(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!

PAUL B
PIANO
Paul is a pianist with a dynamic background in performance and collaboration. His experience spans classical repertoire, contemporary styles, and musical theatre, giving him a versatile voice at the instrument. He currently serves as a church pianist, where he provides music for services and community events, further deepening his connection to performance as a shared experience. Paul is continuing his studies in music at the Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he is further developing his artistry and craft. Whether in a formal setting or a creative project, he is passionate about bringing music to life and sharing it with others.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

MARGARET L
EARLY STARTERS, PIANO
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.

MATTHEW N
DRUMS
Matthew is a passionate and experienced drum set player with a strong background in live performance. He has had the opportunity to perform as the drummer for Salsa Nova and Off the Hook, specializing in Afro-Brazilian, Afro-Carribbean, Jazz, RnB, and Funk music. Through his studies at Rutgers University, he has studied with some of the top percussionists in the tri-state area such as Robby Ameen, Alvester Garnett, Joe Tompkins, Ian Sullivan and Javier Diaz. Matthew has extensive experience working with students of all levels in both private and group settings and currently coaches the Bridewater-Raritan Regional High School Drumline in addition to his work at OMS. Matthew is committed to fostering musical growth and creativity in students while emphasizing technique, musicality, and rhythm.

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.

ROBYN W
GUITAR, UKULELE, PIANO, VOICE
Robyn is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, performer, and music educator with a strong presence in New Jersey’s live music scene. She performs regularly as a vocalist, guitarist, and pianist, bringing rock, pop, and acoustic favorites to venues throughout the area. She is also the lead vocalist for the local band After Hours and frequently performs in solo, duo, and full-band settings.
Robyn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance with a minor in Music from Wagner College. Her background in both theatre and music gives her a dynamic performance style, strong stage presence, and a warm, expressive approach to teaching.
As an educator, Robyn has extensive experience leading fun, engaging, and interactive music classes for children. In her previous role as a Vocalist/Guitarist at New York Kids Club, she used voice, guitar, piano, movement, and creative activities to introduce students to foundational musical concepts in an accessible and exciting way.
Robyn is passionate about helping students build confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music. She is excited to share her experience as both a performer and educator with students of all ages.

NIHAL S
PIANO, GUITAR
Nihal is passionate about anything and everything music-related. He has studied and teaches the guitar, piano, bass and also has an extensive knowledge of music theory. He can teach a wide variety of genres including rock, jazz, metal, fusion, classical, pop, funk, and blues. Nihal has years of experience teaching students ranging from total beginners to seasoned musicians and all age ranges, from little kids to adults. He enjoys working with his students to realize their goals, whether those are songwriting, improvising, learning new repertoire, technique, music theory, ear training, understanding the basics of the instrument, etc.

MIGUEL S
GUITAR
Miguel graduated with a BA in Neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University in 2005 and a Post Bac in TV/Film From Maryland Institute College of Art in 2008. He has been obsessed with the guitar since hearing the Strokes’ debut album in 2001 and thinking “I don’t know what they are doing but I have to learn how to do that.” He has previously taken instruction from guitar teachers at Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore during which time he also co-founded the Hexagon Music and Arts Space from 2008-2010. He facilitated performances for hundreds of bands during that time while also furthering his guitar skills by humbly asking questions of more skilled musicians. Over time, he has found that less is often more. Miguel looks forward to working with students who may feel daunted by the guitar but genuinely want to learn it as a tool to express themselves.

ZAID A
PIANO, VIOLIN
Zaid’s fascination with music began in his elementary school music class, where he quickly developed a deep interest in the violin. His love for the instrument grew steadily as he immersed himself in the world of classical music. In high school, Zaid was actively involved in various ensembles, including the String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Piano Ensemble, and the Spring Musical Pit Orchestra. These formative experiences inspired him to pursue a career in music education, earning an Associate of Fine Arts in Music from Raritan Valley Community College, followed by a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Montclair State University under Dr. Elena Chernova-Davis. Throughout his academic journey, he performed with ensembles such as the Central Jersey Symphony Orchestra, MSU Symphony Orchestra, and MSU Broadway Ensemble, in addition to participating in school recitals both as a soloist and as part of chamber groups. At MSU, he further gained teaching experience by tutoring students in the foundational keyboard courses. Zaid believes that musical ability is within reach for everyone, given the right encouragement and effort, and the profound influence of his school music teachers has shaped his commitment to music education, motivating him to pass on his knowledge and passion for music to students of all ages.

