Top Music Classes for Kids in Boston

Whether your child experiments with toy instruments or just hums favorite tunes in the back seat of the car, chances are music classes might be something they enjoy. Kids can enjoy music classes near Boston and far beyond, thanks to a large pool of well-trained musicians that live in the region. For parents looking for ways to inspire their kids to express musical creativity, develop vocal skills, or play piano, violin, guitar, ukulele, or other musical instruments, the choices for music classes and instruction appear endless. While we could never cover every one of these programs in one post, we've rounded up some of our favorites piano lessons, music classes, and more in and around Boston.

Explore other types of enrichment programs, including sports, art, and more, in our Boston Classes Guide.

From Dalcroze movement to Suzuki instruction, Brookline offers many private and group music classes. Photo courtesy of Brookline Music School 

Top Piano Lessons and Instrument Lessons in Boston 

1. Brookline Music School — Brookline

The school offers a full range of group music classes and private instruction for everyone from infants to adults. Highlights of the children’s program include music and movement classes (birth - age 3); piano, Dalcroze movement through music, dance, and Suzuki programs (ages 4-6); and private lessons and group classes (ages 7 and up). 

2. Community Music Center of Boston — Boston

CMCB is an accredited non-profit music school providing music classes to individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds, ages, and abilities. Programs for kids begin with early childhood classes for ages 5 months to 7 years old, and continue with ensembles, private and group instrumental lessons, and vocal lessons and groups. There's also an array of summer programs.

3. New School of Music — Cambridge

The New School of Music offers programs in a non-competitive, student centered learning environment for children of all ages. NSM offers private and group music lessons, master music classes and vacation programs, including early childhood music and movement programs, group instrument classes (including violin, ukulele, piano), classes for ages 4 and up, and vacation programs for ages 5 and up.

4. Yamaha Music School of Boston — Lexington

2021 Update: Lessons are currently being held virtually. 
Yamaha Music School offers year-round group lessons to children starting at age 3, with advanced classes for older and more experienced musicians. The Yamaha method takes a comprehensive music training approach, with a focus on creativity and self-expression. Your child can take a free trial music class before you commit. 

5. Powers Music School — Belmont

Choose from diverse music classes for all ages, abilities, and music interests. Options include early childhood music, private lessons, Suzuki lessons, music therapy lessons, composition and theory, group programs for kids, and orchestra and ensembles. The music doesn’t stop during the summer, as Powers Music School offers private lessons, early childhood lessons, Music on the Hill, and even a counselor in training program. Online music classes are also available. 

6. Nabi Music Center — Multiple Locations 

Nabi Music Center connects students with individual instructors for private lessons online, at the instructor's studio, or at home. The first music class is free, giving students the opportunity to try before they buy. 

7. Rivers School Conservatory — Weston

The Rivers School Conservatory offers private music classes in all classical and jazz instruments, as well as chamber music and jazz ensembles, a dynamic youth orchestra program, youth chorus, adult community orchestra. Kids can enroll in Music Box (ages 4-7), which are part-private, part-group lessons, Suzuki violin (ages 4 and up), Suzuki guitar (ages 5-10), and Mariamba Magic (ages 5-8). Classes for older children include musical theory, composition and guitar, and a youth orchestra program.       

Awesome Music Classes and Programs for Toddlers in Boston

8. GroovyBabyMusic — Multiple Locations 

For more than 20 years, GroovyBabyMusic has offered award winning, research-based music and movement programs, from infant to mixed-aged and big kid classes. Online classes are offered from anywhere, and indoor and outdoor classes take place at locations in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Dedham, East Boston, Roslindale, and Somerville. All teachers are certified in early childhood music development, and a new songbook, CD, and parent guide are available each semester.

9. Little Groove — Multiple Locations 

Little Groove music classes are designed to help infants, toddlers, and preschoolers learn and interact through sound, sight, and touch with live music. Children use their bodies and voices to sing along to catchy songs that help them build important motor and social skills. Kids use real instruments, such as drums, shakers, and tambourines, and interact with puppets, bubbles, balls, pom poms, and building blocks. Read our review of Baby Wiggle/Little Groove.

