WITH SO MANY CHOICES, WHY STUDY AT OCTOPUS?​
-
Experienced, well-credentialed instructors
​​
-
Comprehensive proprietary curriculum & assessments to promote fast learning and measure progress
​
-
Twice-yearly recitals and countless other performance opportunities.
-
Large, modern lesson studios
​​
-
In-person or state of the art virtual instruction using our proprietary multi-camera HD Duet system
​
-
A dedicated and responsive scheduling team with flexible options for busy families
Since 2009, we have been teaching students not just to play music, but to understand it. Our experienced music instructors use OPUS, Octopus Music School’s proprietary curriculum and assessment program, to give every student a clear path for growth. OPUS helps students build strong fundamentals, make steady, measurable progress, and develop the skills and repertoire to play confidently on their own and with others. Whether a student is learning piano, guitar, drums, violin, voice, or another instrument, our teachers tailor instruction to individual goals while providing the structure needed for long-term success.
​
Octopus Music School specializes in piano, string, voice, guitar, bass, drum, and brass & woodwind lessons. With four facilities conveniently located in Hillsborough, North Brunswick, South Plainfield, and Middletown, NJ we serve students who come to us from Highland Park, Edison, Piscataway, Scotch Plains, Metuchen, North Brunswick, South Brunswick, East Brunswick, Woodbridge, Somerset, Montgomery, Princeton, Somerville, Red Bank, Rumson, Fair Haven, Lincroft, Morganville, Holmdel, Little Silver, and Atlantic Highlands.​
​
​
​
​
​
STUDENTS LOVE LEARNING WITH US!
THE PROOF IS IN THE PLAYING.
Don't take our word for it, watch some of these amazing student performances filmed at OMS Studio!
MICHAEL W,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
​"At Octopus Music School it is our mission to unlock every student's fullest potential, regardless of their age or ability. Our diverse staff of teachers has carefully been selected to cultivate a positive learning environment where students can explore their creativity and achieve their musical goals. Whether you’re looking to participate in large scale recitals, piano competitions, rock band performances, or just have fun learning on your own, OMS has a place for you!"
​
-Michael W, Executive Director​​
PIANO LESSONS
AGES 5+
Piano is easy to begin but challenging to master, requiring coordination between both hands, the feet, and two lines of music. Our step-by-step approach makes piano lessons clear, engaging, and approachable for children and adults.
Whether a student practices for hours each week or just 15 minutes a day, our teachers help them make steady progress and get the most from every lesson.
VOICE LESSONS
AGES 7+
Everyone can learn to sing! Our voice lessons focus on the techniques that make good singing possible, including breath control, pitch, range, tone, and vocal confidence.
​
Our voice instructors help students understand and develop their natural voice while choosing repertoire that suits their range, interests, and goals.
STRING LESSONS
AGES 5+
Violin requires careful technique and close attention to detail, making the right instructor especially important. Our violin teachers help students build strong fundamentals, refine their sound, and develop the skills needed for steady long-term progress.
Whether a student is pursuing advanced performance opportunities or simply learning for enjoyment, lessons are tailored to individual goals while keeping the experience engaging and rewarding.
GUITAR, BASS, & UKULELE LESSONS
AGES 7+
Guitar and ukulele become much easier to learn when students build strong technique and practice habits from the start. Our instructors focus on essential right- and left-hand skills while using music that keeps each student engaged.
​
Lessons are tailored to individual goals and experience levels, helping beginners and advanced players alike make steady progress while keeping the instrument approachable and fun.
DRUM LESSONS
AGES 5+
Drumming is all about coordination, timing, and control. Our drum lessons help students build these skills while developing solid technique and confidence behind the kit.
​
Our instructors teach a wide range of styles, including rock, jazz, and Latin music, and work with everyone from complete beginners to experienced players. Lessons are available on full drum set as well as hand percussion, including congas, bongos, and djembes.
EARLY STARTERS LESSONS
AGES 2.5-5
Our Early Starters Program introduces young children to the fundamentals of music through one-on-one instruction. Students explore rhythm, melody, and basic musical concepts using instruments such as shakers, tambourines, woodblocks, piano, and handbells.
Once they complete the Instrument Readiness Assessment, students can transition into focused lessons on piano, strings, or drums.
BRASS & WOODWIND LESSONS
AGES 9+
Brass and woodwind instruments require strong breath control, posture, and embouchure to produce a clear, consistent tone. Our instructors help students develop these fundamentals while building confidence on instruments such as flute, clarinet, saxophone, and French horn.
​
With experienced teachers and a step-by-step approach, students learn good habits from the start and develop the skills needed for steady progress.