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.
Find the right teacher
To get started, complete our student placement form to get matched with the right teacher. It takes just a few minutes.
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
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.
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
Why choose MacPhail?
As the nation’s largest and oldest community music school, MacPhail serves over 15,000 students each year through innovative, inclusive programs grounded in more than a century of expertise.
World-Class Faculty
Our teaching artists are exceptional educators and professional performers. Most hold advanced degrees and bring deep expertise, passion, and personalized support to every lesson.
Award-Winning Programs for All Ages
From early childhood to adult learners, our award-winning programs span 35+ instruments, voice, composition, and electronic music, making MacPhail a nation-wide leader in music programming.
A Community of Music
At MacPhail, learning happens together. We create vibrant, welcoming communities where students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds grow through music—building confidence, connection, and creativity along the way.