Stories from some of our students ...
I was trying to find a place to play in the Boston area and while I was doing some Internet search I found the John Payne Music Center website. I realized immediately that this studio is a very well organized school with an impressive number of ensembles, experienced teachers and accessible prices.
I am truly pleased that I joined the ensemble. Phil and the rest of the ensemble are so friendly. I hope to stay playing with these guys for a long time. Iʼve learned a lot in my first two sessions. Phil has given me some advice to improve my technique and I try to practice every day.
Manuel Baizabal
Ensemble student
I am truly pleased that I joined the ensemble. Phil and the rest of the ensemble are so friendly. I hope to stay playing with these guys for a long time. Iʼve learned a lot in my first two sessions. Phil has given me some advice to improve my technique and I try to practice every day.
Manuel Baizabal
Ensemble student
My piano teacher, Diana, is a great teacher. She knows a lot about the piano. I hope someday to play as great as her. It might be hard to play the piano sometimes but it gets easier with each lesson. The piano is a great instrument and Diana is the greatest teacher EVER! She makes playing the piano fun and I love going to my next lesson so I can learn more new things. Another thing I like about my lessons is that I get to write my own music and play it back with her. If I want to play like Beethoven I know that Diana can teach me because she is the best piano teacher. I love being her student.
Gabriella, age 8
Gabriella, age 8
I have been taking lessons at the John Payne Music Center (JPMC) for thirty years and have always deeply enjoyed it.
I started at the JPMC as an adult in my thirties with no musical experience. My regular lesson with John Payne has been one of the highlights of my week for many years. Through these lessons I have learned to play the alto sax and to improvise -- something I barely dared imagine I could ever do. And, as a result of experience learning and playing the alto sax, I hear music differently than I did before -- and enjoy it even more
I have loved playing in the sax choir wtih Duncan Martin and as part of an ensemble with two different teachers. All of my teachers there have been outstanding: excellent musicians and warm, caring, supportive teachers. They are very good with both adults and children -- and believe fimly that adults with no previous musical experience can learn to play, to perform and enjoy it. JPMC provides a safe environment in which you can learn alone; learn to play as part of group; and, perform!
John Payne is not only an inpiring teacher a wonderful human being, but is also a superb musician who plays some of the best jazz and blues you will hear anywhere. Playing in the sax choir means you get to perform onstage with John and his professional band -- one of the peak experiences of my life!
I recommend the John Payne music center to anyone who wants to learn to play jazz, blues or a wide variety of other types of music.
Richard Winter, Belmont
I started at the JPMC as an adult in my thirties with no musical experience. My regular lesson with John Payne has been one of the highlights of my week for many years. Through these lessons I have learned to play the alto sax and to improvise -- something I barely dared imagine I could ever do. And, as a result of experience learning and playing the alto sax, I hear music differently than I did before -- and enjoy it even more
I have loved playing in the sax choir wtih Duncan Martin and as part of an ensemble with two different teachers. All of my teachers there have been outstanding: excellent musicians and warm, caring, supportive teachers. They are very good with both adults and children -- and believe fimly that adults with no previous musical experience can learn to play, to perform and enjoy it. JPMC provides a safe environment in which you can learn alone; learn to play as part of group; and, perform!
John Payne is not only an inpiring teacher a wonderful human being, but is also a superb musician who plays some of the best jazz and blues you will hear anywhere. Playing in the sax choir means you get to perform onstage with John and his professional band -- one of the peak experiences of my life!
I recommend the John Payne music center to anyone who wants to learn to play jazz, blues or a wide variety of other types of music.
Richard Winter, Belmont
If you don't want to give up your day job but still want to get together with a group of people to play music, this is the place for you! And you won't be playing with just any group of people; you'll find them to be a very supportive group of people - they are your ensemble mates, and they are certain to become your new best friends.
Years ago when I was still single and unfettered, I knew nothing about jazz, but knew I wanted to be a singer and wanted to learn how to "scat." Luckily I found my way to the John Payne Music Center where I encountered the most encouraging and enthusiastic teachers. Within a year of singing with my first ensemble, I got to play out with that group at a real gig! that our ensemble teacher had arranged.
If someone had told me back then that I was going to be spending every Monday evening for the next 15 years at the JPMC, I would not have believed it. Yet here I am and not only do I show up to my ensemble sessions religiously, I also take private voice lessons here and I now have a son who has been taking private guitar lessons here and recently expressed an interest in taking voice as well.
The John Payne Music Center is more than a school. Its comfortable, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel as if you are a member of an extended family of musicians who will offer you a variety of opportunities to grow your musical interests and expand your musical experiences.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore their musical inclinations.
Julie Seeger, Roslindale
Years ago when I was still single and unfettered, I knew nothing about jazz, but knew I wanted to be a singer and wanted to learn how to "scat." Luckily I found my way to the John Payne Music Center where I encountered the most encouraging and enthusiastic teachers. Within a year of singing with my first ensemble, I got to play out with that group at a real gig! that our ensemble teacher had arranged.
