Starting out as a classical percussionist in middle school, Donald became introduced to the music world. Joining the marching band in high school, as well as the jazz ensemble, he began to study with Matt Kane privately. After this, he began studying at Mason Gross School of the Arts at RutgersUniversity. A member of both big bands at Mason Gross, he also makes his rounds in classical music as well, such as the Princeton Brass Band, and Rutgers University Brass Band. While jazz is a large part of Don’s repertoire, he is proficient in many styles of music.

Julia has been a student of the arts since the beginning of her education. She began her journey with the cello in 3rd grade, and has pursued music in every form throughout her life. She performed in the NJ Regions Choir in 7th grade, and developed her choral and strings education in the Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Choir at Bridgewater-Raritan High School. She studied Music Education at the College of Saint Rose- She completed studies in Music Theory, Ear Training, and Keyboard Harmony while simultaneously participating in ensembles such as Vocal Jazz, Songwriting, Artist Development and many others during her time in school. She had the pleasure of joining the CSR Chamber Choir on a performance tour in Ireland, where she performed in historic churches and castles! When she isn’t teaching, she could be found singing at weddings, organizing events, and recording her own songs. She focuses on building a technical foundation for her students while guiding them to perform with intention and confidence. To create is a beautiful thing that she firmly believes anyone can do.

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.

Hyun is a voice and piano teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience. She has a Masters degree in Vocal Performance from New York City University. In addition to her formal education, she has studied with renowned vocal coaches and pianists in NYC and Seoul and performed in opera companies, concerts, and recitals. Her main roles include Susanna, “Le nozze di Figaro” and Zerlina, “Don Giovanni”.

Her additional performance credits include but are not limited to the Aspen Music Festival, White Mountain Summer Concert, Mozart Academy masterclass, and Cynthia Hoffman masterclass. Hyun is actively involved in community service as well and directs CD recordings of children’s musicals, ‘Oh! Jonah”, and Christmas musical Jubilees. She works at local community churches in New Jersey as an accompanist and soloist.

Teaching students of all ages and skill levels, she has helped them achieve their musical goals by tailoring her approach to each individual student’s needs and focusing on developing strong technique and musicianship skills while also encouraging creativity and self-expression. Many of her students not only perform in high level choirs such as regional and all state, but also place and often win in renowned vocal and piano music competitions.

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.

Amelia began playing the violin at a very young age, gracing the stages with many local youth orchestras, such as Greater Youth Princeton Orchestra, Youth Orchestra of Central Jersey, Rowan Youth Orchestra, and Stretto Chamber Orchestra. She is currently the concertmaster of Sinfonia at Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and is principal second violin of the semi-professional Tim Keyes Consort. Amelia has been teaching since 2016 and is currently working towards her music education and violin performance degree. She has countless performance experiences as a solo artist for a variety of events including her time as concertmaster at the Philadelphia International Music Festival. In her free time, Amelia shares her passion for strings at the New Jersey Suzuki Workshop and Chamber Music Camps.

Edsel holds a Bachelors of Music, Piano Performance, with an emphasis in pedagogy from Kean University and is also a composer. His musical career began at the age of sixteen, and while many may consider that an older age to begin learning, his late start did not deter him. Under the guidance of music professors at Kean University, Edsel learned to play and master difficult classical piano repertoire such as Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy and Piano Sonata No. 8 in A minor K.310 (First movement) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in a short amount of time, while also pursuing his passion for composing. During his time at Kean, he studied piano with William Barto-Jones (whose style is based upon the Alexander Technique), Music Theory and Composition with Dr. Matthew Halper, and participated in many choir concerts under the direction of Dr. Mark Terenzi. Under the instruction of Professor William Barto-Jones, Edsel learned the Alexander Technique, and now teaches it to his students in hopes that it will help them progress and play piano with the least amount of tension, only using tension when needed. With the help of Dr. Halper, he was also able to compose four original compositions named: Playing in the Snow, Falling Leaves, Marching through Spring, and Fun Summer Days. At Kean University, he gained performance experience by participating in their student recital programs performing piano solos and piano four hands pieces and accompanying chamber works for Kean University’s Chamber Music Ensemble. Edsel has been teaching students for nearly a decade. Now, he performs for various winter and summer fundraiser concerts at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Sayreville, NJ, and has also premiered some of his original compositions at concerts and continues to work on his craft.

