The Keys to Boston: Where to See Pianists & Keyboardists Perform
When learning an instrument, it’s crucial to study skilled professionals demonstrating their craft. Following the example of professionals performing live is one of the best things a student taking piano lessons can do for their own development. Thankfully, there are numerous places to catch live piano and keyboard performances in Boston and the surround areas, showcasing many different styles.
If Swing’s Your Thing . . .
Boston is home to a number of renowned jazz clubs that frequently host some of the biggest names in the genre, as well as give newer musicians a chance to develop their live performance skills.
The Regattabar, located near Harvard Square on the 3rd floor of the Charles Hotel, has been named the “Best of Boston” by Boston Magazine a total of 13 times, as well as received national recognition. The venue contains 220 seats, a small menu of finger foods, and is open to people of all ages, which is rare among local venues. Some of the most recognized names in the jazz scene make it a point to stop at the Regattabar during tours.
Wally’s Jazz Club, located in Boston’s South End, has featured local musicians since it opened in 1947. Hosting music 7 days a week, they invite up-and-coming musicians to their daily open jam sessions from 6 - 9 PM. The jam sessions are an excellent way for students to start venturing into live performance, as well as a great way to meet other musicians with similar interests.
Scullers Jazz Club (pictured below left) has showcased performances of contemporary jazz, blues, R&B, soul, and world music since 1989. Located on the first floor of the DoubleTree Suites in Boston, concertgoers can catch dinner and a show while enjoying an extensive alcohol menu. National and international touring artists frequently make Scullers their destination within the Boston area.
The Beehive hosts music 7 days a week in addition to a full menu. While mostly jazz musicians take to the stage at the Beehive, the venue also showcases blues, R&B, electronica, country, and world music. Located in the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End, just a few blocks from Wally’s Jazz Club, the Beehive exhibits the work of local visual artists in addition to their musical artists.
The Mad Monkfish (pictured above right), provides patrons with the unique combination of sushi and jazz. Located in Cambridge’s Central Square, between Harvard University and MIT, the restaurant hosts live music on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. Make reservations in advance if you plan to attend a show there - it’s a popular destination on the weekends!
The Bebop, an Irish Pub located in the midst of Berklee College of Music, hosts live music seven days a week. Professionals and up-and-comers alike are welcome to perform as a booked artist, or participate in their frequent open mic events. Get yourself a beer and a burger while enjoying a wide variety of jazz stylings!
For More Familiar Tunes . . .
If you’re more into pop music and singing along to songs you know, a few of Boston’s famed piano bars still remain.
D’s Keys (pictured below) hosts a dueling piano show every Wednesday through Sunday. Located between Boston’s Seaport and West Broadway areas, patrons are encouraged to participate in an interactive rock show. According to their website, “Dueling pianos is all about group participation, shamelessness, and humiliation.” While it’s not a family-friendly establishment (you must be 21 or older to gain entry), it’s a great way for adult piano students to see some professional pianists in action.
Howl at the Moon hosts daily live music filled with dance hits and party anthems. Located in Boston’s Financial District, it’s a great place to consume a literal bucket of alcohol while singing along with all your favorite pop hits.
The Napoleon Room at Club Cafe showcases piano and vocal performances of selections from the Great American Songbook, Broadway show tunes, pop tunes, and even some jazz. Located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay and South End neighborhoods, the Napoleon Room is a necessary stop for those taking piano lessons in Boston that are fans of musical theater.
For a Fancier Experience . . .
Boston is home to a world-class symphony orchestra and some of the best music and arts schools in the world. If classical music is your passion, there are several places to observe classical piano performances.
Depending on programming, the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall hosts some of the most skilled classical pianists in the world. Situated between Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory, Symphony Hall provides visitors with an experience unmatched anywhere else in the area.
Jordan Hall at New England Conservatory (pictured in the top banner) welcomes performances by some of the world’s leading soloists and ensembles, as well as student recitals and concerts. Only a couple blocks from Symphony Hall and Northeastern University, Jordan Hall is a central location in Boston’s fine arts scene.
Seully Hall at Boston Conservatory (now a part of Berklee) provides attendees with a more intimate experience. Located on the outskirts of the Fens and with 100 available seats, Seully Hall mostly hosts student performances, but routinely provides traveling pianists a place to perform in front of an attentive audience.
Calderwood Hall (pictured right), located inside the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, regularly exhibits classical and contemporary works, but welcomes a wide variety of music. Its unique “cube” shape allows the audience to surround performers in an acoustically superior space. Between the museum’s astounding art collection, beautiful architecture, and curated musical performances, attendees are sure to get their creative fix.
A Wider Variety . . .
There are many other other music venues in Greater Boston that host an array of music styles. Piano and keyboards are commonly used in rock, funk, hip-hop, R&B, and even metal music. Depending on the particular performers, people taking piano lessons can also see performances at the Berklee Performance Center, House of Blues (right next to Fenway Park), and The Sinclair (in Harvard Square), just to name a few. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a local musician about their favorite places to see music! Beyond the places listed above, there are dozens of smaller venues around Boston that host music every night of the week. There’s no shortage of musical ability in the area!
Want to learn how to play piano yourself? Schedule a trial music class at Loudlands Music Lab! Our professional piano instructors are actively involved in the Boston music scene, so you’ll instantly get in touch with the music happenings around the city.