Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Music Education in Brookline
Founded in 1924, Brookline Music School has dedicated over a century to cultivating musical passion and artistry within our community. As the oldest and largest cultural institution in Brookline, we pioneered collaboration between public and private sectors to expand music education beyond school hours. Our strategic relocation to the historic Hill-Kennard-Ogden House in 1994 solidified our commitment to providing professional instruction in a permanent home. With a faculty of accomplished musicians and educators, we offer comprehensive programs spanning early childhood development through advanced ensemble performance.Our certificate programs and summer intensives cater to diverse skill levels, while our jazz studies and chamber music divisions maintain reputations for excellence. Through flexible scheduling and year-round enrollment, we ensure accessibility for students of all ages. Our mission remains unchanged since inception: to nurture the joy of musical discovery while fostering technical proficiency and artistic expression. This enduring focus has established us as a cornerstone of the Brookline arts community, serving as both educational institution and cultural steward.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Chamber Music Ensembles
Jazz/Rock Programs
Summer Music Workshops
Early Childhood Classes
Instrument Discovery Courses
Details
- Year established: 1924
Highlights and features
- We offer over a century of music education expertise since 1924
- Our faculty includes professional musicians and certified educators
- Customized programs for ages 0 to adult across multiple music disciplines
- Year-round enrollment with flexible scheduling options
- Historic campus housing specialized music instruction since 1994
Services
Private Music Lessons
Individualized music instruction for ages 6+ across 20+ instruments. Professional instructors customize lesson plans to match skill levels from beginner to advanced. Flexible scheduling available year-round with progress tracking and performance opportunities.
Chamber Music Ensembles
Collaborative instrumental ensembles with professional coaching. Participants receive repertoire guidance, performance preparation, and music theory instruction. Programs available for both youth and adult musicians with varying experience levels.
Summer Music Workshops
Intensive summer programs including JazzLab, Flute Institute, and Chamber Music Festival. These immersive experiences blend technical training with performance opportunities. Students participate in masterclasses, ensemble rehearsals, and music appreciation activities.
Early Childhood Classes
Developmental music programs for ages 0-6 focusing on rhythmic development, vocal exploration, and instrument introduction. Structured activities use play-based learning to establish foundational musical skills through singing, movement, and creative expression.
Jazz Studies Program
Comprehensive jazz education featuring combo groups, improvisation workshops, and theory classes. Students work with professional jazz faculty on repertoire development, stylistic interpretation, and ensemble performance techniques through both small groups and large ensembles.
Questions
What age groups does Brookline Music School serve?
We offer programs for children as young as 6 months through adult learners, with specialized classes for different developmental stages.
Do you offer summer music programs?
Yes, our summer intensives include JazzLab, Chamber Music Festival, and instrument-specific workshops with flexible scheduling options.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
All enrolled students can participate in recitals, ensemble showcases, and community performances throughout the academic year.
Can I start lessons mid-year?
Private lessons accept enrollments year-round with flexible scheduling to accommodate new students at any time.
What instruments are taught at the school?
We offer instruction in piano, violin, voice, guitar, flute, percussion, and 15+ additional instruments across classical, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes, we maintain a tuition assistance program to ensure accessibility for all interested students regardless of financial circumstances.
Reviews (3)
Claire N.
Jan 30, 2021
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Fantastic school! I went there as a kid and am now going again as an adult for piano lessons. Friendly admin and high level teachers.
Rameen B.
Feb 16, 2019
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The teachers are generally very competent and kind and work well with children. A special shout out to Julianne Johnston for flute, Tomoko Iwamoto and Konstantin Arakelov for violin, and Tom the dance teacher, who are all excellent. The school as a whole maintains a nice community feel.
Momma C.
Sep 23, 2018
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I called BMS to inquire about flute lessons. I was told I needed to speak to X. Since he was not available I left a message. After back and forth messages, X and I finally had a conversation. After I asked about flute lessons, X described payment policies and tried to commit me to a lesson day and time for the school year. When I hesitated and asked about meeting the teacher, possibly a trial lesson or just being able to talk to the teacher directly over email or phone, X told me that scheduling music lessons "is not like scheduling a hair appointment". We will never go to BMS and I am advising all my friends to stay away.
