How Much Do Violin Lessons Cost?
What you will pay for violin lessons and how to get the most from them
Marc Levesque
Updated 10/1/25 • 4 min read
The Average Violin Lesson Cost
Violin lessons can vary a lot in price, usually anywhere from $60 to $100 per hour. The cost depends on things like the teacher’s training, performing experience, years of teaching, location, lesson length, and whether the lessons are online or in person.
The average price for a one-hour violin lesson is $70. Online violin lessons using Zoom or Google Meet charge between $20 and $40 for a half hour lesson. Local private one-on-one violin lessons range from $35 to $50 for a half hour, while in-person group lessons can be as low as $25 for a half hour.
Teachers without a music degree might charge around $40 an hour, while highly accomplished violinists with competition wins could charge as much as $250!
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What Determines Violin Lesson Costs?
Violin Teacher Level
Teachers without a music degree usually charge around $35 to $40 per hour, but they often can’t provide the professional guidance needed for a strong foundation. Some may hold a degree in another instrument, like cello or viola, and charge around $50 per hour. While they know music theory, they often lack the advanced violin skills and deep understanding of the instrument that beginners need. This can lead to habits that slow progress over time.
The ideal violin teachers are those with more than two years of teaching experience and at least a Bachelor’s degree in violin. Their lessons typically range from $60 to $90 per hour, depending on the teacher’s training and background.
Many people think highly trained teachers are only for advanced players, but beginners often benefit the most. With the right guidance from the start, learning feels easier, progress comes faster, and playing the violin becomes much more enjoyable.
Online vs In-person Violin Lessons
Online violin lessons are generally the most affordable option. In-person lessons at a teacher’s studio or home often cost about $10 more per session, and having a teacher travel to your home adds another small increase, usually around $10.
Prices for in-person lessons can differ a lot based on how many qualified teachers are nearby. For instance, a teacher in the California area might charge $70 per hour, while you could get similar instruction in the Indiana area for $55—a difference of roughly 20-30%.
For most beginning students, live online lessons are the best way to get professional violin teachers at a reasonable rate.
Live vs Pre-recorded Lessons
If you’re searching for the cheapest violin lessons, you might come across pre-recorded options. These are usually video courses or app-based programs that cover basic violin skills for a monthly fee.
The downside is that they can’t match the quality of live one-on-one lessons. A real teacher can personalize the material for you, give feedback on your playing in real time, and show you how to practice and perform more effectively.
Students who want to improve their violin skills, or simply become confident and capable players, are much better off with live one-on-one lessons like the $35 half hour lessons offered through Lesson With You.
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How to Find the Most Affordable Violin Lessons
We surveyed over 100 violin teachers across our own site, Lesson With You, as well as two other major platforms, Wyzant and Lessonface, using a random zip code to compare prices. We focused specifically on teachers who hold a degree in violin and offer online lessons.
Lesson With You has a set price of $65 per hour, and the value is better than anything else we found. Every violin teacher here has a degree in violin from a top music school, yet the lessons are only $65 per hour. Plus, every new student gets a free 30 minute trial lesson, which makes starting even easier and risk free.
Lessonface showed a higher average price among qualified violin teachers at $68 per hour. Even teachers without a violin degree—those with a background in cello or music education, for example—still charged around $60 or more. Many of the teachers we found didn’t major in violin and offered lessons on multiple instruments, which made it harder to find real violin specialists.
Wyzant came out even higher, averaging $70 per hour among the teachers we surveyed. As with Lessonface, many of the listed teachers either didn’t hold a music degree or had a degree in something other than violin. It was also common to see teachers offering a wide mix of instruments instead of specializing in violin.
Both Lessonface and Wyzant have large pools of violin teachers, so there are good ones out there. But compared to Lesson With You, it takes a lot more time and effort to find violin teachers whose education and prices truly match up.
Do Beginners Need Professional Violin Teachers From the Start?
For beginners, the best way to start violin is with a skilled teacher who can guide you step by step. Early lessons focus on simple but important things such as how to hold the violin, place your fingers, and move the bow with a steady sound. These basics may not feel exciting, but they set you up for everything that comes later. If bad habits appear early, like poor posture or incorrect bowing, they can take months or even years to fix.
A professional violin teacher helps you avoid those mistakes and makes learning feel smoother and more enjoyable. You will build confidence as you move from simple songs to more advanced pieces, knowing you have a strong foundation to rely on.
Before starting lessons, think about your budget and plan for regular sessions. Many students find that committing to at least a year of consistent lessons leads to steady progress. With the right guidance, you may be surprised at how quickly you grow as a violinist.
What Will I Learn in Violin Lessons?
Violin Techniques
During violin lessons, you’ll work on essentials like bowing, fingering, and posture. Good bowing drives the violin’s vibrant tone, and your teacher will show you how to do it well, blending in precise fingering and dynamics.
They’ll also coach you on finger placement to glide between notes and scales effortlessly. Posture matters too—expect guidance on holding the violin correctly and engaging your shoulders and arms for support.
Music Theory and Note Reading
Violin lessons include basic music theory, like scales, chords, and rhythms, which help you break down and understand pieces. The violin’s clear, melodic sound requires precision, so teachers will help you focus on reading rhythms accurately, keeping a steady tempo, and transitioning smoothly between notes with confidence.
Building Skill Through Practice
As you continue your violin lessons, you will see steady improvement through regular practice and guided instruction. You will build stronger technique, develop musical awareness, and gain confidence as you master each new piece. Over time, you will not only play more beautifully but also experience the satisfaction and joy that come with real progress.
Find Your Next Violin Instructor
★ 5.0
Nicole Jefferis
✓ Passed selective interview screening
- Teaches: Classical, Pop
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 10 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
★ 5.0
Amelia Dixon
✓ Passed selective interview screening
Student Reviews
- Teaches: Classical, Pop
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 7 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
★ 5.0
Aleena Griffiths
✓ Passed selective interview screening
- Teaches: Classical, Pop
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 6 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
★ 5.0
Aubrey Fineout-Watts
✓ Passed selective interview screening
Student Reviews
- Teaches: Classical, Pop
- Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
- Background Checked
- 8 yrs of teaching
- Offers free first lesson via Zoom
- Speaks: English
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About the author
Marc Levesque is a graduate of the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University where he studied Piano Performance and Arts Administration, receiving both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees before attending Carnegie Mellon University to study educational technology. As a pianist, Marc made his debut with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra at age 15, playing Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 2., and he has performed at various summer programs and festivals across the United States, Italy, and Croatia. Marc is a co-founder of Lesson With You, which fully combines his love of music, technology, and education.