Student Testimonials
Larry Boyle has been my piano instructor for over twenty years except for a not-so-brief hiatus while I pursued undergraduate studies abroad from 2003 to 2007. We have explored all genres together, and he is as adept at classical piano as he is jazz and other popular genres. I am currently enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Boston in Music, and he continues to be a mentor, friend, and all-around inspiration. Although all piano teachers claim that teaching is their first love, this is especially true for Larry. My interactions with other talented students and university faculty have confirmed what I always suspected: Larry is one of the most talented pianists I will ever encounter. His skills are exceptional, and it is this rare combination of raw talent with a courteous, light-hearted, and genuine concern for his students’ development and overall well-being that make him the best of piano teachers for students of all skill levels and ages.
My relationship with Larry began when I was six. My older brother came home from his own piano lessons, and I was captivated. I too wanted to make such beautiful music and dance my fingers across the ivory keys. While today I am a committed musician and artist in training, to be perfectly honest, as a child and (especially) teenager, I was a somewhat lackadaisical student. Even on the days when I had not completed all of my assigned practices, I always looked forward to my sessions with Larry. It was never a chore, and his patience with my intermittent effort was a blessing. Each lesson, no matter how much or little work I had put in at home, was both engaging and demanding. Larry appreciates that every student is different and tailors his approach and expectations to them rather than scolding, brow-beating, or otherwise making the practice of music unpleasant.
Larry is a member of a distinguished lineage of pianists – the greats of our time. The thousands of hours we have spent together have made me feel like I too participate in this renowned heritage – I remember when Larry and I first starting our work on jazz when I was 10. Our improvisations sessions together, side-by-side, are some of my fondest memories. It was with Larry that I first realized the incredible thrill and joy of playing for the sake of playing. He never forces his students to participate in recitals or performances, but instead always gives his devoted attention to our needs, hopes, and dreams. To that end, Larry has embraced new technologies as they have developed over the past three decades.
If you are looking for a piano teacher who will foster a child’s musical development, be a caring and supportive mentor to a young adult, and inspire everyone with his talent, you can stop looking. Larry is the right choice for you!
-Sylvain Malfroy-Camine
Hi Larry,
I made a 10-minute long video of my piano playing for my application to college.
I thought I'd send it to you and thank you for giving me fantastic lessons all
those years ... I'm still passionate about the piano and have been playing very
consistently.
Thanks a ton for your lessons and hope to see you soon,
-Nicolas Andre
Mr. Boyle,
Thank you so much for teaching me these past few years. I enjoyed every class, even when I stopped in the middle of a piece because I made a mistake. Because of you I am much more comfortable with sheet music and written exercises. You taught me a ton about theory, writing melodies, and chord structure, more than I ever thought I would know. You do an excellent job with the lessons; I really appreciate that you switch back and forth between playing in the book and playing songs of my request.
Take care, and I hope your other students realize how amazing you are at what you do and how you do it.
- Shane F.