park, Monroeville, Plum, Allison Park, New Castle, Baldwin, Murrysville

Allentown area

Allentown's 2027 Symphony Orchestra family concert is open to the public, with free tickets for those under 21 through the box office. The Allentown Summer Concert Series is a recurring free outdoor option at West Park from May through September. These concerts give young violists a chance to hear live orchestral and community performances.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 10, 40 lesson weeks (Allentown School District)
Town guides: Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Fullerton, Phillipsburg, Emmaus, Northampton

Harrisburg area

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra offers a free summer concert series, giving families a relaxed way to hear live orchestral music. Its concerts let a young violist hear how the instrument blends with other strings and carries a line within the full orchestra. The series is a useful local listening opportunity for students and adults alike.

School year: Aug 26 to Jun 4, 40 lesson weeks (Harrisburg City School District)
Town guides: Harrisburg, Carlisle, Colonial Park, Hershey, Progress

Scranton area

In Wilkes-Barre, Sunsets on SOMA brings free concerts to Midtown Village on the third Wednesday of each month from May through September. Scranton listeners can attend the University of Scranton's Performance Music general recital free of charge. These events offer distinct settings for hearing live music, from a community series to a student recital.

Town guides: Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton, Dunmore, Kingston, Mountain Top, Nanticoke

Lancaster area

Lancaster's Long's Park Summer Music Series offers free performances every Sunday in summer, so families can make live music part of a regular weekend. The open-air concerts are a simple way for a young violist to listen for string parts and ensemble playing. They also give adults a low-pressure opportunity to enjoy live music.

Town guides: Lancaster, Ephrata, Elizabethtown

Reading area

Reading Symphony Youth Orchestra auditions are open to viola players, with a $20 audition fee. Students can also attend a Reading Symphony Orchestra Classics Series concert free when a parent or guardian buys a full-price ticket. These options connect young players with both performing and listening in their community.

School year: Aug 24 to Jun 3, 39 lesson weeks (Reading School District)
Town guides: Reading, Wyomissing

York area

York Youth Symphony offers students an ensemble option with suggested tuition and assistance available. Springettsbury Township's Sounds of Summer is a free series on Sunday and Wednesday evenings from June through August, giving families a regular local concert choice. A young violist can pair ensemble experience with more chances to hear live music.

Town guides: York, Hanover, Weigelstown, Shiloh

A little viola history in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's viola history includes a tangible early example: Moravian composer and instrument maker John Antes made a viola in Bethlehem in 1764. In Philadelphia, Roberto Díaz served for a decade as principal viola of the Philadelphia Orchestra, giving the instrument a prominent place in the state's orchestral life. Today's students can hear the viola in chamber music and orchestral settings, and Penn State's Viola Ensemble performs original works and transcriptions. That history makes the instrument more than an inner voice in an orchestra: it has a distinct local story and a place in serious performance.

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

60+ Instructors

70,000+ Lessons taught

4.9/5 Average lesson rating

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a good viola teacher in Pennsylvania?

Choose a teacher who can explain bow control, intonation and reading in a way that fits your goals and learning style. Lesson With You offers weekly one-on-one Zoom lessons with teachers who hold at least a bachelor's degree in viola; you can choose a teacher or ask for a recommendation.

Do live video viola lessons really work?

Yes, a teacher can hear your sound and watch your bow arm and left hand during a live lesson. A clear camera view, a tuned viola and a stand make feedback practical, and lessons from home avoid a commute while giving you access to a teacher who fits.

When do Pennsylvania schools start teaching viola?

It depends on the district: some Pennsylvania elementary orchestra programs begin in third grade, while others start in fourth grade or middle school. For example, Philadelphia's Vare-Washington Elementary starts in third grade, and Reading School District has orchestra students in sixth grade.

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

The PMEA route starts with a district orchestra audition, then advances through regional orchestra to All-State for eligible students. Grades 9–12 can audition at district level, while regional and All-State eligibility is limited to grades 10–12; school orchestra participation or an approved equivalent is also required.

Can homeschool students enter Pennsylvania music contests?

Yes, homeschool students can qualify for PMEA District 7 festivals by playing in a community-based ensemble equivalent to a school ensemble and receiving sponsorship from an appropriate PMEA-member director. Private, charter, parochial and cyber-school students follow comparable ensemble and sponsorship rules.

What age should a child start viola lessons?

A child can start when they can hold a viola comfortably and manage short, regular practice, often before school orchestra begins. Since Pennsylvania programs start at different grades, individual lessons can build basic bowing and reading ahead of the local start.

Is it too late to learn viola as an adult in Pennsylvania?

No, adults can start or return to viola at any age, and Pennsylvania has ensemble options for adult players. Johnstown Symphony Orchestra Community Strings in Davidsville welcomes adult beginners and returning violists, while the teacher can shape lessons around your pace.

How much are viola lessons in Pennsylvania?

Viola lessons in Pennsylvania typically cost about $69 an hour, or $32 to $50 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.

Viola lesson prices across Pennsylvania

Meet a Viola Teacher in Pennsylvania Before Weekly Lessons

Find Your Next Viola Instructor in Pennsylvania

How viola learning works in Pennsylvania

How does viola fit school music in Pennsylvania?

Who runs what for Pennsylvania violists?

Auditions and events in Pennsylvania

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

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

What else is there to enter?

Homeschool and private school students

Starting at any age

Starting a child on viola

A teen in Pennsylvania

Starting or coming back as an adult

Finding the right teacher

What should a good viola teacher do?

How do live online viola lessons work?

Viola in Pennsylvania

Where to hear viola

Where to play with others

Viola around Pennsylvania, area by area

Philadelphia area

Pittsburgh area

Allentown area

Harrisburg area

Scranton area

Lancaster area

Reading area

York area

A little viola history in Pennsylvania

Start Viola Lessons With a Free Trial

More for Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions