Learn Today, Play Tomorrow®

9/23/24 — Limited in-home instruction is currently available on Wednesdays in East Brunswick, North Brunswick, and South Brunswick. If there is enough interest and requests for in-home instruction, we may add more days for traveling to students’ homes for music lessons. Online music lessons are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the afternoons and evenings. Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of Music Notes Academy teachers. We are working towards reopening a location nearby East Brunswick, NJ.

9/4/24 — Music Notes Academy (MNA) is New Jersey’s premier music school, currently teaching music online while we consider options for re-opening a physical Academy location. Committed to your community since 2000, we have established a culture of excellence in music education by utilizing proven music curriculum tailored to meet the needs of our students. We will begin School Year ’24-’25 online, teaching through live video. If you’d like to continue or start private instruction with us, let us know. Continue to visit this website for updates regarding re-opening for in-person instruction and classes.

online music lessons, New Jersey
In-Home Music Lessons, New Jersey

8/6/24 — We regret to inform you that Music Notes Academy’s East Brunswick, NJ building will be closing its doors for in-person instruction as of 9 pm Thursday, 8/15/24. We are committed to continuing teaching online as we explore options for reopening elsewhere nearby. On behalf of our teachers, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and trust in us as devoted music teachers. Our commitment to delivering the highest quality music education to our students has always been our foremost priority, and we are sincerely thankful for the opportunity to be part of your musical journey. Your understanding during this challenging time is greatly appreciated. While this marks the end of Music Notes Academy in East Brunswick, it is certainly not the end of our journey. -Brandon Kurzawa

Supportive Parents, Thank You

Holy crap Brandon I’m so sorry!  If there’s anything at all I can do to support please let me know.  Jon has enjoyed classes with you and learned so much – thank you for that…  I’m so sad for you and the Academy, but more so for the students of your wonderful school. -Jeremy

Hi Brandon, Just want to say how sorry I am to hear this. I can’t imagine how hard it has been but please know how meaningful this summer and last summer have been, and we are so grateful to music notes! -Angela

Hi Brandon, I’m really sorry to hear – that must be really difficult for you. We will continue with online for the last two weeks and the school year. I’m not sure how Ava will handle online learning as she was fortunate enough to not be school age during Covid, but we would like to continue with you guys… -Colleen

Oh Brandon! This is heart breaking news! I’m so sorry to hear how tough it has been! I knew it was a hard summer but I didn’t realize just how bad. You all are a wonderful school with wonderful teachers. -Steph

Hi Brandon, I am so sorry to hear this. The kids learned so much through your school. We will miss you and your teachers and the great music instruction you provided us. Please let us know if you do end up opening in another location close by in the future. All the best, -Christina

I am deeply saddened by the closing of the building of Music Notes Academy. Enrolling Addie into your Academy along with our talks has given me great appreciation for the work and the importance of music the arts for our children. We will continue with online classes moving forward… Thank you for everything you do. Sincerely, Jessica

No way! How sad to hear this. Although Jose and Mr. Sean have adapted well to online classes, there was always that anchor with the building. I’m confident that you’ll continue to excel… Your professionalism and dedication are evident, and I’m sure you’ll be able to replicate the success you’ve had with Jose as well as your other students. Thank you very much, Antero

 

New Jersey Music School 🖥️ Music Lessons in New Jersey

Music Notes Academy offers private one-to-one music lessons in piano, guitar, bass guitar, drum, percussion, voice, musical theater, violin, viola, cello, upright bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and music theory. Private instruction in music technology, music production, audio recording, composition, and songwriting is available with select teachers.

Ask about our student rock bands, string quartets, performance classes, and ensembles for students of all ages and ability levels.

Students can start music this month online

School Year '24-'25

School Year '24-'25 starts Wednesday, 9/4/24. Celebrating 🥳 25 Years of Teaching Music

Learn Music Your Way

online music lessons in New Jersey

In-Person Learning

Our former East Brunswick, NJ music school included spacious classrooms for private lessons, group classes, student rock bands and chamber ensembles. Let's see where we end up next.

Hybrid Learning

Our hybrid music learning is a combination of in-person and online classes. Students can attend their private music lesson online or in-person with their same music teacher.

student registration, Music Notes Academy

Online Learning

Private music instruction from the comfort of your home. Learn online with in-home music lessons.

Music Audition Prep

We help many students prepare for their school music auditions. Music Notes Academy students perform with their daytime school orchestras, jazz bands, wind ensembles, choirs, spring musicals and marching bands. Students can prepare for NJ Regions and All-State auditions.

Jazz Band Auditions

Marching Band

Wind Ensemble

Spring Musicals

Honors Chorus

NJ Regions & All-State

Private Music Lessons

Private music lessons are the best way to learn a musical instrument. Music Notes Academy students learn music reading and notation, theory, instrument techniques, performance techniques, standard repertoire and songs. We utilize proven music curricular methods that provide students with structure and flexibility.

