A Passion For Education That Has Never Wavered
In 2010, Frank Coates launched our company under the name Learn Listen Play. He started Play Patrol with a clear mission: to provide high-quality music education to early education centers and schools that lacked a full-time music program. Unfortunately, budget cuts during the 2008 financial crisis resulted in the elimination of many music and creative arts programs. Play Patrol was founded on the belief that every child, regardless of their background or school district, should have access to a high-quality educational experience.
We have grown significantly since then. What began as a service for a few child care centers in Philadelphia has expanded into a full-fledged school year program that extends throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Northern Maryland. We even offer nationwide services through Mister Boom Boom, which includes school assemblies, library performances, and special events. Our program has expanded beyond just music education to include sports and physical education.
We have also established Play Patrol Media, which features children’s books, music that is available to stream on all major platforms, and our YouTube channel, Mister Boom Boom’s Music Room, which has an impressive average of 500,000 views per month. Our commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences to young children has never wavered.
Learning Through Play
Introducing children to the joy of music and movement is an incredible privilege. At Music Play Patrol, we know that music is more than just notes on a page; it’s an expression of the heart and soul. That’s why we never use recorded music in our sessions. Our instructors are not just teachers; they’re professional musicians who infuse their passion into every lesson, introducing students to instruments and music from around the world.
Founder & CEO
Meet Frank Coates, an accomplished music educator and professional pianist who has taught music in various educational environments for over a decade. Children from around the world fondly refer to him as Mister Boom Boom. Frank’s extensive experience in early childhood education has equipped him with the skills needed to inspire and engage young learners. He began his career as a Music Coordinator for the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia and has held leadership roles at the Boys & Girls Club of Allentown and Head Start of the Lehigh Valley. Frank attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Composition from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. He also earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland University College. His specialization in contemporary piano and orchestration has earned him acclaim in the industry. Frank is a proud, married father of two little ones. With his passion for music and dedication to education, Frank is the perfect choice for inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Our History of Commitment to Young Students
2010
Learn Listen Play begins operations in South Philadelphia
2015
Operations expand to include Delaware and Northern Maryland
2020
Doors open to new corporate headquarters in Manayunk
2021
Mister Boom Boom's Music Room video series is launched
2024
Now operating as Mister Boom Boom's Play Patrol
2026
Play Patrol Academy is launched
2012
5,000+ full-time students attend our school
2023
5,000+ full-time students attend our school
The curriculum aims to
Expose children to the world of music and movement
Testimonials
Djembe Lesson for Kids | Learn Drum Patterns + Djembe Play-Along with Mister Boom Boom
Drum & Dance Brain Break for Kids! | Djembe Play Along with Mister Boom Boom
Hispanic Heritage for Kids! | Cajon Drum Play-Along to Salsa Music + Gloria Estefan
Learn the Quarter and Eighth Note Djembe Pattern #shorts
Help Mister Boom Boom Spell Bingo! #shorts
Learn a Djembe Drum Beat and sing the Bingo song with Mister Boom Boom #shorts
Back to School Djembe Music Class for Kids! 🥁 Learn a Rhythm | Mister Boom Boom
Behind the Scenes with Mister Boom Boom #6
Behind the Scenes with Mister Boom Boom #4