10. Music Together — Multiple Locations 

Music Together is an internationally-recognized early childhood music and movement program for children from birth through age 7. Its classes are based on the recognition that all children can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture. Two types of music classes are available. Family music classes (birth-age 5) are for parents, grandparents, or other caregivers with their children ages birth to 5. In kids music classes for ages 5-7, attendance by grown-ups is optional, and many children attend independently. Music Together classes are held at numerous locations, check the website to find a location near you.

11. Children’s Music Center — Jamaica Plain 

Located in the The Brewery, this program works in partnership with Brookline Music School. Classes are designed to guide children from their first musical discoveries to learning an instrument, should they decide to do so. The center offers parent/child and drop-off music classes and private and group piano lessons.

12. Concord Conservatory of Music — Concord

For the younger musicians (ages 3 and up), early childhood classes allow children to explore their musical world in a supportive and fun environment. Suzuki instruction begins at age 4. School-aged children can take part in private lessons, group music classes, ensemble and jazz combos, and composition. Teens and adults will find plenty to choose from, too.

13. North End Music and Performing Arts Center — North End 

Family Music Makers at NEMPAC is a great introduction to music for little ones and a caregiver. Music lovers ages six months to four years old enjoy singing, structured and creative movement, and simple instruments and props (shakers, bells, drums, scarves, etc). Older kids can try out instruments like piano and guitar in group music classes.             

Best Voice and Singing Lessons for Boston Kids

14. South Shore Conservatory — Hingham, Duxbury

The South Shore Conservatory offers music, drama, and dance for students from preschool and up. In addition to music classes, the SSC offers drama classes, musical theater, ballet classes with Jose Mateo's Ballet Theatre, and music therapy, including: lessons (private, semi-private, workshops, recitals, ballet, Music Together); ensemble opportunities (instrumental, vocal, youth orchestra, wind); and summer programs.

15. Boston Children’s Chorus — Boston, Cambridge, Somerville 

This organization is well over 500 hundred singers strong with kids ranging in age from 7 to 18, from all around the Boston area and from all walks of life. BCC is a professional level performing chorus that tours nationally and internationally, and encourages students to excel musically, develop self-confidence, and build their community throughout greater Boston. Admission is by audition, which is an informal, 10-minute process that takes place in May for the following season (September-June). 

16. Boston School of Music & Arts — Dorchester 

Depending on how serious you are, the voice department at Boston School of Music & Arts has two sub-departments. A professional department for young singers looking to sing professionally, and another for absolute beginners 4 and up. The voice classes cover a broad range of basics, including basic song work, ear training, general music, and songwriting. 

17. The Center for Arts in Natick — Natick

TCAN offers musical theater workshops in 10-week sessions for children ages 4-9, presented in conjunction with Pocket Full of Tales Theatre Company. Children act, dance, sing, and learn teamwork with professionally trained theater educators to stage a final show on the last day of class. Vacation week programs include single-week workshops, both half-day and full-day sessions, offered during summer school vacation for children pre-school through teens.

18. Jam Chorus at Jammin With You — Wellesley 

Whether you plan on making a career of singing or just want to have some fun, all levels are welcome in the Jam Chorus where little musicians ages 6-9 learn the skills and cooperation it takes to sing in a chorus. The class focuses on singers gaining confidence and comfort with their voices. Over the course of 11 weeks, students will tackle a variety of vocal techniques, like breathing and pitch. 

19. Stage Music Center — Winchester

Stage Music Center offers private voice classes for aspiring singers as young as 5. Kids will learn sight reading, music theory, breathing, pitch, and more. Little singers will also learn how to feel confident on stage. This studio makes lessons extra fun by incorporating favorite songs, too. 

In-person, private, and virtual music classes are available throughout Boston. Photo courtesy of The Rivers School Conservatory     

Post updated August 2014, March 2016, and August 2021.