We teach beginner students, experienced students, adults, transfer students from other music schools and private teachers. Each student receives specially designed, comprehensive lessons based around their ability and goals. At Music Notes Academy, we are committed to the musical growth and development of each student.

For students interested in performing as a group, we enjoy creating ensembles, bands and performance classes.

Ways to learn at Music Notes Academy

online music lessons in New Jersey

In-person learning

Learn music in-person at our Academy with a degreed music teacher. In-studio lessons are in classrooms that include upright and baby grand pianos, acoustic drum sets, hand-hammered cymbals, professional-grade guitar amplifiers, and pro-audio equipment. We even have an upright string bass.

student registration, Music Notes Academy

Online learning

Learn music online from the comfort of your home with a degreed Music Notes Academy teacher, using your smartphone, tablet or computer. Upon enrolling, we'll connect you to our online music lessons platform.

We prefer in-person teaching. However, online learning has its benefits based upon the student and instrument of study.

Enrollment options

There are several ways to enroll at Music Notes Academy. We have different lesson types to fit any student looking for a high quality music education.

littleNotes

Weekly private lessons. Ages 3-5. 30 mins.

Trial Lesson

One private music lesson.

fineTune

Two private music lessons.

TiedNotes

Weekly semi-private classes. Learn with siblings or friends. Ages 6+.

Academy

Weekly private lessons. Ages 6+. 30-45 mins.

Performance

Weekly private lessons. Ages 9+. 45-60 mins.

Performance Plus

Weekly private lessons. Ages 12+. 60 mins+. College Prep.

Adults

Weekly private lessons. Ages 18+. 45 mins+. Recreational music making.

What to learn at Music Notes Academy

drum lessons, south plainfield, nj

Drum

Classical snare drum, drum set and percussion. Drum lessons include rudiments, technique, music reading and notation, music theory, snare drum etudes, drum set styles and grooves. Orchestra, marching band, mallets, and audition prep available.​

voice lessons, East Brunswick, NJ

Voice

Voice lessons for young children, adolescents, and adults. Our voice students learn music reading, musicianship skills, singing techniques, stage presence, standard, popular, and musical theater songs. Most of our voice students simultaneously learn and play piano.

Guitar

Learn acoustic, classical or electric guitar. We also teach ukulele and electric bass. Students gain knowledge of the guitar through level-oriented songs. Musicianship and performance skills are introduced through the study of music theory, scales and chords.

piano lessons, East Brunswick, NJ

Piano

Learn piano or keyboard. Students gain knowledge of the piano through level-oriented music and songs. Musicianship and performance skills are introduced through the study of music theory, harmony and ear training. Students learn scales, chords and technique through our levels of piano.

student string quartets, East Brunswick, NJ

Strings

Learn violin, viola, cello or bass. Dive into proper posture, tone production and performance techniques through the playing of scales, arpeggios, etudes and repertoire. Students learn music theory, with level-oriented instruction.

Woodwinds

Learn flute, clarinet and saxophone. Emphasis on proper rhythmic breathing and tone production. Practice micro-mechanical movements in the fingers and small muscles to facilitate growth and development through lyrical melodic lines and expressive techniques. We apply this to all forms of music whether it's classical, jazz, rock or popular music.

trumpet lessons, East Brunswick, NJ

Brass

Trumpet, trombone and tuba. Emphasis on proper rhythmic breathing and tone production. Practice micro-mechanical movements in the fingers and small muscles to facilitate growth and development through lyrical melodic lines and expressive techniques. We apply this to all forms of music whether it's classical, jazz, rock or popular music.

music classes for kids, East Brunswick, NJ

Music Theory

All levels of music theory, harmony, arranging, composition and songwriting. College auditions and theory exam prep available. Tutoring for college music majors is available.

frequently asked questions

Composition & Songwriting

Learn about composition and songwriting. Students create lyrical hooks, choruses, chord progressions and other skills to write your own songs. Students must have a strong music theory knowledge prior to studying composition.

Audio & Music Production

Learn to work with GarageBand, Reason, Logic and Pro Tools. Students can get started with audio production with a laptop, minimal equipment and a desire to learn.

