About Us
Who We Are
If you are looking for music lessons in Toms River or in the Ocean County area, you have come to the right place. The Music Academy has taught over 10,000 students since it was established in 1998.
Our program includes both private and group music lessons for all ages and we have regularly scheduled low pressure recitals and concerts that students can perform in if they wish.
Call us today or stop by our facility and you will see why more families choose The Music Academy in Toms River for their musical education.
Our Instructors
Alaina
Anthony
Anthony
Alaina teaches piano, vocals, violin, viola, cello, and beginner guitar. In addition to teaching, she created and owns a music theory game company because fun should always be a part of learning!
Anthony
Anthony
Anthony
Anthony is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator who has been teaching since 2010. He offers lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, songwriting, and music production, helping students of all ages build both technical skills and creative confidence. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Anthony also performs live and has e
Anthony is a multi-instrumentalist and music educator who has been teaching since 2010. He offers lessons in piano, guitar, bass, drums, ukulele, songwriting, and music production, helping students of all ages build both technical skills and creative confidence. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Anthony also performs live and has experience recording and mixing artists across a range of styles. He brings a balanced approach to teaching by blending structure, creativity, and real-world musical insight. He is passionate about nurturing each student’s individuality through music.
Bethany
Anthony
Bethany
Bethany graduated from the University of the Arts in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music degree; majoring in Jazz Vocal Performance and minoring in Musical Theater. Aside from teaching at the Music Academy, she works as a Special Education Paraprofessional in Lacey Township. On the weekends you can find her performing live all over the Jersey Shore! Instagram: @b.taylor.music
Claire
Claire
Bethany
Claire is a dedicated and caring music educator who brings over 25 years experience and heart to her teaching. She works with students of all ages, interests and learning abilities, adapting her lessons to meet each learner where they are. With a structured yet encouraging approach, Claire helps students grow in both skill and confidenc
Claire is a dedicated and caring music educator who brings over 25 years experience and heart to her teaching. She works with students of all ages, interests and learning abilities, adapting her lessons to meet each learner where they are. With a structured yet encouraging approach, Claire helps students grow in both skill and confidence. She values clear communication with families to keep them informed and involved, always working to bring out the best in each student. A mother of two, Claire has performed in solo settings, with local theatre, the Pinelands Symphonic Band, a local cover band and currently directs her church’s handbell choir.
George
Claire
George
George Vanderbilt is a professional jazz guitarist from Southern New Jersey. He holds both his bachelor’s and master's degree in music from Rowan University. George has been performing and teaching music for over 18 years. Currently, he teaches at the Music Academy in Toms River and the Rowan Community Music School. As a performer, he ca
George Vanderbilt is a professional jazz guitarist from Southern New Jersey. He holds both his bachelor’s and master's degree in music from Rowan University. George has been performing and teaching music for over 18 years. Currently, he teaches at the Music Academy in Toms River and the Rowan Community Music School. As a performer, he can be found playing throughout the tri-state area. Most recently he recorded his first EP titled “Go Again” in the late spring featuring Philidephia’s John Swana (EVI), Chris Simonini (Organ), and Gavin McCauley (Drums) set to be released sometime in fall 2024.
George has studied with some of the best guitarists in the music business such as Brian Betz, Tom Giacabetti, Chris Buono, Joe Federico, Peter Mazza, Vic Juris and Jonathan Kreisberg.
Some of George’s students have been accepted into music schools around the country such as Rutgers University, Montclair State University, and Berklee College of Music.
Joe
Claire
George
Joseph is a 2005 graduate of Georgian Court University. He is the current band director of St. Joseph grade school in Toms River.
Kailey
Kailey
Kailey
Miss Kailey is a passionate piano and voice teacher who helps students of all ages build strong technique, confidence, and a love for music. With a background in both group settings and one on one settings, she offers personalized lessons that inspire creativity and growth in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether you're a beginn
Miss Kailey is a passionate piano and voice teacher who helps students of all ages build strong technique, confidence, and a love for music. With a background in both group settings and one on one settings, she offers personalized lessons that inspire creativity and growth in a supportive, encouraging environment. Whether you're a beginner or advancing your skills, Miss Kailey is committed to helping you reach your musical goals.
Katie
Kailey
Kailey
Katie is a full time music educator and multi-instrumentalist. She graduated from University of the Arts with a degree in music composition, as well as music education. She teaches guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, and also has a background in woodwind instruments and other band instruments. Her goals for her students are based on the
Katie is a full time music educator and multi-instrumentalist. She graduated from University of the Arts with a degree in music composition, as well as music education. She teaches guitar, bass, piano, drums, vocals, and also has a background in woodwind instruments and other band instruments. Her goals for her students are based on the students' individual needs and desires, as well as an overarching goal to create patient, confident, lifelong music appreciators.
Kevin
Kailey
Marcello
Kevin has a Masters in Music, all variations of guitar and piano. Lessons are focused towards playing, music theory, finding your musical voice, and encouraging instrumental exploration.
Marcello
Marcello
Marcello
Marc has worked in all forms of education: online/in person - groups/privately - ensembles/bands - classes/one on one. I have worked with a wide range of instruments: drums - percussion - piano - guitar - ukulele - bass - strings and vocals. My trademark is that I have developed my own in depth and compressive curriculum to teach with
Marc has worked in all forms of education: online/in person - groups/privately - ensembles/bands - classes/one on one. I have worked with a wide range of instruments: drums - percussion - piano - guitar - ukulele - bass - strings and vocals. My trademark is that I have developed my own in depth and compressive curriculum to teach with. Some of these curriculums have been turned into music method books for a number of instruments and for specific playing styles. I have prepared for years and years to work through a proven system with each student. All this original material suits the needs of several different types of learners, players and people. These experiences and resources have helped me bring out the best in my tens of thousands of students throughout the years.
Rebekah
Rebekah
Rebekah
Hailing from Clifton, NJ, Rebekah holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Montclair State University. As a classically trained singer, Rebekah is capable of teaching all styles of music, including opera, theatre, pop, and jazz. When not teaching or performing, Rebekah can be found camping, hiking, or reading a good book!
Steve
Rebekah
Rebekah
Steven Spinosa is a Woodwind Instructor at The Music Academy of Toms River, N.J. He is retired Music Educator, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education with a
concentration in Woodwinds and Voice from New Jersey City University and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Educational Leadership and Supervision from St. Pete
Steven Spinosa is a Woodwind Instructor at The Music Academy of Toms River, N.J. He is retired Music Educator, and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education with a
concentration in Woodwinds and Voice from New Jersey City University and a Master’s Degree in Administration and Educational Leadership and Supervision from St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. He has also been the recipient of the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation Award in 2007. He teaches beginners through intermediate levels. His mission is to help all students learn to play an instrument of their choosing, as well as to help them find their passion for music whether it be for personal or professional reasons.
“There is Music in Every Child. A Teacher’s job is to find it and Nurture it”. - Frances Clark