If someone had told me back then that I was going to be spending every Monday evening for the next 15 years at the JPMC, I would not have believed it. Yet here I am and not only do I show up to my ensemble sessions religiously, I also take private voice lessons here and I now have a son who has been taking private guitar lessons here and recently expressed an interest in taking voice as well.
The John Payne Music Center is more than a school. Its comfortable, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel as if you are a member of an extended family of musicians who will offer you a variety of opportunities to grow your musical interests and expand your musical experiences.
I recommend it to anyone who wants to explore their musical inclinations.
Julie Seeger, Roslindale
Call 617-277-3438 now (or email [email protected]) to schedule a lesson or join an ensemble! No registration fees.
- - -
My kids have been taking lessons here for a few years, and I know other people who have. In all cases, the students connected really well with their teachers, and my kids progressed very rapidly there. The teachers have been top-quality musicians and committed teachers, but also happy people and more accommodating than those at some other schools. I think it's especially great for beginners, because you don't have to commit to a semester, you can just experiment. I love the mood of the place, low key and old-fashioned with a bit of a funky NYC feel inside (kind of like the feeling you get when you walk in Rayburn Music). Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.
My kids have been taking lessons here for a few years, and I know other people who have. In all cases, the students connected really well with their teachers, and my kids progressed very rapidly there. The teachers have been top-quality musicians and committed teachers, but also happy people and more accommodating than those at some other schools. I think it's especially great for beginners, because you don't have to commit to a semester, you can just experiment. I love the mood of the place, low key and old-fashioned with a bit of a funky NYC feel inside (kind of like the feeling you get when you walk in Rayburn Music). Based on my experience, I highly recommend it.
- - -
As a kid I always wanted to play the saxophone, but it wasn't until my 30s that I discovered the John Payne Music Center and actually started making music. John and his staff of truly gifted musician/teachers really do live up to their claim of being the "most patient teachers in town." Whether it's a private lesson or my regular Wednesday night ensemble, whether I'm "on" or it's one of those times when I feel totally inept, time at the Center is time incredibly well spent.
If you're looking for outstanding teachers, a funky, relaxed learning environment, and a chance to satisfy your inner "Bird," this is absolutely the place to go.
As a kid I always wanted to play the saxophone, but it wasn't until my 30s that I discovered the John Payne Music Center and actually started making music. John and his staff of truly gifted musician/teachers really do live up to their claim of being the "most patient teachers in town." Whether it's a private lesson or my regular Wednesday night ensemble, whether I'm "on" or it's one of those times when I feel totally inept, time at the Center is time incredibly well spent.
If you're looking for outstanding teachers, a funky, relaxed learning environment, and a chance to satisfy your inner "Bird," this is absolutely the place to go.
- - -
This is a real music place, with real musicians teaching people how to swing-- and as you may know, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. Friendly, dedicated folks teaching kids and adults at all levels, on many instruments, singing too. I took lessons there for years, and my daughter is taking lessons there now. They really help you feel like a musician when you're in their care, and you have the opportunity to join various and sundry ensembles too. Check it out, and play.
This is a real music place, with real musicians teaching people how to swing-- and as you may know, it don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing. Friendly, dedicated folks teaching kids and adults at all levels, on many instruments, singing too. I took lessons there for years, and my daughter is taking lessons there now. They really help you feel like a musician when you're in their care, and you have the opportunity to join various and sundry ensembles too. Check it out, and play.
- - -
JPMC is a community. Teachers, students of all ages and John Payne himself share a love for music of all kinds and, uniquely, for actually performing together. It's such a kick to see JPMC ensembles of all levels and all ages, playing in real venues, and really swinging!
Great teachers, great vibe. We are lucky to have it.
JPMC is a community. Teachers, students of all ages and John Payne himself share a love for music of all kinds and, uniquely, for actually performing together. It's such a kick to see JPMC ensembles of all levels and all ages, playing in real venues, and really swinging!
Great teachers, great vibe. We are lucky to have it.
- - -
My children have been taking lessons at JPMC for 9 yrs, and I couldn't recommend them more highly! Brilliant, dedicated musicians teach the kids jazz flute and saxophone in a way that elevates their musical ability much faster than other types of teaching. within the first year they were improvising jazz scales, and for the last few years they each play in one of the many jazz ensembles that run almost every night at John Payne. The staff are wonderful, warm and caring people. It's the best and coolest atmosphere! You just feel as though you are surrounded by people living and breathing music.
My children have been taking lessons at JPMC for 9 yrs, and I couldn't recommend them more highly! Brilliant, dedicated musicians teach the kids jazz flute and saxophone in a way that elevates their musical ability much faster than other types of teaching. within the first year they were improvising jazz scales, and for the last few years they each play in one of the many jazz ensembles that run almost every night at John Payne. The staff are wonderful, warm and caring people. It's the best and coolest atmosphere! You just feel as though you are surrounded by people living and breathing music.
- - -
I've taken lessons with two different people here and played in a couple of groups. I cant' think of a better atmosphere to learn in (and have fun).
I've taken lessons with two different people here and played in a couple of groups. I cant' think of a better atmosphere to learn in (and have fun).
Call 617-277-3438 now (or email [email protected]) to schedule a lesson or join an ensemble! No registration fees.