Tima skipped foundational steps in vocal training, completely omitting core basics like…read morediaphragmatic breathing before rushing into singing. Without these essential mechanics, singing is barely manageable. It felt like she was using our paid time to gain teaching experience rather than delivering proper instruction. To make matters worse, she abruptly quit without providing any explanation. I thought our sessions were progressing well, but I suddenly received a phone call from her supervisor instructing me not to return, with no reason given for the sudden cancellation.

I have been taking lessons at the John Payne Music Center (JPMC) for thirty years and have always…read moredeeply 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.

I've been with Bulent for many years, and he continues to help progress my voice! He is the most…read moreknowledgeable instructor I have ever worked with (and I've worked with many!) I highly recommend Bulent to anyone at any level, as he puts in so my effort and passion to every student.

I wrote to him about lessons and he was rude and unprofessional…read more He then responded with a threat to my review on Yelp!

I have taken two classes at Metalwerx and I can't say enough good things. Fantastic teachers, a…read moregreat studio that is run thoughtfully! Safety and care of tools is always communicated. Easy to park, easy to grab lunch up the street at the sandwich shop. Take a class and you will love it!! Great for beginners or more advanced jewelers (I wrote a book about jewelry making and I learn something every time I'm here )

I always wanted to take a jewelry making class and finally enrolled in an evening class here. I…read morewas hopeless at jewelry making, but I really tried. This class helped me realize that I am a 2-D person -- sawing and soldering are not my think. That being said, I really tried hard and was very motivated to make something. I melted a few bezels. The teacher barely gave me the time of day, but the teaching assistant took pity on me and gave me some extra help. They never asked for feedback on the experience. I haven't been back since, but for the right person it might be an amazing experience.

Arlekin Acting Studio is the place I was looking for for a long time. I'm happy to be a part of…read morethis amazing and fun studio. I had a chance to take an acting class last year at the studio; over two semesters I've already learned so much! I'm looking forward to remaining engaged with Arlekin and continuing to sharpen my acting skills. Igor Golyak shares his knowledge and experience with each student in a manner that best resonates with him or her. He is able to balance two characteristics of a great director: a seriousness of purpose with high demands from his actors and patience to bring his students along the long path to acting mastery. After becoming part of this troupe, it feels like a second home. I recommend it to everyone who loves acting and theater production.

I began taking class here after a friend highly recommended the studio for on2 salsa. The dance…read moreinstructors are ALL fantastic. Serena and G, in particular, have made me grow so much as a dancer in terms of musicality, technique, and improvisation. The classes are challenging, technical, but simultaneously a total delight. The masacote community is fun, welcoming, and full of fantastic dancers and friends. I can't imagine a better studio. Go now!

I joined salsa classes at Masacote in the summer of 2018. I had never really danced in my life…read moreuntil that point, especially not salsa, but I have improved significantly and I even started going to salsa socials semi-regularly. I had to stop going for a while because of work/school, but I recently started going again and I've found these classes to be the most fulfilling type of self-care. Something that sets Masacote apart is the great community. Everyone is so friendly, from Greg at the front desk, to each of the instructors and even the students in the advanced classes. Tana, Audrey and Dave are great instructors. They are very skilled dancers but they also know how to communicate and translate that into skillful instruction. They really went/go out of their way to make sure I learn what I need to learn. They call themselves the Masa Tribe. While it was hard for me to see myself as part of something like a salsa dancing club, I see now why that name makes so much sense. I really feel I'm a part of a team every Tuesday and Thursday when I go to class, and even beyond that. I really recommend these classes to anyone who wants to learn to dance, to have fun or simply to meet wonderful people and make new friends. The location at the CAC is very nice and easily accessible. There is free parking after 5 pm. And the class prices are pretty affordable too!

I just completed my second term and Katherine was amazing, once again! This term, summer, is…read morecondensed into 6 weeks, but because I am moving out of the state, Katherine did all she could to help me start and finish my painting in 3 weeks. The painting was a gift to my sister and not only did the recipient love her gift from me, I loved the gift that Katherine gave me. She helped me to understand that time is precious and if it is spent wisely, any goal could be accomplished. If you are even considering taking a painting class, I would give this school a chance. It will change your view on your own creativity and your view on what it means to teach. Katherine is a gem! She, and her school, cannot be replicated or duplicated. I am sad that I will probably not be able to find anything like them where I am moving. Oh, and the ice cream breaks in the summer aren't so bad either.

The Katherine Martin Widmer School of Painting is just an example of the many wonderful things that…read moreare right before you waiting to be discovered. I have lived in the Somerville area for years now and in that time thought about how nice it would be to have a creative space. I dabbled in the fine arts in school, but without the physical space and guidance, lost the motivation to explore further. This school has allowed me the opportunity to do so. The instructor, Katherine, is a wonderful teacher, providing just the right amount of instruction and is one of many reasons why the school has such an encouraging environment. The studio itself is lovely. It's on the third floor with lots of windows and a sky light. Usually the soft voices of Billy Holiday or Nina Simone waft through the air. In addition, the students (many of whom have been attending for years) are from all different backgrounds/ages and are a pleasure to get to know.

My daughter has been dancing here for 8 years. She loves it and has made some lifelong friends. I…read morerecommend them for your dancing needs.

My girls have been going to this studio for three years and love it! I would recommend any of the…read moreclasses.

Our favorite singing class in Brookline! I see how my daughter's love to sing grows with every…read moreclass. She sings songs from the studio's repertoire everywhere and enjoys it. Thanks to regular performance on the stage, which happens twice a year, she is not shy anymore as it was before we started attending Sing for Joy studio. The teacher, Elena, is highly professional and attentive to the children's wishes. She always asks what they would like to sing in addition to the planned songs, so the children have always a chance to practice their favorite songs. The only disappointment is that we could attend the studio only once a week because we started from the middle of the year, and all classes were already full. We hope to sing with Elena more often in the future.

I highly recommend the Sing for Joy choir for children in Brookline Village. My 5yo son has been…read moreattending for one semester, and I can already see the difference - he started singing more, and better. Most importantly, he enjoys the singing classes. I really like the teacher's approach, which is playful and age-appropriate, but still enforces good discipline. Both English and Russian groups are available (we are in the Russian one).