Music that celebrates every child — just as they are.
Watch How Hug Music Empowers Your Family
Hug Music is a music school for every learner.
We welcome children of all abilities, from first-time babies & toddlers to teens & adults developing their craft.
Based in Forest Hills, Queens, we offer private music lessons and music therapy as well as early childhood music group classes. Our programs are rooted in connection, expression, and growth—not pressure or perfection.
Our programs are rooted in connection, expression, and growth—not pressure or perfection.
Hug Music was founded in 2014 by Kana Kamitsubo‑Markovic (MT-BC) who is a music educator, board-certified music therapist, and professional musician and Sasha Markovic, music educator, composer and professional guitarist. Together, they’ve built a school where music is personal, joyful, and truly inclusive.
At Hug Music, we create a safe & nurturing space for children to explore sound, express feelings, and grow in confidence.
No matter where they begin, we meet them with warmth, patience, and purpose.
Meet Our Faculty
Swipe through to meet our team of Heart‑Centered Educators.
Music Programs
Instruments We Teach
Click the Instrument to Learn More
Piano
Flute
Guitar
Ukelele
Voice
Songwriting
Student Showcase
What Makes Us Unique
Our primary focus is to nurture the love for music in each student.
Respect for each child’s pace, style, and personality
Work with the innate strengths of each student
Emotionally safe environments where students feel seen
Progress that honors both musical and personal growth
Work closely with parents
This philosophy lives in everything we do—from a first piano lesson to a full music therapy plan.
Inspiring a love of music with joy, movement, and playful learning.
A multi-sensory approach using color-coded visuals, instruments, and tactile tools.
Builds essential skills, rhythm, pitch, and musicality, at a gentle pace, without pressure.
Offered in Mommy & Me, private, and semi-private formats for young children.
Designed to help children of all abilities improve their musical skills
Personalized instruction for each child’s strengths, needs, progress and learning style
Trusted by families and recognized by experts in education and music therapy
Our Signature Curriculums
Ready To Begin?
Let’s find the right music path for your child.
Our programs are nurturing, flexible, and rooted in real connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
We welcome students of all ages—from babies to adults. Our programs are designed to meet the developmental stage, interests, and learning needs of each individual.
-
There’s no “too early” or “too late” to start learning music. We offer age-appropriate programs for every stage, from Hug Melody® Groups for babies/toddlers from 6 months old to 4 years old, to private & semi-private lessons and Musicreative® for school-age children(3.5 years and up), teens, and adults.
-
Yes. We work with individuals of all ages with special needs, tailoring instruction and support to each person’s strengths, abilities, and goals.
-
If your child shows interest in music—or even simply responds to it—they are ready for a program tailored to them. For beginners, Hug Melody® DUO or SOLO classes provide a gentle, engaging introduction. Musicreative™ is a tailored and customized music instruction that meets unique needs and learning style of each child.
-
Yes. We provide outreach classes, workshops, and music therapy services for educational and therapeutic settings
-
Yes. Our Musicreative® program is eligible for OPWDD self-direction funding. We recommend families work with their broker or support staff for the process.
