Individual Lessons
Expert Instruction for Your Musical Journey
Individual music lessons for all ages, skill levels, and goals.
Whether you’re just starting out, picking an instrument back up, or growing as a professional musician, MacPhail offers expert-led individual lessons that help you learn faster and go further. Choose from 35+ instruments, voice, composition, and electronic music, all taught by Minnesota’s most accomplished teaching artists. Our personalized approach meets each student where they are and supports growth at every stage.
Don’t want to go solo? Explore group classes.
Financial assistance is available. If tuition is a barrier, we encourage you to apply. Learn More.
Already a MacPhail student? Students and families enrolled in at least 5 hours of Individual Lessons, Music Therapy, or Suzuki Talent Education in the same semester are eligible for our Music+ discount. Learn more.
How It Works
Match with a Music Instructor
Great music starts with a great teacher. Fill out our Student Placement Form or call 612.321.0100 and we’ll help match you with the right teaching artist based on your goals, experience, and interests.
Have Your First Lesson
Let the music begin! After you are matched, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions as to when, where, and how to meet your new teacher for the first lesson. At the lesson, you and your teacher will discuss goals, preferences, schedule, and studio policies.
Play. Practice. Perform.
Customized learning = meaningful progress. Each lesson is designed for you to ensure an exceptional learning experience. Your teaching artist will motivate, inspire, and support you on your musical journey, helping you play the music you love while learning the skills that create a solid musical foundation.
Tuition
Individual Lesson Rates
A 30-minute lesson at MacPhail starts at $48. Rates may vary slightly depending on your teacher and location (such as MacPhail Austin).
Typical tuition ranges:
- 30-minute lesson: $48–$55
- 45-minute lesson: $72–$82
- 60-minute lesson: $96–$110
Financial assistance is available.
Lesson Formats
In Person
Individual lessons available at five convenient locations:
Online
MacPhail is a national leader in online music education with over a decade of virtual music education experience. Enjoy your lessons from the convenience of the location of your choice. Learn More.
Hybrid
Combine the best of both. Meet online for flexibility and innovative collaboration. Meet in-person for real time engagement with the opportunity for rich exploration.
Ready to get started? Fill out our Student Placement Form.
What is included?
These opportunities are included with individual lessons at no extra cost to students.
Achievement Day & Performance Festival
MacPhail’s Achievement Day and Performance Festival These unique student opportunities at MacPhail are included with your tuition at no extra cost. Open to students of all ages, instruments, and abilities.
Student Performances
MacPhail provides numerous opportunities for students to perform. More than 400 recitals are scheduled each year, ranging from informal recitals to auditioned honors recitals and Concerto & Aria.
Master Classes & Workshops
Several Master Classes and Workshops are presented throughout the year by MacPhail’s talented faculty and outside guests. These opportunities are offered to MacPhail students at no cost. Master Classes and Workshops focus on technique, intonation, improvisation and performance practices on one or more of the 35 instruments MacPhail offers.
