Education & Classes in Boston

A guitar player for 32 years and a music retailer for more than two decades, Matt earned his musical chops alongside some of the best in the business. As a member of the band Adam Bomb in the late '80s, he shared the stage with notables including Dio, Stryper, Kings X, and Iron Maiden; today, the lineup of his current band, Machines of Grace, includes members of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The showroom at his Weymouth music store reflects this lifelong dedication, with shelves lined with electric and acoustic guitars, name-brand amps, and all sorts of sheet music. The shop’s soundproofed practice room provides a sanctuary for private lessons from Matt’s handpicked staff of professionally trained guitarists, drummers, pianists, woodwinders, and singers, many of whom graduated from the harmonious halls of the Berklee College of Music.

Inside a historical downtown Quincy home that dates back to the 1850s, chef and baker Lisa Tavakoli crafts signature dishes and scones for guests to savor in a Victorian tearoom. Lisa gathers 8–15 students around her countertop to demonstrate how to top plates with multiple courses and drinks. She emphasizes the gustatory roles that all senses play, creating visually appealing dishes and steeping teas that appeal to the drinker's sixth sense. Curricula include Persian cuisine, Italian cuisine, and courses on raw cooking and seasonal ingredients.