Described by Orrin Evans as a bright star on the jazz horizon, Peter is a pianist currently attending the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers New Brunswick. At Rutgers, he has studied with Bill O’Connell, Orrin Evans, Conrad Herwig and Robby Ameen, playing in the Rutgers University Jazz Ensemble, and recording with The Scarlet Knight Jazz Trombones and the Jazz Afro-Caribbean Ensemble. He has played at various venues in the tri-state area, including Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philly. Most recently he was picked by Orrin Evans to lead one of the first Imani Records Jam Sessions at Solar Myth, a new avant-garde jazz venue in Philadelphia. Well versed in music theory and aural skills, Peter has been playing piano since the age of 6, initially studying classical before branching off into jazz and contemporary styles.

Pierre received his BM in Music Theory from Five Towns College in 2007. Since then, he has been teaching in the Newark and Irvington school districts as well as privately in-home. His years of experience as a piano teacher and general music teacher help him to understand and instruct each student. Using piano as a form of expression and communication, Pierre encourages diligent practice habits and uses individualized lessons to keep students engaged and focused.

Mark is a New Jersey born and raised guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, and vocalist. He graduated from Monmouth University with a BA in Music with a concentration in Music Industry and a minor in Media Production. He taught himself guitar and keyboards at age 12, which inspired him to begin formal piano training in the eighth grade. In college, he trained one on one with private vocal and bass guitar instructors and participated in vocal and instrumental ensembles, gracing various stages with his talents. Beyond his formal education, Mark is a prolific composer/songwriter and an active member of local bands. His teaching repertoire is as diverse as his musical palette, encompassing a wide spectrum of playing and vocal styles, including rock, pop, jazz, hip hop, country, and classical. He is uniquely equipped to nurture and guide aspiring musicians, drawing from his eclectic and ongoing musical journey.

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.

Jessica graduated from Westminster Choir College with a Bachelors of Music in Voice Performance with a minor in Piano and has performed at such world class venues as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall with the New York Philharmonic and with other renowned orchestras as a member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir. She has worked as a soloist at Liberty Corner Presbyterian and at Holy Nativity Episcopal in Rockledge Pennsylvania. Jessica is devoted to Art Song, particularly to the works by Franz Schubert, and recently gave a community recital where she both sang and accompanied herself on the piano performing Art Song by Schubert and others. After obtaining her music degree from Westminster, Ms. Shawaluk obtained her Juris Doctor from Temple Law School, and was admitted to the bar in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. She has worked in private practice as an attorney for over a decade, but has recently felt called to pass on her great love of music to students, and is delighted to be passing on this love to the next generation of musicians at Octopus Music School.

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.

Susan’s musical career began at a young age when she began studying at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in Milwaukee Wisconsin. After receiving her BA in Piano Performance from Augsburg College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she went on to direct various children’s choral church groups. An experienced accompanist and instructor, she has over 20 years of experience teaching students piano, many of whom have gone on to pursue music as a career.

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.

Jeff is best known as one half of the top 30 mainstream rock act, The Infinite Staircase. He has performed live with, written, recorded and/or co-produced songs with Zakk Wylde, John JD DeServio, Morgan Rose, Lajon Witherspoon, Clint Lowery, Kevin Martin, Adam Kury, Memphis Hennesy, Chris Caffery, Corey Glover, Blues Saraceno, Earl Slick, Troy Cromwell, Bob Pantella (Monster Magnet), and Augie Ciulla (Reparata and the Delrons).

Working behind the scenes as a manager, booking agent, stage manager, and merchandise manager, he's worked with Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, Reba McEntire, Shirley Reeves & The Shirelles, Bill Haley's Comets, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Brooklyn Bridge, Jay and The Americans, The Drifters, Little Anthony & The Imperials, members of Candlebox, Sevendust & Black Label Society, Black Angel Down featuring Nokio of Dru Hill, The Verve Pipe, Bobby Dall of Poison, Cycle Of Pain, etc...