Alicia C.
Alicia C.
Voice Instruction
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I want to thank you (Brandon) and Lauren! I am not sure if you heard but my son landed the part of Uncle Fester in his school play. He has been so happy to have been able to work his way out of ensemble and get the part he wanted! He said that Lauren has really been helping him. She has been great and we really appreciate all that you both have done for him! Thanks, Alicia
Kathryn M.
Kathryn M.
Piano Instruction
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My 4-year-old son started weekly piano lessons with Mr. Sean this fall. So far it has been wonderful. Mr. Sean is kind, patient, and makes music lessons fun --- even for a young and energetic child. The lesson books the school uses are clear and helpful for parents who need to assist children with practice at home. I am pleased with my son's progress. You should definitely send your children here for lessons!
Stephanie P.
Stephanie P.
Violin Instruction
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My two daughters have Mr. Sean as their Violin and Cello teacher. He has taught them so much. He is patient and kind and extremely knowledgeable. I couldn’t have asked for a better music teacher. The owner Brandon is also extremely friendly and a pleasure to deal with. I would most definitely recommend Music Notes Academy to anyone looking for a 5 star music school.
Arun Bharath G.
Arun Bharath G.
Piano & Voice Instruction
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For over four years, my son has been taking piano lessons at Music Notes Academy, and Mr. Sean Ryan has been an excellent instructor. He is extremely patient and has helped my son cultivate a passion for music while boosting his confidence. Additionally, Mr. Sean provided guidance for the Recitals last year, which was a delightful experience to watch not just my son but all the other kids perform. Furthermore, my son has started taking voice lessons from Ms. Lauren at the Academy, and he is relishing every moment of learning from her. Highly recommend Music Notes Academy! It has been a pleasure!
Yelena D.
Yelena D.
Piano Instruction
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Lovely place to attend. This is my daughter's second year for piano lessons. Mr. Sean is an excellent instructor.
Eash N.
Eash N.
Piano & Violin Instruction
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Both my kids are learning music here for 2 years. Our instructor Mr. Sean Ryan is amazing with the kids. He is highly skilled, very patient, strategic, and engaging with the kids. We are fortunate to be part of Music Notes Academy learning family!
Jessica N.
Jessica N.
Piano Instruction
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Music Notes Academy is a wonderful place to learn! Brandon is an amazing piano teacher who is kind and patient while teaching. My daughter loves taking piano lessons.
Rahul S.
Rahul S.
Piano Instruction
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I've always wanted to learn the piano but as an adult, I thought that ship has sailed. I've found a great place at Music Notes Academy and a great teacher in Sean Ryan. I've been enrolled for over 6 months now and I have made significant progress. I am excited to continue my piano journey at Music Notes Academy.
Sandra O.
Sandra O.
Percussion Instruction
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Our school district’s percussion music program was not challenging our daughter to her full potential. We finally found Music Notes Academy and she has made leaps and bounds in reading music and speed while playing the drums. The sessions with Brandon are enjoyable, while challenging, and the flexibility in virtual lessons during COVID has allowed our daughter to play much more over the past six months. Music Notes Academy has instilled a love for music in our daughter, so much that she picked up saxophone lessons with Elana nine months ago and is already playing beautifully. I would not have thought her progress in music would be so great in just one year. The prices are reasonable and worth every penny. Brandon was honest in what we needed when purchasing instruments, equipment and even worked with us to make the right decisions. We’ve been to Guitar Center, School of Rock and had private in-home lessons but Music Notes Academy is by far better quality instructors and music material. Five stars all the way!
Sandi D.
Sandi D.
Guitar, Percussion, Piano & Strings Instruction
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We love Music Notes academy! My son and daughter have been students for 7 years! Brandon and Sean have been amazing teachers and have helped our children grow as musicians. They are amazing and we love being at Music Notes Academy!
Matthew S.
Matthew S.
Piano Instruction
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Brandon has been a great piano teacher for my 5-year-old son. I highly recommend Music Notes Academy!
Ganesh B.
Ganesh B.
Piano Instruction
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My 7 1/2 yr old son has been going to the East Brunswick location for close to 2 yrs. Music Notes Academy exceeded our expectations. Brandon is very professional and guided us in choosing the age appropriate instrument for my son to learn. Sean his music teacher is excellent and very patient. Overall it is a great place to learn and we are lucky to have this music school on our town.
Brandi M.
Brandi M.
Piano Instruction
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My son began piano lessons on his fourth birthday - before he could read words or music. Mr. Steve makes learning fun and has a special gift for motivating the youngest students. After nearly three years, my son has continued to challenge himself and accept direction and is quite an impressive young performer. I highly recommend Music Notes Academy!
Geethanjali D.
Geethanjali D.
Piano Instruction
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My 9 old son has been learning piano at Music Notes Academy for last 2 Yrs. His teacher Sean is excellent, very professional and patient. I recommend this school for anyone who is starting to learn music.
Jenna Z.
Jenna Z.
Piano Instruction
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We love Music Notes Academy!! Mr. Sean is patient and wonderful with our young son, learning piano for the first time. You cannot compare the great quality of instruction this academy has to others, they are simply the best!
Deborah C.
Deborah C.
Violin Instruction
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We are very happy at our new home at Music Notes Academy for our 10 year old playing violin. Immediately after the trial lesson my daughter was enthused and identified what she was learning that had been missing at her previous place. Instruction is professional quality, well rounded, and suited to age and maturity. Our eldest son is at Juilliard so we have done a lot of music instruction over the years. We highly recommend Music Notes Academy.
Mayra B.
Mayra B.
Saxophone Instruction
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My daughter has been taking saxophone lessons at the East Brunswick academy for three years and our experience has always been a positive one. Brandon, the academy director, is always helpful and professional. Likewise, Sean, my daughter’s teacher, is always professional, committed and insightful about my daughter’s learning progress.
Daniela D.
Daniela D.
Piano & Guitar Instruction
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Our 9 year old takes guitar lessons and our 5 yr old takes piano lessons. We go to the Whitehouse Station location and Stephen is their instructor. He really is a wonderful instructor and very knowledgeable. The kids enjoy learning from him... even my stubborn daughter. Highly recommend Music Notes Academy.
Yaduveer S.
Yaduveer S.
Piano Instruction
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Music Notes academy had really sparked my interest in music and especially piano in the past few years. I am now more interested in music in general and types of music on the piano. Mr. Sean a teacher at Music Notes academy is the best music teacher that I have ever had, and one of the best teachers that I have ever had including teachers inside and outside of school. He has taught lots of things and has taught me to love piano. Because of him I am now more interested in other instruments and have now started composing my own music. MAMTG Student Music Festival and the Recitals are events that I would not have done if I had not gone to Music Notes Academy. These are just some of the many reasons I love Music Notes academy.
Patrick C.
Patrick C.
Piano Instruction
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I began taking lessons in January of 2023 and I can already see so much improvement over a few months. The lessons are very informative and I am very pleased with my growth.
Michelle M.
Michelle M.
Piano Instruction
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My 7 year old son loves taking piano lessons here. He looks forward to it every week!
Brenda L.
Brenda L.
Piano Instruction
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I’ve been an adult student at the Academy for about four years. I appreciate the owner for his patience and kindness.
Lindsay G.
Lindsay G.
Voice Instruction
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A MUST! The owner is so helpful, and they really choose the best when it comes to instructors.
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Begin your musical journey today

