STRING LESSONS AT OCTOPUS
String 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. Our curriculum combines elements of Suzuki (emphasizing aural skills) and more traditional Franco-Belgian and Russian methodology. From the beginning, students learn to read notes on the staff as opposed to learning through mimicry and rote lessons. By focusing on technique and reading skills early on, many of the common roadblocks that students experience as they advance simply disappear and steady progress may be made much more quickly.
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 string family of instruments. 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.
CHRISTINE
Christine began playing the viola at the age of eight as part of her public school music program. She earned her BM in Viola Performance in 2010 from the Cleveland Institute of Music where she studied with renowned teachers Jeffrey Irvine and Lynne Ramsey, and is currently pursuing her Artist Diploma from Montclair State University as a student of Honggang Li, violist of the Shanghai Quartet. Other instructors she has studied under include such luminaries as Caroline Coade Stanley Konopka, Kirsten Doctor, and Sara Cote. Before moving to New Jersey in 2017, Christine had been performing in the Cleveland area since 2013. She was a viola section member of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and has also played with the Erie Chamber Orchestra, the Youngstown Symphony (assistant Principal), The Warren Philharmonic, the Ohio Valley Symphony, Cleveland Opera Theatre, and Opera Circle. Her exhaustive performance credentials include numerous festivals and competitions, including the Fischoff International Chamber Music Competition (2017), Mimir Chamber Music Festival, LAMP (Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance), and the Mendelssohn Festival in Hamburg, Germany. Her teaching experience is just as rich and varied; Christine taught both privately and in group settings extensively for many years and was also chosen to teach at Interlochen School of the Arts as part of the fellowship quartet in 2017. Many of her students have gone on to pursue music further in conservatories, as well as participate in many elite festivals. Her intimate knowledge of the performance and steadfast attention to detail help her students discover the joy of strings and reach their ultimate potential.
GENNARO
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.
JAIME
Jaime holds a Bachelors of Music in Cello Performance and Pedagogy from Kean University. He has performed in several local orchestras in New Jersey with the cello as well as being the bass guitarist for local post-hardcore band With Sails Ahead. In addition to his cello training, Jaime has played the guitar and bass for most of his life and is a collector of various stringed instruments (guitar, bass, cello, mandolin, ukulele). HIs students benefit from his wide variety of performance experience and eclectic taste in music.
MARISOL
As a child, Marisol studied with renown violinists Janet Sung, Dale Stuckenbruck, and composer Matthew Pierce. She graduated from the State University of New York Fredonia with a performance degree in piano and strings. She has worked with various artists around the world, notably performing with Yo-Yo Ma in 2012. Over the past 10 years she has performed in various countries as a solo artist, and symphony member.
ORION
Orion began playing the cello when he was seven years old, and has been playing ever since. Before attending college, Orion studied with Madeleine Golz and was first chair in both the Manhattan School Youth Orchestra and Montclair State Youth Orchestra. Orion received his degree in Music Education from the Mason Gross School of the Arts where he studied under Jonathan Spitz, principal cellist of NJSO, and performed in various chamber ensembles as well as the Rutgers Symphony Orchestra. He spent several years teaching in the East Brunswick school district where he taught all string instruments and conducted a multitude of orchestral concerts. It was through his time freelancing and working with students in public school districts that Orion discovered his real joy - teaching private music lessons and encouraging his students to hone their craft.