We’re happy to share recommendations and testimonials here from parents, students, alumni and press about why Pakachoag is or has been, for them, a ‘best music school’.
Testimonials from The Families We Serve Say it Best
Testimonials from Students, Families, Alumni
Pakachoag Music School is a treasure. It’s thoroughly professional, offering the highest quality of instruction and so many opportunities for students to learn musicianship. At the same time, it’s very understated, down to earth, and accessible and nurturing. It has been a wonderful experience for our family. Elizabeth Engquist, Worcester
The instructors at this music school are top notch! They know their instrument, and more importantly, how to teach kids & teens. Worcester and surrounding towns are fortunate to have this facility. The administration was fantastic in adapting quickly to the pandemic and continuing the lessons. Highly recommend this school if you are looking for any music lessons. Linda Davis, Charlton
Excellent music school. Qualified and very attentive and dedicated teachers. Directors and assistants who participate in every routine, in an attentive and competent manner. Numerous music and presentation rooms, installed in old Church rooms, with excellent acoustics. I have a 8 year old daughter with violin lessons and I am very satisfied. Super recommend!!! Edson Bargas, Worcester
Dear Sarah, I want to share some good news with you about [our daughter’s] application to private high schools. After a careful consideration, she decided to attend Concord Academy this fall. We truly appreciate your help and we believe that the training [our daughter] had received at Pakachoag helped establish a solid foundation for her future development. Have a great summer! Best, Ji, Winchester, MA
Great music programs with excellent faculty and a supportive community of students, families, and teachers. Maria Ruby
Great music school with very talented and professional teachers, as well as program directors! Our son, within only one year, has gone a long way with his piano studies and is just preparing for his second recital at Pakachoag. We already had a great experience with his first recital and were amazed by all the performances we got to see that day. One can tell how serious the staff is about teaching music and doing so in the right way. Erma Doku, Auburn, MA
Fabulous customer service! I wanted to give a friend and her daughter the gift of music classes. Sarah helped me do it all. Even sent me a link to easily pay online. The process was simple. She even did an override since the class was already full. I can’t wait to give my friend (and her child) this birthday present! Patience Hettrick
Both of my children have been at the school learning violin for several years. The teachers and the curriculum are fantastic! The kids have gotten so many opportunities to play as individuals and in group settings. If you’re looking for a music school that is professional, knowledgeable and makes music fun this is the place. Glen Carll, Shrewsbury
Testimonials for Music Together
One of Central MA’s Best Kept Secrets! Dedicated faculty & staff offering top quality music instruction. I take my grandson to Music Together classes and we love it! Tom Ingrassia, Holden
“I can not say enough about what a great teacher Julie has been. She puts so much effort into making the class fun, but also very informative…. My children have loved it!” MT Mom, anonymous class survey, Fall 2017
“I see a lot of growth in music understanding– rhythm and tonal response. He chooses much [more] complex music to listen to and I can tell her understands and enjoys the patterns, etc. better than adults. He’s introducing me to different types of music. Ms. Julie is amazing with children and guiding the parents alike. I have grown personally and I’m better able to guide my child through music and life in general.” Music Together parent Spring 2017, anonymous survey.
“Linnea is a fantastic teacher – my older son loves all the activities she provides (and so do I!).” Music Together parent, Oxford, Winter 2011
“My daughter and I LOVE Julie.. So developmentally appropriate and fun. It’s been amazing to watch her [my child’s] class participation develop and she requests to listen to or sing the songs daily.” “I don’t think of myself as a ‘music person’ but I’m very comfortable with class and love that my daughter is musical”. Music Together mom. Winter 2017.
“Wonderful program; so varied and inspirational. Love every minute.” Music Together grandmom. Fall 2015.
Rhythm Kids Parent Note:
We loved the class, Julie! You are truly a welcoming presence to all and the music and activities are so fun.
My son said at the end of class, “Wow this was a lot more fun than I expected”. And Sunday night, he said, “What day is tomorrow? I wish it were Friday so we can go to the music class again”! 
Great – Amazing – Private Lesson Testimonials
Pakachoag music school’s Suzuki violin program is one of the best in the area. My daughter’s teacher is amazing. She understands my daughter’s learning capabilities and challenges her in every lesson. We couldn’t be happier with how far she has progressed. Vidya S., Shrewsbury
“We have been privileged and blessed to have all our four children take music lessons at Pakachoag. It was an integral part of our home school curriculum.” Ten-year Pakachoag family testimonial. Spring 2017
What I like the most about Pakachoag Music School…
“The staff and the environment. Great place to study music.” Bass Guitar student. Spring 2017.
“Amazing! This school gives opportunities to anyone who is willing to work hard and be committed to improvement.” Testimonial from Mom of four children studying violin and cello. Spring 2017.
Alumni
“I think the most amazing aspect of growing up as a student at the Pakachoag Music School was watching so many young people (including my own siblings) progress from that first time they nervously stand in front of an audience to perform an ostensibly simple piece to the day that they are able to deliver a sophisticated and flawless performance. Philosophically, this school treats each and every one of its students as if he or she will someday get there and persistently challenges its students to bring themselves to that next level. And not only does this discipline produce great musicians, it also imparts a certain quality on to its students that leads them to strive for and achieve excellence in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.”
John Paul Verderese, MD
Alexandria, VA
Pakachoag Music School Alumnus – Formerly of Auburn, MA
In the News: What Others are saying about Pakachoag
Best of Central Mass Telegram & Gazette Reader Award 2021
Best Music School, Bay State Parent Magazine 2016, 2017
Press Testimonials
“Now entering into its fourth decade of existence, Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester has been one of the most recognizable and brightest spots on the Worcester County cultural scene for over a generation.” GoLocal Worcester. May 31, 2013 Testimonials.
Peer Testimonials
“Based in Auburn, Pakachoag Music School is the area’s leading school of the arts. Not the average ‘student recital’, Pakachoag Music School outreach concerts feature students of all ages in professional-level, exciting performances. Expect to be inspired by their creativity and virtuosity.”
Music Alive, Concert Series at Wesley United Methodist Church, Worcester
Student Outreach Concert – April 2007
Grant Makers
“The Acorn”
News from Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Fall 2008
Pakachoag Community Music School Prepares for Next Quarter Century
“Since 1982, Pakachoag Community Music School has been training musicians of all ages. The school engages 300 students in classes and private lessons and also conducts more than 25 performances a year at area nursing homes, senior centers, and civic events. Over the past decade, a series of Foundation grants totaling $80,300— almost half from the Shepherd Knapp School Fund—has supported scholarships, outreach programs and early childhood classes. Now, as the School begins its 26th year, a Foundation grant is helping the school build the resources to sustain itself for the next quarter century. “Our goal is to become less tuition dependent and more available to communities in need,” says Executive Director Sarah Smongeski. “Our capacity to serve low-income families, inner-city preschoolers and frail elders is central to our mission. The Foundation is advancing our progress toward a new level of growth and service.”