Free Online Music Classes: Try Before You Buy!

Want to learn an instrument without spending a fortune on lessons? Whether you want to learn yourself or have a child interested in music, there are plenty of free resources that can help you get started.

When my son wanted to learn guitar, we signed him up for what he called a “Rock Star” class. He loved it, but it was also incredibly expensive! I wish I had known about some of these free resources back then so he could have tried it out before we invested so much money.

Money-Saving Tip: Before paying for private lessons, start with free online lessons and tutorials. They’re a great way to learn the basics and find out if you or your child actually enjoys an instrument before committing to paid lessons.

1. Find an Instrument for Less

Don’t rush out and buy a brand-new instrument for a beginner. Start by asking friends and family if they have a guitar, keyboard or other instrument gathering dust in a closet.

You can also check Facebook Marketplace, local resale shops and yard sales for inexpensive used instruments.

If you prefer to buy new, compare prices online. I actually bought my son’s trombone on Amazon for about half of what our local music shop wanted at the time.

2. Learn the Basics for Free

Before paying for lessons, check YouTube for beginner tutorials. You’ll find free lessons for guitar, piano, drums, ukulele and just about every other instrument.

For music theory, Teoria offers free exercises and tutorials covering music reading, notes, scales, chords and more.

3. Free & Low-Cost Music Lesson Sites

• Piano: Zebra Keys offers dozens of free online piano lessons covering everything from basic piano keys to chords, scales and music theory.
• Piano: Piano Nanny is another resource for online piano lessons.
• Guitar: Ultimate Guitar is a huge resource for guitar chords, tabs and songs. Some content is free, while additional features require a paid subscription.
• Guitar: Shred Academy has guitar lessons and tutorials for players looking to improve their skills.
• Multiple Instruments: ArtistWorks offers online instruction for guitar, piano, drums, violin, bass, vocals and more. It is a paid service, but currently offers a free 7-day trial so you can try it before subscribing.

Don’t Forget Your Local Library

Check your local library before paying for an online course. Many library systems provide cardholders with free access to online learning platforms and other educational resources. What’s available varies by library, so check your library’s website or ask a librarian about free music and learning resources.

Starting with free resources gives you a chance to find the right instrument and see if you’re ready to stick with it before spending money on lessons.

Looking for more ways to learn without spending money? Check out our Educational Freebies.

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