(908) 379-8445 | 450 Amwell Rd, Suite E, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 | hillsborough@octopusmusicschool.com
HILLSBOROUGH MUSIC TEACHERS
Our music faculty in Hillsborough is comprised of some of the finest teachers the area has to offer. We take great pride in hiring dedicated instructors with degrees in music, a passion for teaching, and a wealth of experience. Learning an instrument can be a challenge but with the right guidance, it can be a fulfilling lifelong journey! Let's take it together!
AIDAN G
VOICE, PIANO, EARLY STARTERS
Aidan has studied Voice Performance and Secondary Piano at Westminster Choir College and Voice Performance at Mason Gross of Rutgers University. He has performed throughout the United States, Italy, France, and the UK, and has also studied in masterclass settings with such luminaries as Dalton Baldwin, Niel Shicoff, and Simon Carrington. Aidan sings with world renown outfits, such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Same Stream Choir. In addition to his impressive performance CV, he draws on a wealth of instructional experience including teaching secondary voice lessons and aural skills at Mason Gross to undergraduate students.
AJ C
DRUMS
AJ studied Jazz Performance at New Jersey City University and has taught the drum set for many years. He plays an eclectic range of styles including jazz, rock, R&B, and musical theatre. AJ is equally at home performing in a band or in a pit orchestra on Broadway. His passion for playing and teaching music is contagious to all who study with him.
BARBARA A
GUITAR, VOICE, PIANO, EARLY STARTERS, UKULELE
Bárbara is a Brazilian singer and songwriter. Influenced by a family of musicians, she has been studying music since the age of eight. After studying the guitar with her father for several years, she was admitted to one of the most highly regarded conservatories in Latin America, "EMESP" (Sao Paulo state music school) where she graduated with a focus in acoustic guitar and voice. During her time as an undergraduate majoring in music education, she studied with such Brazilian musical luminaries as Nené Trio and Sizdo Machado. Throughout her career, Bárbara has performed on big stage events, and festivals and has been teaching at music conservatories and art schools.
DANIEL F
PIANO
Daniel began studying music when he was twelve years old. By age nineteen, he was studying piano at Fundação das Artes in the city of São Caetano do Sul, under the guidance of pianist Claudio Tegg. During this time, he began composing pieces for musical theater and short films and has been a passionate composer ever since. Daniel has participated in several music festivals throughout Brazil, such as the International Piano Festival in Piracicaba and the International Piano Festival in Vale do Aço. In 2016, he had his work, 'Respirateur,' premiered by Roger Admiral, a pianist and professor of music at Alberta University - Canada. As an active performer of contemporary and ethnic music, Daniel has also performed in festivals throughout the U.S. including MusikFest, Newark Porch Music Fest, and a special performance at the Oregon Piano Summer Music Festival in collaboration with the esteemed Alexandre Dossin. His compositional style merges classical influences such as Scriabin, Chopin, Ravel, Schumann and Brahms, with his background studying Jazz and Brazilian music. Currently, Daniel is involved in researching piano pedagogy and spends his time preparing students for competitions and performances throughout New Jersey and New York.
DIANA H
GUITAR, FLUTE, SAXOPHONE, CLARINET, CELLO
Diana began studying music at an early age at the Escuela Superior de Artes (EPA), leaning towards the saxophone. Years later, she had the opportunity to travel to France for two years to study music theory and saxophone at the Conservatoire National de Région, Poitiers. Returning to Colombia to study at the Débora Arango School of Arts, she finished the Professional Technique in Production for Internships Musicals and Technology in Instrumental Management and Execution. After, she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Music Education at the University of Antioquia dedicating herself to teaching at different institutions in the city of Medellin, such as the Academia from the National Adventist University of Colombia (UNAC), Yamaha Musical, Comfama, Sinfonica de Antioquia, among others. Her ability to play a wide variety of musical instruments helped her as the director of the Atempo Music School. In addition to her musical training, she has also dabbled in dance as a part of the Flamenco and Arab Dance group "La Jarana”.
GENE F
PIANO, TROMBONE, TRUMPET
As a professional musician, Gene is known for his versatility and ability to excel in all aspects of trumpet performance. He received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Mason Gross School of the Arts where he had a unique experience studying for four years with two Broadway/Studio musicians, Tatum Greenblatt and Joe Mosello. He also studied with New York Philharmonic member Kenneth Decarlo for two years, greatly broadening his expertise in classical performance. Now as an educator, Gene has been teaching students of all ages and experiences with trumpet, piano, music theory, and jazz improvisation. His teaching style greatly stems from his philosophy; "Whether I am playing lead trumpet for a big band or principal trumpet in a wind ensemble, I have learned throughout my years of performing that versatility is the most important part of a musician's career. I believe that learning a vast range of musical genres on your instrument is how a well rounded professional musician is made."
GIOVANNA D
PIANO, EARLY STARTERS, FLUTE
Giovanna is a multi instrumentalist and singer/songwriter who has studied and performed on piano, voice, flute, and guitar for decades. She is passionate about sharing music in community and creating a sense of safety in music. Giovanna teaches all ages and helps students determine their own personal goals for musical study to keep motivation strong and develop a love for music that will stay with students for the long haul.
