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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 the piano. 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.

Timothy, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

TIMOTHY V

Timothy resides in Neptune NJ and began playing music as a young child in elementary school. While in high school, he performed at the NYC Saint Patrick's Day Parade and was a member of the All Shore Symphonic Band. Timothy continued his education at Lebanon Valley College where he studied Music Education and French Horn Performance. While at college, he performed in the marching and jazz bands along with touring with the concert choir and singing with his Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia brothers.

After graduating, Timothy spent five years teaching preschool and kindergarten music classes where he taught students about composers instruments, and created interactive activities for multiple age and ability levels. He prepared his students for yearly recitals as well as town events. In addition to being lead music teacher, he also held a roster of private lesson students ages five to thirteen. Timothy has experience teaching piano, trumpet, guitar, drums, and saxophone in private and group settings. In addition to teaching music, he has performed on the French Horn in the 2019- 2022 Edison Chinese Chorus/Philharmonic and relishes the opportunity to perform and share his love for music with all ages.

Jessica, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

JESSICA M

A passionate music educator with a Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the University of North Texas, Jessica currently serves as an Adjunct Music Instructor for the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where she teaches Aural Skills and Music Fundamentals. Her previous positions have included Music Director of the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra from 2021-2023, Assistant Conductor for the Winston-Salem Symphony for three seasons, and Visiting Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Evansville, Indiana. Other notable engagements have included serving as the principal conductor of the Charlotte Ballet’s The Nutcracker for two seasons, and serving as a guest conductor for the Charlotte Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Amarillo Symphony, Spartanburg Philharmonic, Evansville Philharmonic, Rock Hill Symphony, and the Abilene Philharmonic. She has also been invited as a cover conductor for the Jacksonville, Fort Worth, Memphis, and Portland Symphony Orchestras. Jessica earned her Masters in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and her Bachelors in Music Education and Flute from Indiana University. She enjoys playing the flute, the piano, and the violin.

Gene, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

GENE F

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."

Frank, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

FRANK D

Frank has been teaching private music lessons on clarinet and saxophone for nearly 30 years. He attended Binghamton University where he studied clarinet with Dr. Timothy Perry and saxophone with Albert Hamme. Prior to that, he studied with Caesar DiMauro, Barry Bilowitz and Laurence Laurenzano. At Binghamton, Frank performed with the university's Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra. Upon receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992, Frank began teaching at various music schools on Staten Island. Since moving to Middletown, NJ, Frank has continued to teach clarinet and saxophone lessons to students of Middletown's elementary, middle and high schools. Frank’s students have participated in the NYSSMA Festival, All Shore Jazz Band, All Shore Symphonic Band, All Shore Intermediate Band, Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Youth Ensemble, Jazz Arts Academy, CJMEA Elementary Honors Band and the Pre-College Division Honors Music Program at Westminster Conservatory of Music.

Frank is currently the principal clarinetist in the Colts Neck Community Band and the founder and soprano/alto saxophonist of the Sunken City Saxophone Quartet. He feels that while learning an instrument takes a lot of time and practice, it should also be a fun and enjoyable experience!

Paul, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

PAUL W

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.

Diana, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

DIANA H

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”.

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