🎵 Top 10 Reasons Music Lovers Should Visit Boston

People travel to Boston for many reasons—history, education, sports—but have you ever considered visiting for the music?

Boston offers an extraordinary music scene that blends American tradition with innovation. Whether you love classical, jazz, opera, or rock, this city delivers unforgettable musical experiences.

1. 🎶 Boston’s Revolutionary Music Roots

Boston helped shape early American music. In the 1720s, Singing Schools taught youth to read and sing music. Composer William Billings, born here, became a key figure in early American choral music.

Visiting the North End—where Paul Revere made his famous ride—paired with listening to colonial American music is the perfect history-meets-melody moment.

📍 Visit the Paul Revere House

2. 🎼 Handel and Haydn Society

Founded in 1815, the Handel and Haydn Society is the oldest continually performing oratorio society in the U.S. Their annual performance of Handel’s Messiah is a Boston Christmas tradition.

📍 Explore upcoming concerts

3. 🎻 Boston Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Hall

One of the world’s leading orchestras, the Boston Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1881 and performs in the acoustically perfect Symphony Hall.

Composer Igor Stravinsky dedicated his Symphony of Psalms to the BSO—a testament to its excellence.

📍 Visit the BSO

4. 🎓 Paine Hall at Harvard University

Harvard’s Department of Music is legendary. At Paine Hall, named after America’s first music professor, you can attend chamber concerts and lectures.

Etched on the music building: “To charm, to strengthen, and to teach.”

📍 Explore Harvard Music Department

5. 🌲 Tanglewood Festival in the Berkshires

A few hours outside Boston, Tanglewood is the BSO’s summer home. Held in the scenic Berkshires, the festival offers classical, jazz, and popular concerts.

🎟️ Plan your visit to Tanglewood

6. 🎭 Boston’s Opera Scene

Boston has a rich opera culture. From the pioneering Opera Company of Boston to today’s Boston Lyric Opera, you’ll find both traditional and contemporary productions.

📍 Discover Boston Lyric Opera

7. 🌟 See Broadway-Bound Musicals First

Before they reach Broadway, many American musicals debut in Boston. The Colonial Theater is known for showcasing new works—and giving you a first look before the world sees it.

📍 Check shows at Emerson Colonial Theatre

8. 🕯️ The Boston Camerata

Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the Boston Camerata is one of the most esteemed early music ensembles in the U.S. Their holiday performances featuring medieval carols are an unforgettable seasonal delight.

📍 Visit Boston Camerata

9. 🎷 Jazz and Rock in Cambridge and Beyond

Boston’s nightlife is alive with music. Popular venues include:

• The Sinclair in Harvard Square for indie, rock, and more
  📍 Check schedule

• Scullers Jazz Club, where you can dine with a river view and enjoy top jazz artists
  📍 Explore Scullers Jazz

10. 🧠 Music from the Traditional to the Cutting Edge

Boston embraces both musical heritage and innovation. At MIT, a new music building is being developed to support electronic and experimental music of the future.

Whether you're into Renaissance madrigals or AI-generated music, Boston has it all—delivered with world-class talent.

📍 Explore MIT Music & Theater Arts

💬 A Personal Note from Seniors Junction

Both co-founders of Seniors Junction completed their graduate studies in Cambridge, MA. Our love for Boston—and its music—is deep and personal.

Whether you’re a seasoned listener or just starting your music journey, this city has something extraordinary waiting for you.

🎁 Bonus Resource

Looking for ways to enjoy music every week?

👉 Subscribe to our free music appreciation newsletter for playlists, stories, and events—especially for older adults and lifelong learners.