RAISA I
PIANO, EARLY STARTERS
Raisa is a pianist and educator based in Princeton, New Jersey. She holds an M.Phil. in Music and Media Technologies from Trinity College Dublin and a B.A. in Music from Skidmore College, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. As a piano instructor, Raisa works with students of all ages and levels, combining a strong foundation in classical piano pedagogy with a student-centered and individualized teaching approach. Her teaching emphasizes technique, musical expression, creativity, and confidence through both classical and contemporary repertoire. A participant in the Steinway Teacher Education Program (STEP), she is passionate about mentoring and inspiring the next generation of pianists while bridging traditional musicianship with contemporary music technology.

SCOTT M
PIANO
Scott is piano educator dedicated to helping lovers of piano and music in general to reach their potential. With over 10 years of instruction both in schools as well as private lessons, he blends technical instruction with some creativity in a warm and patient manner. He understands that everyone learns at their own pace, and that the main goal is to have fun while making music, regardless of its simplicity or complexities. His background includes teaching at various music schools in NJ over the years, and he currently plays solo piano and trio work in many restaurants and hotels in the area. He tailors lessons based on where the student currently is in their studies, and meets them wherever they are. He always encourages his students to try more challenging repertoire that will help them grow, but always takes the time to listen to his students and allows them the timeline they need in order to progress through difficult pieces. He wants to ensure that his students are interested and engaged in what they are playing. He believes that its possible for anyone to learn an instrument, whether they are 8 or 80 years of age. Music is a wonderful part of life and he hopes to lend a small hand in cultivating one's appreciation of music through private lessons, creating a special, personal experience for him and his students alike.

ANDRE L
DRUMS
Andre is a working musician in the church and wedding scene in New Jersey who prides himself on being able to play a wide variety of styles. From rock, metal and hip hop to latin, jazz and funk, Andre puts a strong emphasis on becoming a well rounded musician. He has been active performing in churches for 18 years and been playing clubs, and weddings for the last 10 years. Andre has played with various artists from Brazil and regularly records studio sessions in New Jersey. Andre’s love for playing and teaching boosts the confidence of all his students, regardless of age!

ELENA V
PIANO, VOICE
Elena is currently pursuing a Master of Voice Pedagogy at Westminster Choir College, holds a B.A. in Theatre and Film & TV from Rider University, and is certified by New York Vocal Coaching in Voice Pedagogy. In the U.S., among other venues, she has performed at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and spent years as lead vocalist for the Philadelphia-based rock band Blackjack Rose — releasing an album of original music and performing extensively throughout the region. Internationally, she has performed principal roles at the Tbilisi Russian State Youth Theatre, appeared in musical theatre productions at Moscow's Millennium Theater, toured with original musical puppet shows, given solo jazz and musical theatre concerts in Moscow, and appeared as a voice impressions performer on the national television hit Your Face Sounds Familiar! Elena is passionate about helping students at every level develop their unique vocal identity, drawing on her experience across rock, jazz, musical theatre, and classical voice to tailor her teaching to each singer's voice, goals, and musical background. Her teaching emphasizes healthy vocal technique, text interpretation, and dramatic expression — helping students not only sing better but communicate meaningfully through music. In addition to her vocal work, Elena offers foundational piano instruction, drawing on her seven-year classical piano training to establish proper technique, posture, and music theory from the very beginning. A member of AEA and NATS, she brings both the artistry of a lifelong performer and the dedication of a trained pedagogue to every lesson.