Paul Marshall PA ’03

Like many NBSS alums, I came to North Bennet Street School through a circuitous path. Mine took me from my home town of Santa Cruz on the west coast to Vermont where I first learned about this incredible piano technology school in Boston.

After two years as a Piano Technology student, I went back to San Francisco, then to Los Angeles, and finally back to San Francisco where I started a business and have lived ever since. As my journey shows, the skills I learned are high quality and portable, making it possible for me to earn a living almost anywhere.

From the very first day, my time at NBSS was memorable. I looked around during orientation—people of all ages and from all walks of life— people who would be sharing this new beginning with me. It was a little intimidating and absolutely inspiring. I’ll take it one day at a time, I thought. My days, which added up to two academic years, were days spent in the company of incredible instructors Jack, Chris, David and Debbie. I learned something new every day and I didn’t want it to end.

But end it did, and when I left with my diploma, I went back to the west coast and eventually started my business—the San Francisco Piano Shop. I’m happy to say I’m quite busy and I know none of this would have been possible without the training I received at NBSS.

From the very first day, my time at NBSS was memorable. I looked around during orientation—people of all ages and from all walks of life— people who would be sharing this new beginning with me. It was a little intimidating and absolutely inspiring.