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Private Music Lessons That Change Lives

One-on-one instruction for all ages and all levels — from absolute beginners to pre-professionals — at Hunterdon County's most decorated performing arts school.

 

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Music Lessons Built Around You

At HAA, there's no one-size-fits-all curriculum. Every student — whether a 5-year-old exploring piano for the first time or an adult finally picking up the guitar they always wanted to learn — is matched with the right instructor for their personality, goals, and learning style.

Our 30+ professionally trained faculty members offer private lessons in 30-minute and 60-minute slots, available in-person at our beautiful Flemington Performing Arts Center or fully online. Switching between the two is always easy.

No prior experience required. No instrument needed before your first lesson. Just show up — we'll handle the rest.

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Founded by World-Class Musicians

HAA is led by a husband-and-wife team with a combined seven advanced music degrees from elite institutions in Germany, Hungary, Serbia, and the United States.

Dr. Antonius Bittmann
Doctor of Musical Arts & PhD in Musicology, Eastman School of Music. Prize-winning recitalist. Former Rutgers University professor and administrator. Evaluator for the National Association of Schools of Music.

Valentina Jotovic
Master's in Flute Performance, Rutgers University. Graduate of University of Arts Belgrade & Franz Liszt Conservatory, Budapest. Hunterdon County Entrepreneur of the Year 2016.

Their European conservatory training and decades of American academic experience are built into every lesson at HAA.

One of the Widest Instrument Selections in Hunterdon County

Private one-on-one lessons available in 30- and 60-minute slots. In-person or online.

What Happens at Your First Lesson

No audition. No prior experience required. Here's exactly what to expect when you walk through our doors.

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You arrive We greet you, show you around our 10,000 sq ft Performing Arts Center, and introduce you to your matched instructor. No pressure. No paperwork stress.
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Your instructor listens Before anything else, they ask about your goals, your schedule, and any experience you might have. This isn't a test — it's the start of a relationship.
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You actually play Even in lesson one, you'll make real music. A chord, a note, the opening of a song you recognize. You'll leave feeling like you've already started — because you have.
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One clear assignment Before you go, your instructor gives you one simple, specific thing to practice. Just one. Manageable, achievable, and designed to build the habit from day one.

Two Learning Paths. One Great School.

Not sure how serious you want to get? You don't have to decide right away. HAA supports both approaches — and you can switch any time.
Most Popular

The Recreational Track

No formal curriculum. No exams. Lessons progress week to week, guided by what your child wants to learn and the goals you set together. Flexible, personal, and a lot of fun. Most of our long-term students stay on this track for years.

  • Student-led repertoire choices
  • Flexible weekly progression
  • Recital opportunities included
  • Great for beginners through advanced
Most Popular

The ABRSM Track

The curriculum of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music — one of the most respected music education frameworks in the world since 1889. Graded exams from beginner (Grade 1) through advanced (Grade 8), with internationally recognized certifications at every level.

  • Globally recognized qualifications
  • Clear milestones and measurable goals
  • Comprehensive skill development
  • Advanced diplomas available

Learn about ABRSM at HAA →

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Music Lessons Are an Investment in Your Child's Future

The research is clear. Music education builds skills that reach far beyond the instrument — and last a lifetime.

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Higher IQ & Academic Performance

Multiple peer-reviewed studies show music training raises IQ scores and improves academic performance. Music students consistently outperform peers on standardized tests.

 
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Better Reading & Comprehension

Music lessons improve sound and speech processing, making students better learners — especially in noisy classroom environments. Reading fluency improves measurably.

 
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Confidence & Self-Esteem

Performing — even just for a parent — builds a kind of confidence that shows up everywhere else in life. We see it happen every week at HAA.

 
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Focus & Self-Discipline

Consistent practice builds the ability to concentrate, follow through, and manage frustration productively — skills that transfer directly to school and work.

 
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Social Skills & Teamwork

Ensemble playing, recitals, and group performances teach collaboration, active listening, and how to contribute to something bigger than yourself.

 
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Stress Relief & Emotional Health

Research confirms music reduces anxiety, depression, and stress hormones. Making music is an emotional outlet — and a genuine health benefit at any age.

 

What HAA Families Say

Real reviews from real Hunterdon County families.

