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.
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 STRING TEACHER
AMELIA C,
DIRECTOR OF STRING STUDIES
At Octopus Music School, 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 monthly teaching staff check-ins and are a resource for teachers and students alike.
"Music is more than learning notes. It is learning confidence, discipline, creativity, and finding your own voice. At Octopus Music School, every student, regardless of age, is encouraged to grow in a supportive environment where hard work, passion, and individuality come together to create lifelong high-quality musicians and meaningful musical experiences. Strong technical and theoretical foundations are emphasized so students can play naturally, confidently, and express themselves freely through music. Students are continually encouraged to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and share their music with others through the many recitals, showcases, ensembles, and performance opportunities available."
-Amelia C, Director of String Studies
Amelia holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance with a minor in Education from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts, where she studied violin with Professor Christina Bouey, cello with Euijin Park, Eliott Wells, and Mark Serkin, bass with Tong Wu, and theory/composition with Tim Keyes.
She has performed at Carnegie Hall with the New York State Symphony, served as concertmaster of Rutgers Sinfonia and the Tim Keyes Consort, and performed or recorded with the Rutgers Symphony Orchestra, Rutgers University Choir, Patrick Bamburak, and Funhaus. Her orchestral and chamber experience also includes the Plainfield Symphony, Hunterdon Symphony, Bound Brook Orchestra, Ulysses Quartet, and Euphoria Quartet.
As a composer, Amelia has premiered works including Celtic Tune for violin and piano, Graham’s Crossroads for solo violin, Ave Verum for chamber choir and strings, and Irish Overture with the Tim Keyes Consort at Richardson Auditorium.
At Octopus Music School, in addition to her supervisory duties, Amelia teaches violin, viola, cello, bass, and piano. Her teaching emphasizes strong technique, effective practice habits, confidence, and a calm, supportive environment where students can develop their own musical voice.
FIND YOUR STRING TEACHER
In addition to weekly private lessons, students at Octopus may enroll in one of our amazing band or ensemble programs where participants learn a repertoire of songs and prepare for performances in and out of our schools!
In addition to our traditional string chamber groups, we encourage our string students to participate in our pop and rock groups. Strings can be a dynamic lead instrument in a band and our bands provide string participants an opportunity to work with their peers in a collaborative setting while taking on a leadership role during performances.
COLLABORATIVE
OPPORTUNITIES
FIND YOUR STRING 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 bands' appearances at renown venues such as the Stone Pony and Asbury Lanes, Octopus provides string students with countless ways to show off their skills.
We also offer curated string masterclasses on a quarterly basis for all enrolled string 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.
