Every month across the United States, thousands of new students search for a music teacher. To find out what Americans are actually learning right now, LessonRating.com analyzed over 190,000 anonymized lesson requests submitted across the country. The results reveal which instruments are most popular, how people prefer to learn, and who’s driving the next wave of music education in 2025.

The Top Instruments in America

Among all instruments, three stand far above the rest. Piano remains the clear favorite, followed by voice and guitar. Together, these three account for nearly 87% of all music lesson requests nationwide.

• Piano — 53.6%
• Voice (Singing) — 21.0%
• Guitar — 12.8%
• Violin — 4.9%
• Drums — 1.8%
• Flute — 1.2%
• Saxophone — 1.1%
• Bass — 0.6%
• Ukulele — 0.5%
• Banjo — 0.5%

Why These Instruments Stand Out

Piano: The Ever-Reliable Foundation

Piano has long been America’s go-to instrument, and it’s easy to see why. Parents view it as the perfect starting point for children, while many adults describe returning to piano after years away. It’s the cornerstone of music literacy—versatile, expressive, and endlessly rewarding.

Voice and Guitar: Self-Expression at the Core

Voice and guitar lessons dominate among teens and young adults who are driven by performance and creativity. Many students mention wanting to sing with confidence, perform in bands, or write their own songs. Both instruments give learners a direct, personal connection to music—no extra equipment required.

Drums, Violin, and Beyond

Beyond the top three, several instruments are showing healthy growth. Drum lessons attract adult beginners seeking a fun way to release stress. Violin remains popular among parents looking for structure and discipline. And instruments like ukulele, flute, and saxophone continue to thrive in school programs and online learning environments.

How Students Prefer to Learn

Even with the growth of online options, traditional in-person lessons still dominate. About 63% of students prefer studying at a teacher’s studio or similar setting, 17% choose lessons in their own home, and roughly 1% opt for fully online instruction. While online lessons are still a smaller share overall, they’re especially popular among adult learners who value flexibility.

Who’s Learning—and When They Want to Start

Music isn’t just for kids anymore. Adults now make up about the same share of new students as children, each representing roughly one-third of all lesson requests. Teens account for about one in five, and a growing number of seniors are exploring music later in life.

More than half of all students say they’re ready to begin lessons immediately, and another 23% want to start within one to three weeks. That sense of urgency highlights how motivated today’s learners are—and how important quick follow-up can be for teachers and studios.

What We’re Hearing From Students

Across thousands of lesson requests, common themes stand out. Many mention starting as complete beginners, enrolling their children, preparing for auditions, joining community bands, or simply wanting to regain confidence. Students often note limited evening or weekend availability—suggesting that flexible scheduling remains a key factor when choosing a teacher.

Key Takeaways

• Piano remains America’s most popular instrument and a lifelong favorite for learners of every age.
• Voice and guitar reflect strong demand for creativity and personal expression.
• In-person lessons continue to dominate, but online learning is a growing niche for adults.
• Adults and children now represent nearly equal shares of lesson demand.
• With over half of students ready to start immediately, quick responses from teachers make a difference.

Start Your Own Musical Journey

Whether you’re learning for the first time or coming back to music after years away, there’s no better time to start. Find qualified teachers near you, compare lesson options, and begin your journey today at LessonRating.com.