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Professional-level training in greater Boston

About Us

Boston Woodwind Academy was founded by Boston multi-wind artist and educator Joe LaRocca to give Greater Boston and North Shore students age 9-adult professional-level woodwind training without the pressure of a conservatory environment. Learn more about our philosophy, what we offer, and Joe below.

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Our 
Philosophy

Dedication / Accountability / Fun

Our approach to woodwind instruction is one that brings together conservatory training and real-world multi-genre experience, fueled by the desire to help produce artists that will challenge the status quo. We support the idea that rules are important to learn but are ultimately made to be broken (smartly), so training focuses on building unshakeable foundational technique and theory to use as a springboard for creative exploration and risk-taking. We believe in 'practicing smarter' and seeing music as a powerful tool for social change, encouraging students to appreciate standard repertoire but to also seek out work by artists from historically marginalized communities.

Instruments we teach

Private lessons are available for the following instruments:

  • Bass Clarinet

  • Recorder

  • Baritone sax

  • Other world and period woodwinds

Our students

We provide private woodwind lessons, audition preparation, and music mentorship to dedicated students age 9 - adult throughout Cape Ann, the North Shore, the Greater Boston area, and online. You don't have to have professional aspirations to learn with us, but we can take you as far as you want to go, and that includes pursuing music professionally as your career.

Genres we teach

We support students in following their musical interests and incorporate training from multiple genres including:

  • Classical, from early music to postmodern

  • Jazz, including improvisation

  • Pop/Rock/Musical Theatre

  • Contemporary & experimental

  • World music, both traditional and contemporary

Studio Locations

We have two greater Boston woodwind studios for your convenience, one on the North Shore in Gloucester, and the other in Cambridge. Both studios offer comfortable, spacious accommodations for music-making and have free parking available. We also offer online lessons.

View more about each of our studios.

Schedule an introductory lesson today.

Your Woodwind Instructor

Joe LaRocca

Joe LaRocca, founder and woodwind teacher at Boston Woodwind Academy

When you work with Joe, you'll have access to real-world experience from a working musician.

Joe brings enthusiasm, patience, and a sense of humor to his work with students, helping establish comfort in the studio that leads to better learning and playing. 

Accomplished performer, composer, and educator, Joe brings over a decade of professional experience to his work with students who are ready to surpass their perceived musical limitations. Joe has performed as a wind doubler onstage and in pit bands for award-winning shows at The Huntington Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Ogunquit Playhouse, among others. He has toured with the 50th Anniversary National Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar and was the recipient of the coveted Post-Graduate Artist Diploma at Longy School of Music in Cambridge. Joe has performed in orchestras, chamber ensembles, jazz groups, and has also had his own compositions performed in Greater Boston venues.

Media Clips

Enjoy more performances and musical samplings on Joe's YouTube channel.

This video takes place in our Cambridge studio!

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