I have been a member of Musicians Playground for over 5 and half years! I joined with the goal of learning piano while balancing a busy career, after having a taken a year of piano lessons many years ago. I had a passion for music and I just really hoped I could find a way to make it all work out with the rest of life. MP surely facilitated that. I started with group lessons and after several months transitioned to private lessons which better fit my work schedule. I have loved the entire journey, having had a handful of talented instructors along the way, each who taught me something I didn't know. I joined as a beginner pianist and in a couple weeks I will play a more complicated, 8 page song than I had ever imagined - I can truly reflect on how much my I've grown as a piano player while at MP. Alyssa, the founder, has cultivated an amazing community. She is always there for you when you need help. Rarely, if the schedule is not working or an instructor doesn't fit your personality, she'll quickly find the time to talk things through with you and suggest a solution to get things back on track for you. Learning an instrument isn't always easy, but you can always count on her being your biggest cheerleader on the musical journey to reach your goals. The Happy Hour performance nights happen every two months. These are a highlight of the MP experience. These evenings are so inspiring, whether you are a spectator or performing. I find that wanting to perform at Happy Hour and share my music motivates me to practice almost daily and continue to grow as a musician. You meet a number of interesting people who may just have started learning or may be superstars continuing to take lessons. Plus, the studio environment fosters your overall musical journey - how cool is it to spend your evening taking a lesson, while there are 4 other private lessons and a group session happening on the same floor. Indeed, learning piano at MP has been a huge part of my life - and I hope that this experience can hold true for you as well! read more

I came to Musicians Playground because I wanted something to help relieve my stress from work, and because I missed singing with other people like I did when I was in school. I found everything I was looking for and more. I always look forward to coming to MP, and it's done wonders for my overall wellness. I've been taking private and group voice lessons since last summer and recently started taking beginner group piano lessons as well. The classes are a great balance of challenging and fun. I've definitely improved a lot and feel much more in control of my voice than when I started, but it's also a very comfortable environment where everyone can improve at their own pace and no one has to feel pressured to solo if they don't want to. I also really appreciate the flexible structure of the group lessons, because sometimes there's an event or something I have to do (or, honestly, sometimes I'm just too tired) on a day when I'd normally go to a lesson. Thankfully the classes focus on a different part of a song each week, so you don't have to commit to going every week. Lastly, I love participating and seeing people perform at Happy Hour, a night of performances held every two months. It's a fun opportunity for people to mingle and show what they've been working on. read more

I am both a piano student and a voice teacher at MP. I've been taking group piano lessons with Alyssa to improve my accompanying skills and she is an amazing instructor. She gives all the attention that you need! Even in a group setting, you are never left behind and things move at your own pace! She always cares for what you need as a client. The other teachers-my teammates, are also as loving and caring and great! There's such a community feeling at MP. There's so many events that are going on for you to meet other musicians, and also open practice hours are so useful! You can use the pianos at any time. Did I mention MP has the latest keyboard and piano technologies as well? This place is seriously on top of things in every way! So well rounded. I give voice lessons and the team I work with is amazing. We constantly give each other feedback and improve our lessons and ourselves as teachers. We work very hard to get creative with our ideas and make this place an excellent space to learn music and have fun at the same time. It's a great place to be an employee. I recommend this place for everyone, toddlers, seniors, come join!! read more

When I started music lessons at Musician's Playground, I knew I had found something truly special. I always felt so welcomed and inspired. The instructors are not only incredibly talented but also extremely supportive, encouraging, and passionate about helping students have a good time. I've been taking voice and guitar lessons as an adult hobbyist, and the progress I've made is beyond what I expected. My teachers tailor the lessons to my style and goals, making learning both fun and effective. The studio is beautiful and the atmosphere is calming. One of the best parts of being here is the amazing sense of community. I've met so many wonderful people, and we often collaborate on music projects. The open mic nights are a huge highlight! Performing in such a supportive environment has helped me build confidence and grow as an artist. Everyone--from the staff to fellow students--encourages and uplifts each other, making this studio feel like a second home. If you're looking for a place to learn, perform, and connect with like-minded musicians, this is it. Highly recommend! read more

