Ocean County Arts Center

- 20 Bryant Rd, Waretown, NJ 08758

For residents of Ocean County and the surrounding communities, the Ocean County Arts Center (OCAC) in Waretown, NJ, is a true local gem for quality arts education. More than just a studio, OCAC is described by its community as a family-run center dedicated to nurturing young talent in dance, voice, and music. Unlike large, impersonal institutions, OCAC is championed for its warm, welcoming, and accessible environment, driven by the personal passion and commitment of its owners, Erich and Jessica Wald.

With a focus on both technical proficiency and fostering a love for the arts, OCAC provides a balanced approach to creative development. The center has established itself as a reliable source of performing arts instruction, offering programs that help children and young adults grow significantly in both confidence and ability. The consistent positive feedback from parents highlights a studio atmosphere that is encouraging, fun, and dedicated to the individual success of every student. This dual focus on high-quality instruction and a positive, family-friendly culture is a core characteristic of the Ocean County Arts Center.

The Ocean County Arts Center is conveniently situated to serve the Waretown area and neighboring towns along the Jersey Shore. Its location makes it easily accessible for families across Barnegat, Manahawkin, Lacey Township, and beyond, seeking dedicated arts instruction without the long commute.

The academy is located at:

20 Bryant Rd, Waretown, NJ 08758, USA

The facility prioritizes accessibility for all community members, featuring a:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

This commitment to accessibility ensures that the opportunity for quality arts education is open to everyone in the local New Jersey area. The central location in Waretown, combined with practical amenities, solidifies OCAC’s role as a staple resource for local families.

Operating as a music instructor and education center, the Ocean County Arts Center offers a comprehensive range of performing arts instruction. The dedicated husband and wife team of Jessica and Erich Wald—with Jessica specializing in dance and Erich focusing on voice and music—ensures a specialized, high-quality offering across their primary disciplines.

• Dance Classes: Instruction across various disciplines, including options for creative movement and multiple genres, with a focus on fun and technical foundation for youth.
• Voice Lessons: Private and group instruction provided by owner Erich Wald, aimed at cheering students on and pushing them to their full potential in vocal performance.
• Music Instruction: Although specifics can vary, the center is classified as a music instructor, which suggests offerings in instrumental lessons or general music theory in addition to vocal training.
• Youth Programs: A substantial portion of the curriculum is dedicated to children's classes, providing a strong foundation in the performing arts.

The services are designed to be both educational and enjoyable, creating a laid-back, fun atmosphere that is conducive to learning and artistic exploration, from the first class to the annual recital.

The distinct advantages and notable features of choosing the Ocean County Arts Center are consistently highlighted by its loyal customer base, emphasizing a strong community feel and an uncompromised dedication to its students.

• Dedicated and Caring Ownership: Run by a passionate husband-and-wife team, Jessica and Erich Wald, who are always readily available for clients and treat students and their families like family.
• Focus on Affordability: The owners make a conscious effort to keep the financial burden to a minimum, ensuring that quality arts education is accessible to everyone in the community. This includes keeping recital costume costs exceptionally low (customers mention never paying more than $60 per costume), which significantly benefits families with multiple children attending.
• Growth in Confidence and Ability: Students, including young children, are noted to have grown "leaps and bounds" in both self-confidence and artistic ability since attending the studio.
• High-Quality Annual Recitals: The passion and time put forth by the instructors are highly visible in the professional and enjoyable annual recitals, which serve as a major highlight for students and families.
• Positive Learning Environment: The studio maintains a laid-back, fun, and warm welcoming atmosphere, which is inspiring and contagious, fostering artistic growth without undue pressure.
• Accessibility: The center is officially recognized as being “Good for kids” and is physically accessible with designated parking and entrances for all patrons.

For parents in Ocean County looking for a supportive environment where their children can truly thrive in the performing arts without placing a significant strain on the family budget, the Ocean County Arts Center is an excellent choice. The ability to afford classes for multiple children, thanks to the studio’s commitment to minimizing costs like those associated with costumes, makes a huge difference to local families.

The owners’ philosophy—that children should be having fun while learning their craft—combined with Erich’s ability to push voice students to their full potential, creates a winning combination. If you are seeking a studio run by dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the students and treat them like family, the Ocean County Arts Center deserves strong consideration.

To connect with the dedicated team at the Ocean County Arts Center, inquire about current class schedules for dance, voice, and music, or schedule a visit to the studio, please use the provided contact details. Prospective clients are encouraged to call to discuss the best program options for their child’s age and interest level.

Address: 20 Bryant Rd, Waretown, NJ 08758, USA

Phone: (609) 242-5629

What makes the Ocean County Arts Center stand out in the competitive New Jersey arts scene is its powerful combination of personal dedication and financial accessibility. In a region where extracurricular activities can become costly, the commitment of Erich and Jessica Wald to keep expenses minimal—particularly for items like recital costumes—is a significant and commendable benefit to the community. This dedication ensures that the arts remain an inclusive activity for all income levels.

Furthermore, the atmosphere cultivated by the owners is consistently praised for being warm and supportive. The positive impact on a child's confidence and technical ability, as repeatedly mentioned by long-term customers, demonstrates that the OCAC is more than a business; it is a community anchor that fosters meaningful artistic and personal development. For New Jersey families near Waretown, choosing the Ocean County Arts Center means choosing high-quality, professional instruction delivered with a genuine heart.

Ocean County Arts Center

20 Bryant Rd, Waretown, NJ 08758, USA