Jeff has been featured on Jim Breuer's Satellite Radio Show, Fuse TV, Metal Edge Magazine, Guitar World's Website, Eddie Trunk's Show, Chris Jericho's Old Show, NY1, Several Newspapers, and tons of Internet Radio Shows, FM Radio Shows, Sirius Shows and a variety of music related websites.

Gennaro began his musical journey at the age of 12, starting with a traditional Venezuelan instrument, the Cuatro. Three years later, he discovered his passion, the double bass. This led Gennaro to participate in El Sistema, studying with masters such as Felix Petit, Luis Guillermo Perez, Freddy Adrian. After several years conducting and performing in Symphony Orchestras across Venezuela, Gennaro looks forward to sharing his love of music theory, analysis, and performance with all levels of string students.

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.

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”.

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.

Jacob began his musical journey at the age of eight, after being inspired by listening to rock and roll and being surrounded by a family of musicians. He later went on to perform with cover bands in an array of musical academies across venues in New York and New Jersey; including The Cutting Room, McLoone’s Supper Club, The Stone Pony, and House of Independence. After years of study, he received a Bachelor of Arts in music industry technology from Rowan University. Jacob continues to teach music as well as produce music of his own and for himself and clients as an audio engineer. Stylistically, he is most interested in classic rock, singer/songwriter music, blues, and classical. As a teacher, he adapts to each student’s needs to ensure everyone is given the tools and knowledge they need in order to reach their full musical potential.

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.

Lindsay is a graduate student at Rutgers University pursuing her M.M. in opera performance and has a B.M. from Ithaca College in vocal performance. She has performed in Cendrillon (Ithaca College); Die Fledermaus (Martina Arroyo Foundation) and has performed roles such as Micaëla (Carmen); Antonia (Belisario); and Third Lady/ Pamina (The Magic Flute). She was a finalist in the National Hal Leonard competition; third place Rising Stars Classical Voice Competition; and winner of the SMC Young Artists Scholarship. Lindsay is enthusiastic and passionate about teaching musicians how to develop their abilities and unique musical identities. She has also taught in a variety of musical styles as she believes in the expression of all genres of music. Her teaching style provides students with a supportive and enriching learning experience.

In addition to Jenn’s training as a violinist and pianist, she is also a certified teacher of Elementary Education. With a Bachelor’s of Science degree in K-6 education from Taylor University, Her expertise in pedagogy are matched by her masterful approach to technique and her dilligent focus on the many seemingly small details it takes to learn an instrument as complex as the piano. Jenn is a great fit for anyone getting started on the piano or seeking to learn more about it. Her many years of experience working as an instructor, including teaching many individuals with special needs, make piano lessons with Jenn a great fit for any student.

Jacqui received her BA in Music Performance and Production from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Throughout her life, she has performed in choirs, musicals, gospel ensembles, concerts and a cappella groups. Jacqui’s experiences have led to her performing on stage with the likes of Whoopi Goldberg. She focuses on techniques to fortify growth and confidence in her students. Her fun and gentle nature combined with knowledge and passion for helping students fully comprehend material make her a great fit for anyone interested in pursuing voice lessons.

Evan completed a BA in Jazz Performance and minor in Music Technology from Mason Gross School of The Arts at Rutgers University, studying under the legendary Victor Lewis. During his time at school, Evan worked closely with such luminaries as Robby Ameen, Mark Gross, and Kenny Davis while performing in a wide variety of musical groups including rock, Latin, and jazz bands (both small and large ensembles), as well as musical theatre pit orchestras. A regular performer at various venues around New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia, he continues his pursuit of performing eclectic styles in a range of musical formats.

Mike has studied under numerous gifted drum instructors with varied fields of expertise; at Mason Gross 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. Studying both classical percussion as well as jazz drum set has given Mike a unique outlook on both the creative fundamentals of improvisation and soloing as well as the importance of the drums in larger ensemble settings. His ongoing performance credits include the Rutgers Jazz Ensemble, the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the WM Jazz Quartet.