What Alyssa does is beyond great. She's an amazing teacher who genuinely cares about your progress as a pianist. She's always enthusiastic and always vibrant when she teaches which creates a warm and energetic environment which encourages artistry. You meet new people and form somewhat of a extended family with them because everyone there is supporting each other. I came to Alyssa in July 2015 because I wanted to compose and make my own music. With her terrific teaching ability she not only helped me reach my goal, but she gave me a necessary key that opened so many doors to the world of music. For that I am deeply appreciative of the patience and effort she put into molding me into the artist I am today. I would not be the artist I am today if it wasn't for her. She took me from someone who couldn't play or read music to someone who can write his own compositions. I strongly recommend Alyssa as your teacher because she really cares about helping you learn to play the piano. Thank you Alyssa for being not only a teacher and a mentor... but a friend! read more

Alyssa is a fantastic teacher! My girlfriend and I attended her Music Hour class and we had so much fun! The class starts out with having some wine while relaxing on the couch while Alyssa helps out other guests with signing in. The couples then move over to the keyboards in the center of the studio and Alyssa jumps right into the lesson, which makes you amazed at your progress throughout. In about an hour, everyone in the class was able to read sheet music at an introductory level, identify the keys on the keyboard, understand hand positioning, and understand how to play the song with the correct rests, repeats, and technique. I took piano lessons in the past and I was impressed by how much I learned with Alyssa's enthusiastic teaching style. Being a teacher isn't just about skill; it's about a passion for helping others realize their full potential even when they may doubt themselves. Alyssa has all the qualities of a great teacher. We'll definitely come back for another Music Hour in the future! read more

I have never played piano before coming to Musicians' Playground and taking lessons with Alyssa. She is a very great teacher, and with her guidance and motivation I am able to play pieces like Fur Elise by Beethoven now after just 11 months of learning. She has taught me a lot and now, I am able to read music and play pieces on my own. She is really talented, as she can adjust the way she teaches for people who want to play a specific genre of piano (like classics and modern hip-hop covers). Alyssa plans out for you what you can do if you practice at home, and alters the lesson depending on the speed at which you are learning a piece. Being a student at Musicians' Playground gives me a lot of benefits, like open practice and recitals. I am grateful for Musicians' Playground. It is definitely one of the best in Boston. I would totally recommend beginners of any age to start learning with Alyssa, being a teenager who just started. read more

Musicians' Playground is not just a music studio, from the very first moment you cross that door, you'll never wanna leave. I've been taking piano lessons here for over 2 years now (after a 5 year brake) and I cannot even describe the gratification I've gotten thanks to them. People are just AWESOME. From teachers being super talented, to the friendly, incredible, international community they have build. As a foreigner, I can simply say that MP makes me feel like I belong to a whole new family. About happy hours, let's say they are not made to be common recitals but a great experience to share with everybody what you've been learning while having so much fun and feeling uncomparable support at the same time. And regarding instruments... well... the brand new, high tech Yamaha's Silent pianos puts Musicians' Playground in a whole new level... Believe me, this is the place... read more

Musician Playground is a very nice, comfortable and inspirational place to learn and practice music. I always have the home feeling when I go there for practicing piano, as Alyssa and other teachers there are very active to help me. The pianos there are very great and tuned well. Every time practicing there I can really focus on my song. I have learned playing piano there for two months now. Matt has taught me many skills including hand shape and position, music theory and even improvising. Now I can play more than three songs by myself after learning one song from him. The teacher is very nice and funny that there's always some laughing as music sounding. Overall, Musician Playground is the place that I most recommend if you want to relax and learn or practice music at any time, as the environment there becomes very good and quiet once you sit down on the piano chair. read more

I've been taking lessons at Musicians' playground for 6 months and I absolutely love it! Alyssa and Matt are seriously the nicest people - I always leave my lessons with the biggest smile on my face! I took piano lessons when I was younger, but stopped when I went to college. I never thought I would start again but my mom found Musicians' Playground and scheduled my first lesson for me - I've been taking lessons ever since! Whenever I go people of all ages are coming in for lessons or to practice. One thing that was really helpful for me getting back into piano was being able to practice on the pianos at Musicians' Playground whenever I wanted! And every few months there is an Adult Happy Hour - kind of like recital but more relaxed and fun! I cannot recommend Musicians' Playground highly enough! read more

