About Westerhoff School of Music & Art


Inspiring Creativity, Confidence, and Community
At Westerhoff School of Music & Art, we believe that creative expression is essential to a child’s growth. Our school fosters a love for music and art in a warm, inspiring environment where students develop confidence, perseverance, and joy through the arts. Whether picking up an instrument for the first time, refining their artistic skills, or preparing for a lifelong journey in the arts, our students thrive in a structured, supportive, and enriching atmosphere.

Our Story
Founded in 1998, Westerhoff School of Music & Art has been a cornerstone of artistic education in Metuchen, NJ, for over 25 years. Built on a passion for nurturing young artists and musicians, Westerhoff provides high-quality instruction in a welcoming, community-focused setting. Our mission is to inspire students of all ages to develop their talents, explore creativity, and build lasting connections through the arts.

What Sets Westerhoff Apart?
At Westerhoff, we are dedicated to excellence in music and art education. Our approach ensures that students receive a comprehensive and well-rounded artistic experience, setting us apart from other schools.
  • Semester-Based Structure – Unlike open-ended, week-to-week lessons, we follow a structured semester system that provides a clear learning path, built-in breaks, and a natural progression toward end-of-semester recitals and art shows. This ensures students stay motivated, build skills with purpose, and experience the full benefits of a well-paced music education.
  • Experienced & Passionate Faculty – Our instructors are not just teachers—they are accomplished musicians and artists who are dedicated to inspiring creativity, fostering growth, and instilling a lifelong love for the arts.
  • A Supportive and Encouraging Environment – We believe learning should be engaging, fulfilling, and joyful. Students at Westerhoff feel encouraged, challenged, and motivated to explore their artistic potential in a nurturing atmosphere.
  • Opportunities for Growth – From recitals and art exhibitions to theory classes and community events, we provide students with meaningful ways to showcase their talents and build confidence.
  • A Tradition of Excellence – With top-tier facilities, an experienced faculty, and a structured learning approach, Westerhoff offers students more than just lessons—we provide an educational journey that fosters lifelong musicians and artists.

Our Philosophy
At Westerhoff, we believe that a strong arts education is built on consistency, expert guidance, and a balance between structure and creative exploration.
  • We emphasize long-term growth over quick results, ensuring that students develop not just technical skills but also a deep appreciation for their craft.
  • We believe in the power of performance—recitals, art exhibitions, and community events help students build confidence, discipline, and joy in their artistic journey.
  • We foster a nurturing environment where students feel supported and inspired to express themselves, challenge themselves, and discover their full potential.

At Westerhoff, we don’t just teach lessons—we shape lifelong musicians and artists.

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Meet Our Founder

Helga K. Westerhoff, a graduate of Drew University, is the Founder and Executive Director of the Westerhoff School of Music & Art (WSMA), which she established in September 1998. A dedicated violinist with a lifelong passion for the arts, Helga has performed with orchestras across New Jersey, New York, Maine, and Switzerland.

Before founding WSMA, she was actively involved in various musical organizations and initiatives, including; church solos, Nutley Boy Choir, Symphony Librarian for the Westfield Symphony Orchestra, School of American Ballet and Opus 118 (a violin program for NYC public school students). Helga's deep commitment to arts education continues to shape WSMA as a thriving community for aspiring musicians and artists. 
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5 Calvin Pl, Metuchen, New Jersey 08840

(732) 548-8680                                                                             [email protected]

REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS 
3:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Monday - Friday
9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. on Saturdays 
or by appointment 


LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

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Scholarship Opportunity
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Proud Member

Be Part of our Westerhoff Family!

Address

5 Calvin Place, Metuchen, NJ 08840

Telephone

(732) 548-8680 

Email

[email protected]

Welcoming all students from Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Iselin, Rahway, Plainfield and surrounding areas. The Westerhoff School does not discriminate based on sex, age, race, color, disability or national origin and is an equal opportunity employer.