Group classes, ensembles & bands

Our group classes, ensembles and bands are for students of all ages and performance levels. Check our some of our offerings.

Chamber Ensembles & String Quartets

Chamber Ensembles and String Quartets are school-year performance classes. Trios, quartets and small ensembles.

Rock Bands

Student rock bands are school-year bands. Available for guitar, bass guitar, piano, drum and voice students.

Home-schooled Students

We can design and teach a music curriculum for home-schooled students.

Music Notes in your school

Have Music Notes in your daytime school. Since 2009, we've partnered with private schools to teach daytime school music programs.

Start your music education today

Register for private music lessons at Music Notes Academy.

Degreed teachers

Music Notes Academy teachers have bachelors and masters degrees in music education, performance, teaching, composition, curriculum and instruction. It is the specialty of each teacher that allows for a collective uniqueness at Music Notes Academy.

Our music instructors are committed to teaching through a comprehensive and individualized curriculum designed around each student.

private music lessons
new jersey music school
“Best music school ever! You will not be disappointed. My son has been here for 5+ years and loves it, owner and teachers are the best. 100% recommended.”
Susana
South River, NJ
“Not sure if Brielle shared the news but she auditioned on xylophone and already got the email from her teacher, she made wind ensemble honors! Thank you so much for preparing her. This meant a lot to Brielle and I haven’t seen her so happy in a long time.”
Sandra
East Brunswick, NJ

The New Jersey music school for students and parents

Parents are integral in a student’s education. We like parents to be informed on their child’s musical progress. Student assessments and evaluations are available. We encourage student performances, concerts and recitals. Competitions and student music festivals offer further excitement.

We recommend students and families enjoy live music and the performing arts. Visit our friends at State Theater New Jersey in New Brunswick, NJ to see a great show.

It's never too late to start learning music

TiedNotes

Weekly semi-private classes. Learn with siblings or friends. Ages 6+.

Academy

Weekly private lessons. Ages 6+. 30-45 mins.

Performance

Weekly private lessons. Ages 9+. 45-60 mins.

Performance Plus

Weekly private lessons. Ages 12+. 60 mins+. College Prep.

littleNotes

Weekly private lessons. Ages 3-5. 30 mins.

Adults

Weekly private lessons. Ages 18+. 45 mins+. Recreational music making.

Winner of the 2012 NJSBDC Small Business Success Award

🖥️ Music Notes Academy is a leading music school in New Jersey, currently offering online lessons with limited in-home instruction available in select townships. Since 2000, we have been dedicated to our community, fostering a culture of excellence in music education. We utilize proven curricula tailored to meet the unique needs of our students.