HAEJUNG S
PIANO, EARLY STARTERS, VOICE
South Korean Mezzo-Soprano Haejung studied at The Korean National University of Art (BM), Eastman School of Music (MM), Mannes School of Music (Professional Studies Diploma) and she pursued her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) studies at the University of Colorado at Boulder, completing all required coursework for the program. Although she did not ultimately finish the program, her studies provided her with a strong foundation in voice and piano. Her career also encompasses teaching students. She has taught voice and piano lessons to a diverse ability range of students, with her specialty lying in working with children. At present, she is a music director of Kids Choir at Praise Presbyterian Church. Haejung has experience using the Faber series, Music Tree Method, and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of music) exam. By blending her performance and teaching experiences, she brings a sense of positivity and enthusiasm to inspire a love for music.
HEATHER T
PIANO, VIOLIN, VIOLA, EARLY STARTERS
Heather has been an active teacher and performer of the piano, violin, and viola for over 30 years. At the age of 18 she attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester NY where she studied piano and viola performance, graduating with a Bachelors of Music degree and subsequently became certified from the Suzuki School of Music to teach piano and violin. Currently she teaches both Suzuki as well as traditional forms of pedagogy. She began teaching very young children music at the YMCA nursery school and between the years of 1994-1998, she switched her focus to older children and was employed at the Westminster Choir College Conservatory in Princeton NJ. Since then she has taught countless students both young and grown the joys of music. Maintaining a full performing schedule, she performs piano in various churches and for special events professionally. She played both the violin and the viola, in the Capital Philharmonic Orchestra and is an active musician for Sweet Harmony Music.
JAIME M
BASS, UKULELE, CELLO, GUITAR
Jaime holds a Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance and Pedagogy from Kean University. He has performed in several local orchestras in New Jersey with the cello as well as being the bass guitarist for local post-hardcore band With Sails Ahead. In addition to his cello training, Jaime has played the guitar and bass for most of his life and is a collector of various stringed instruments (guitar, bass, cello, mandolin, ukulele). HIs students benefit from his wide variety of performance experience and eclectic taste in music.
JAMES K
GUITAR, PIANO
James holds a BM in Music Theory/Composition from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. He has been playing guitar for over fifteen years, with experience playing multiple styles including: jazz, blues, rock, folk, pop, and classical. In addition to teaching guitar, James also teaches piano and other fretted string instruments. James applies his knowledge of music theory to foster a unique foundation on which the student can comfortably grow as a musician and player. Outside of teaching, James plays Bass for the cover band Aftershock, performs with the Philadelphia Orchestra as part of the Philadelphia Symphonic Chorus, and is the resident cantor and guitarist at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Linden, New Jersey.
JOHN L
PIANO
John holds a diploma in piano performance from the Conservatory of Salerno, Italy and a Masters in Music from Rutgers University. John studied with V. Vitale under the “Vitale technique”, a method of playing that utilizes a technique wherein the whole arm, including the fingers is used to play. He is the winner of several European piano competitions including the fourth national piano competition in Rome, Italy. His traditional approach to piano and emphasis on the fundamentals helps him teach students a range of styles including classical, jazz, popular, and modern.
In 2001, John was admitted to the doctoral program at Rutgers and studied music composition with C. Wourinen and N. Hunt where he also earned a piano tuning certification. Currently, he teaches, performs, and records for state-wide events. John firmly believes that teachers and students should work through a piece recognizing and studying all of the choices available to enhance a performance.
JOSH F
GUITAR
Josh began his teaching career while still a young student of the guitar. He went on to graduate cum laude with a degree in Studio Music and Jazz from the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami where he was the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships including the Dr. Duncan A. Nelson Memorial Scholarship as well as the UMFS Scholarship for Music and Academic Performance. In addition to his rich experience as an instructor, Josh has also enjoyed an accomplished career as an audio engineer and worked on albums with such world-renowned artists as Nora Jones and The Civil Wars. A consummate performer, he is currently the musical director and lead guitarist of NYC-based gospel group, The Bliss Jockeys. Students of Josh will benefit from his expansive knowledge of a multitude of styles including jazz, blues, funk, rock, and pop and his many experiences as a working musician on and off the stage.
JOSHUA P
DRUMS
Joshua is a passionate and motivated instructor who takes great pleasure in sharing his love of music with students of all ages and level. His instructional approach helps students of all styles perform with ease and expression regardless of their goals. Currently completing a Bachelor of the Arts in Percussion and Jazz Drumset Performance at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, he has studied under the direction of Joseph Tompkins, Kyle Zerna, Ian Sullivan, Mike Truesdell, Javier Diaz, Victor lewis, Robby Ameen, and Peter Saleh. Joshua maintains a busy performance schedule that has taken him around the country, playing on a variety of notable stages. His teaching style is very thorough and patient and he conveys the importance of regular practice to his students in order to build dependable muscle memory. Joshua is a firm believer that perfection is not as important as work ethic, understanding, and the process of how to get to the next level.
