BRASS & WOODWIND LESSONS AT OCTOPUS
Saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, and flute lessons at Octopus Music School are taught using our proprietary OPUS curriculum (Octopus Poly-Instrumental Units of Study). OPUS consists of ten grade levels, each with a requisite assessment and certification. With consistent practice at recommended intervals, our carefully designed curriculum prepares students to quickly advance from day one by equipping them with the necessary tools and scaffolding to build a comprehensive understanding of their instrument. In addition to learning note-reading, rhythm interpretation, and proper technique, students are exposed to theory, aural training, music appreciation, and collaborative courses with peers to help cultivate an immersive environment in which to thrive.
With consistent practice at recommended intervals, our carefully designed curriculum prepares students to quickly advance from day one by equipping them with the necessary tools and scaffolding to build a comprehensive understanding of the string family of instruments. In addition to learning note-reading, rhythm interpretation, and proper technique, students are exposed to theory, aural training, music appreciation, and collaborative courses with peers to help cultivate an immersive environment in which to thrive.
Lessons are still tailored to individuals' unique learning needs, and repertoire remains flexible so that students are able to learn music which interests them, however the core content and benchmarks have been standardized to ensure fast and steady progress for students of all ages and skill levels.
What students learn in lessons is important but equally important is how they apply that knowledge. At Octopus, students collaborate with their peers in bands and ensembles, play for friends at family at our many performance opportunities, and have access to masterclasses conducted by our staff and special guests.
FIND YOUR BRASS & WOODWIND TEACHER
MICHAEL W,
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Michael oversees all of our OPUS curricula and is dedicated to providing each instructor and student with the resources needed to excel. He conducts staff trainings, cultivates performance opportunities for students, and frequently checks in with teachers to ensure that all instruction adheres to OMS best practices and standards.
"At Octopus Music School it is our mission to unlock every student's fullest potential, regardless of their age or ability. OMS provides a dynamic learning experience where students can take their musical interests to the next level. The ten levels of our OPUS curriculum provide a wide variety of repertoire, technical skill development, aural and theory training, and numerous opportunities to collaborate with other musicians.
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! We look forward to helping you on your musical journey!"
-Michael W, Executive Director
Michael has studied under numerous gifted drum instructors with varied fields of expertise; at Rutgers University with the legendary drummer Victor Lewis and classical composer Joe Tompkins, at the New School Veneto Jazz Workshop with Jeff Hirschfield, and at Julliard with classical percussionist Greg Giannascoli. Upon completing his performance studies, he also completed his Masters in education at Montclair State University. Studying both classical percussion and jazz drum set has given Michael a unique outlook on teaching the drums where students are encouraged to explore their creativity while mastering technical fundamentals. As a performer, Michael has toured with various jazz and rock bands across Japan, Poland and America.
FIND YOUR BRASS & WOODWIND TEACHER
In addition to weekly private lessons, students at Octopus may enroll in one of our amazing band or ensemble programs where participants learn a repertoire of songs and prepare for performances in and out of our schools!
In addition to our classical brass & woodwind chamber groups, we encourage our saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute students to participate in our pop and rock groups. Brass & woodwinds can be dynamic lead instruments in a band and our bands provide participants an opportunity to work with their peers in a collaborative setting while taking on a leadership role during performances.
COLLABORATIVE
OPPORTUNITIES
FIND YOUR BRASS & WOODWIND TEACHER
PERFORMANCES
& EVENTS
At Octopus, we believe that the cornerstone of a well-rounded music education must emphasize performance. To that end, OMS curates a multitude of opportunities for students to showcase their hard work throughout the year. From our bi-annual Showcase Series to festivals and community events to our bands' appearances at renown venues such as the Stone Pony and Asbury Lanes, Octopus provides string students with countless ways to show off their skills.
We also offer curated brass & woodwind masterclasses on a quarterly basis for all enrolled students. Masterclasses are a group setting where one of our staff members or a special guest provides focused instruction to students and an audience. The format is different from a private lesson or formal concert; the goal is to create a learning opportunity for both the performers and observers, and for everyone to leave with new insights.