Musicians Playground is a wonderful place where people from all ages and levels come together to be creative and learn. I have been taking guitar lessons for about 5 months and have learned to play a handful of my favorite songs despite coming to MP with little to no skills. The staff are lovely, helpful, and friendly and the space is beautiful. In addition to private lessons, I have taken multiple group lessons as well which are a great format to learn in. Everyone is supportive of one another and it's fun to learn with others! Every few months MP puts on happy hour shows where students can perform, collab, or just listen! It is a great way to bring people together and encourage students to show off their skills. Overall, I've had a 10/10 experience at Musicians Playground :) read more

Review for Music Hour: This is the perfect date night for anyone in the Boston area. It is similar to paint night. You spend the night drinking wine (which is included) and learning how play a popular song that you vote on as a group before the class. We had no piano experience but ended up actually learning the song and having so much fun! She records you playing the song at the end of the night and sends you the music a few days later so you can prove to your friends that you actually played a song :) Alyssa is an amazing teacher and she makes the night less like a piano class and more like a fun night out. Also in my opinion this would be the perfect first date because it is interactive so there would be no awkward silence and you are guaranteed to have a good time. read more

I've been taking lessons at Musician's Playground for about a month now, after a long hiatus from playing piano when I was younger. The owner, Alyssa, was wonderful to work with in setting up my lessons and making sure I had the right type of lesson plan for my music goals. My instructor, Susanna, has been excellent. She recognizes my strengths and weaknesses with the piano so that I'm getting the most out of my lessons and I already feel like I'm progressing with her after one month! I would definitely recommend Musician's Playground for all your piano lesson needs, they know what they are doing and make it fun to play piano. It doesn't hurt either that they've got a great studio space and a beautiful baby grand to play during lessons. read more

I have had an amazing experience at Musician's Playground over the past 7 months! I had always wanted to take voice lessons but never found the right venue that offered accessible classes for adult learners until now. My private voice lessons with Michael are a consistent highlight of my week and allow me to explore the fundamentals of singing and music theory at a pace that works for me. The group classes have been an incredible way to meet other people interested in music and experience what it's like to collaborate with other musicians. I would recommend Musician's Playground to anyone looking to carve out more space for music in their life, regardless of skill level! read more

Musicians Playground has been a game-changer in both my playing and my understanding of music. It has helped me grasp important concepts that are often brushed over when you're first learning. The community is close-knit and supportive, no matter what level you're at. The group classes are not only fun but, in my opinion, just as beneficial as private lessons. My private lessons with Will have been especially valuable--he tailors our sessions to my interest in jazz while still making sure I develop essential foundational skills. Because of this, I'm progressing faster than ever before, and I always look forward to my lessons. read more

Musicians Playground is a hidden gem in downtown Boston for anyone who wants to learn a new instrument, build on their current skills, and connect with a vibrant and welcoming community of music lovers. I've been incredibly impressed with the diversity of classes and quality of the instructors, and I can already see a substantial improvement in my abilities in the few months that I've been coming here. Making time for music has been the best thing I've done for myself in a long time, and if you're considering doing the same I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a better place to do it than Musicians Playground. read more

I signed my 7 year old daughter up for voice and piano lessons here after she lost interest at the old place we went to and I'm not sure who is more excited to attend every week - me or her! When you arrive, you can expect a clean, comfortable place. It's peaceful and has a lot of happy people in it all the time (I love to get my work done while my daughter is taking her lessons). The people that work at the studio are very nice. My daughter works with Helen for piano and Jo for voice. Both are exceptional young women and help my daughter feel more confident, which we've been working on at home. Thanks girls! read more

As someone who has had troubles in the past settling into a place that would help me improve my piano skills while also providing an encouraging learning environment, Musician's Playground is now my home. Excellent for all skill levels, it's the place I recommend to anyone who wants to begin or continue their musical education. The teachers are warm and professional and will meet you on your level but at the same time they will challenge you and teach you techniques that will improve your playing. When I walk in the door I'm always excited to start learning. I have no doubt that you will be too. read more

Alyssa O'Toole is a wonderful music teacher! My three daughters have been studying piano with her for over seven years, and we could not be happier! Alyssa has created a welcoming, creative, joyful space for children and adults of all ages to learn and grow. She is an engaging, positive, dedicated teacher who is a natural rapport with her students and their families and can put the most timid of children at ease! My kids love her and have grown so much with her. I feel truly blessed to have such an amazing person in our lives. I highly recommend Musician' Playground! read more