PIANO LESSONS AT OCTOPUS
Piano 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.
What students learn in lessons is important but equally important is how they apply that knowledge. At Octopus, students collaborate with their peers in bands and ensembles, play for friends at family at our many performance opportunities, and have access to masterclasses conducted by our staff and special guests.
FIND YOUR PIANO TEACHER
EDSEL F,
DIRECTOR OF PIANO STUDIES
At Octopus, each of our instrument families has a Department Director who oversees the curriculum, conducts staff trainings, and plans instrument-specific masterclasses and performance events for students. Our Department Directors track all students' progress, perform monthly teaching staff check-ins, and are a resource for teachers and students alike.
"Music is a wonderful outlet to express oneself and since it's inception, the piano has provided a way to nurture one’s creativity and passion in music. Learning piano teaches patience, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Octopus Music School offers piano lessons to people of all ages from four years old up to adulthood and our professional piano instructors cater to individual goals ensuring a satisfying educational musical experience. Whether you’re a very first time beginner or rediscovering the instrument after some time away, our teachers are always prepared to help students meet their musical goals. Our curriculum includes repertoire from a variety of composers ranging in styles and eras, sight reading, technique, music theory, and aural training. All these components help build a strong foundation and equip students with a deep understanding and knowledge of the piano. At Octopus, we don’t just teach songs, we provide students with the skills to be well-rounded, confident musicians! "
-Edsel F, Director of Piano Studies
Edsel holds a Bachelor in 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.
FIND YOUR PIANO TEACHER
In addition to weekly private lessons, students at Octopus may enroll in one of our amazing band or ensemble programs where they learn a repertoire of songs and prepare for performances in and out of our schools!
In addition to our traditional classical chamber ensembles, we encourage our piano students to participate in our pop and rock groups. The piano is an important part of these bands as they establish an important connection between rhythm and melody instruments.
COLLABORATIVE
OPPORTUNITIES
FIND YOUR PIANO TEACHER
PERFORMANCES
& EVENTS
At Octopus, we believe that the cornerstone of a well-rounded music education must emphasize performance. To that end, OMS curates a multitude of opportunities for students to showcase their hard work throughout the year. From our bi-annual Showcase Series to festivals and community events to our annual piano competition, piano students at Octopus have countless ways to hone their skills in front of an audience.
We also offer curated piano masterclasses on a quarterly basis for all enrolled piano students. Masterclasses are a group setting where one of our staff members or a special guest provides focused instruction to students and an audience. The format is different from a private lesson or formal concert; the goal is to create a learning opportunity for both the performers and observers, and for everyone to leave with new insights.