LIA D
VIOLIN
Lia is a graduate of Berklee College of Music and holds a degree in Violin Performance. Following in the footsteps of her musical family, she took an interest in the violin at age five and from an early age, Lia began playing in orchestras and chamber music ensembles, which eventually lead to her acceptance into the New Jersey Region II and All-State orchestras and participation in the New Jersey Youth Symphony. Her diverse musical taste inspired her to delve into studying jazz music and improvisation in addition to the traditional classical string repertoire. Before attending college, Lia studied in the Jazz for Teens Program at NJPAC. Later, she attended the Berklee Five-Week Summer Program, which culminated in her receiving a full-tuition scholarship towards her undergraduate studies at Berklee College of Music. During her time there, Lia studied under jazz violinists such as Sara Caswell, Jason Anick, and Rob Thomas, as well as jazz trumpeter Jason Palmer and jazz saxophonist Ed Tomassi. Throughout her time at Berklee, Lia was involved in a multitude of different recording sessions and performances on-campus and in the greater Boston area, including projects with Jacob Collier and Harry Gregson-Williams. Lia has performed with orchestras and smaller string ensembles at venues such as Boston’s Symphony Hall, MIT’s Kresge Auditorium, Boston University’s Agganis Arena, Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts, and Berklee Performance Center. In addition to session work and string section playing, Lia has led her own jazz quartets and quintets, playing original arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions.
LINA G
VOICE, EARLY STARTERS, PIANO
An active performer, Lina is a frequent participant in recitals, chamber groups, choirs, and operas including Don Giovanni and Elixir. During her studies at the Valle University where she received a Bachelors of The Arts in Music Education, she performed with the Univalle opera which toured Colombia and Ecuador. Her work as a voice conductor at Cooperative University of Colombia and Unison Center for the performing arts in Jackson Heights, New York has given her a unique opportunity to see the world of performance from the other side of the podium. Lina is currently preparing for her Masters of Music in Vocal Performance with the distinguished Karen Beardsley at the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to her academic pursuits, Lina is both a member of the choir and cantor at St. Matthias Church. As an educator, Lina has extensive experience as a vocal, piano, and general music instructor and has taught a diverse range of students from children to adults, including those with special needs.
MARGARET L
EARLY STARTERS, PIANO, VOICE
Margaret is a passionate and patient teacher with years of experience providing a wide range of students vocal and piano instruction. Starting at a young age in Rutgers and Westminster children's choirs, she has experienced first hand the value of learning music early in life. Margaret is a graduate of Monmouth University with a degree in Vocal Performance with a concentration in classical music. Her extensive performance experience began as a child with the Westminster Choir with which she performed at the White House and various private choral events. As a seasoned musician, she’s enjoyed roles in operas such as Carmen and Amahl and the Night Visitors.
NATHANIEL W
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO
Nathaniel expressed great interest in music at an early age and began taking violin lessons at age six. He attended Arts High School in Newark and was the leader of the Arts High Orchestra and Chamber Ensemble until graduating. He attended the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music where he began a degree in Music Education. He was a Teaching Artist at Philips
Academy Charter School with the New Jersey Symphony’s CHAMPS El Sistema program,
teaching violin and later primarily viola to young musicians grades 4-7. During this time also focused on completing his degree in Music Education at Montclair State University pursuing a degree in Music Education studying under Mary Ann Mumm. Nathaniel’s wealth of experience studying and performing the violin and viola, as an ensemble leader, orchestral coach, and director informs his well-rounded approach to teaching. As a life-long lover of music, he aspires to be an impactful and influential music teacher and performer with the noble goal of keeping music and the arts relevant, engaging, exciting, and thriving for future generations.
PAUL W
PIANO, TRUMPET, TROMBONE
Paul began his music journey at nine years old where he started on trombone and fell in love with the instrument. He received a Bachelor of Music in trombone performance from University of California, Santa Barbara, where he studied with the legendary studio musician Bill Booth, and a Master of Music in Trombone Performance from University of Southern California, Thornton School of Music, where he studied with the bass trombonist of the LA opera, Terry Cravens. During his study in Southern California, he had many different freelance experiences, ranging from teaching students of all ages, playing classical, jazz, contemporary, and church music. His teaching philosophy is to teach the student to become a teacher for themselves. By helping students develop critical thinking skills, students would teach themselves everyday, in the practice room, in the classroom, and in life. He values composition and improvisation in early musical training for all genres.
TOYOKO K
VIOLIN
Toyoko holds a MA from the New England Conservatory of Music, MA, and a BA from the Sakuyo College of Music, Japan and is also trained in the Kodály method of music instruction. She has 30 years of international experience as a violin instructor, and was the Assistant Director of the Suzuki Institute of Boston. She has performed with the Fukuoka City Philharmonic, the New Symphony Orchestra, and the New Philharmonic Orchestra, Boston. She enjoys working with a variety of age groups and relishes seeing students learn and grow and finds it immensely rewarding to see a whole new world open up to children through music.