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.

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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.

Matthew, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

MATTHEW

Matt received his BM in Music Education from Rutgers Mason Gross School of the Arts and went on to earn his MM in Orchestral Performance from Mannes School of Music. Throughout his education, Matt has played principal trumpet with both the Mannes Orchestra and the Rutgers Symphony Orchestra performing at Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall. He has studied trumpet with musicians from The Philadelphia Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic including Robert Earley, Vincent Penzarella, and Tom Smith. Matt has ten years of experience working with children and adults teaching brass, woodwinds, guitar, and piano in private, small-group, and classroom settings.

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Jacqueline, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

JACQUELINE

Jacqueline received her BM in Music Education from Ithaca College and her MA in Music & Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is a full-time elementary music teacher and also greatly enjoys teaching private music lessons. Jacqueline has performed as a soloist as well as in a variety of ensembles throughout her life including choirs, vocal ensembles, concert bands, wind ensembles, orchestras, jazz bands, and pit orchestras. She is an active participant of Carnegie Hall’s Music Educator’s Workshop. Jacqueline’s specialty is early childhood music, but she has had experience teaching students of all ages, including students with special needs. Her goal is to make music learning joyful and frustration free.

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Mike, Brass & Woodwind Teacher

MIKE

A true multi-instrumentalist, Michael holds a BM in Classical Performance from Utah State University and a MA in Jazz Studies from Rutgers University. Studying and teaching classical and jazz on a variety of instruments (woodwinds, guitar, piano, etc) gives Michael a unique perspective beneficial to those learning multiple instruments. He also performs up and down the east coast playing everything from jazz clubs, Oktoberfest polkas, and rock shows/festivals.

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