Vadim Kachmarik 2024

"My son Jacob has been coming to HAA for a couple of years. My only regret is that I did not sign him up sooner! He is more patient, focused, much more outgoing and confident. The environment here is friendly, very supportive and feels like a big family."

April Ambio 2024

"My son has blossomed since beginning classes at HAA. We began with Piano then Voice then Musical Theater. He loves the staff and has become such a confident performer! I love the online system that makes rescheduling easy for busy families."

Mary Lotis Manlegro 2023

"Dr. Hoffman is wonderful — beyond being a great teacher, he is encouraging, explains the theory and history behind the music and more importantly our child loves going to class. HAA is easy to work with and responsive."

Delia Wong 2024

"HAA has been a part of our lives since my 9-year-old son was 6 months old! He is preparing to perform in his sixth musical. His teachers have a natural rapport with kids and he has made many good friends and boosted his confidence."

Grace Yu 2024

"We've been at HAA for more than a year. The variety of teachers allows for a good match with different learning styles. I appreciate the ease of rescheduling lessons online — perfect for busy parents. The front staff are always friendly!"

Kristina Kroll 2024

"My children have been attending HAA for several years and always loved their instructors. We've taken instrumental lessons, acting classes, and vocal instruction and each one has been a positive experience. Highly recommended!"

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Why Families Choose HAA Over Other Music Schools

With over 40 years in Hunterdon County and nearly 700 active students, HAA isn't just the largest performing arts school in the area — it's the most trusted. Here's why.

Still have questions? We're happy to talk it through before you commit to anything.

Get Started

 

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  • Trusted since 1981 — The largest performing arts school in Hunterdon County

  • Award-winning — Best Music Program, 6 consecutive years (2016–2021)

  • World-class founders — 7 advanced degrees from elite conservatories in Europe and the US

  • 30+ expert instructors — Matched to each student by goals, style, and personality

  • Widest instrument selection — Piano, guitar, bass, voice, violin, viola, cello, drums, flute, clarinet, sax, ukulele

  • In-person or fully online — Easy to switch between the two at any time

  • Recreational or ABRSM tracks — Flexible or structured, your choice

  • Real performance opportunities — Student recitals and stage productions year-round

  • Family-friendly scheduling — Concurrent sibling lessons, easy online rescheduling, ample parking

  • Safe, vetted environment — Background-checked faculty, surveillance-monitored classrooms

  • Beautiful new facility — 10,000 sq ft Performing Arts Center with professional stage

  • A community of nearly 700 students — Warm, supportive, and genuinely feels like family

Common Questions

Honest answers before you decide

Do we need to own an instrument before the first lesson?

No. First lessons happen on our instruments. We'll guide you on what to buy — and when — once your child has had a chance to fall in love with it. Most families wait 4–8 weeks before purchasing anything.

My child has no patience. Will this work?

This is almost always solved by the right instructor. When children start making sounds they're proud of — often within the first few lessons — practice stops being a battle. Our instructors build motivation from day one.

What if it's not the right fit after the trial month?

Then you move on with no hard feelings and no penalty. The trial month exists precisely so you can make the right decision without pressure. We'd rather you know it's the right fit than feel locked in.

Is it too late for my child to start? They're already a teenager.

Not at all. Teens often progress quickly because they have the motivation and discipline younger children lack. Many of our most committed students started as teenagers and went on to pursue music seriously.

Can adults take lessons too?

Absolutely. The $50 offer applies to adult enrollment too. HAA serves students of all ages — from early childhood through mature adulthood. Adult learners are some of our most rewarding students to teach.

Can we switch between in-person and online?

Yes, anytime. Our system is designed to make switching seamless — whether it's a busy week that makes in-person difficult, or a vacation, or a change in preference. Continuity of learning is always the priority.

How much time does practice at home take?

For beginners, 10–15 minutes a day is genuinely enough. Short, daily practice beats long occasional sessions. Your instructor gives one clear, specific assignment each week — manageable for even the busiest families.

Is HAA's facility safe for my child?

Yes. All HAA faculty are background-checked. Classrooms are surveillance-monitored. Class sizes are small. Your child's safety is a non-negotiable priority for us — and has been since 1981.

Ready to Start? Your First Month Is $50 Off.

One month. One instructor. One instrument. No strings attached. Try HAA at a discount — and see for yourself why hundreds of Hunterdon County families never left.

30- or 60-minute lessons · In-person or online · All ages & instruments.