Everyone deserves music
At Opus 1 Music Studio, we are committed to enriching the lives of our students through meaningful musical education and by encouraging a lasting appreciation for music. Our goal is to strengthen technical accuracy while inspiring creativity through teaching approaches that are carefully adapted to each students individual learning style. Throughout every lesson, our instructors provide consistent encouragement, motivation, and guidance, creating an atmosphere where students can experience the enjoyment of making music together.We provide private and group lessons in Piano, Violin, Guitar, Cello, and Voice at our Mountain View and Palo Alto locations. Our studio is dedicated to meeting the musical needs of students of all ages with professionalism, expertise, and care. We strive to offer a welcoming, supportive, and nurturing environment where every student can develop their musical abilities with confidence and enthusiasm.
Served areas
- Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Menlo Park California
Business details
- Year established: 2006
- Employees: 50
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- Piano, Keyboard, Music Theory, Guitar, Violin, Voice, Guitar, Cello
Associations and certifications
- ABRSM, CM, RCM
Payment methods
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
We provide private piano lessons designed for students ages 5 and up, from beginners to advanced musicians. Our university-trained teachers create personalized instruction that develops reading, rhythm, technique, and confidence. Students explore classical, jazz, pop, blues, musical theater, film scores, and contemporary styles. We also prepare students for ABRSM, Certificate of Merit, and RCM exams.
Our private violin lessons combine skilled teaching with a comprehensive music curriculum. Students receive guidance in instrument technique, ear training, note reading, and repertoire development. We serve learners from age five through advanced levels. Our instructors help students prepare for achievements including exams, performances, and ensemble opportunities.
We teach viola through a comprehensive program that supports students from their earliest lessons to advanced achievements. Our instructors provide training in technique, theory, repertoire, and performance preparation. Students can explore multiple musical styles while building confidence and skill. We also assist learners preparing for exams, auditions, and orchestral opportunities.
Our cello lessons offer students a complete musical foundation through expert private instruction. We teach posture, bow control, left-hand technique, rhythm, scales, and repertoire across many eras. Our teachers guide students toward ABRSM, RCM, and Certificate of Merit preparation. Lessons are available for children and adults at every level.
Guitar lessons at our campus combine serious music education with patient, motivating instruction. Our teachers support students in developing strong foundations, from chord shapes and notation to repertoire and performance skills. Whether preparing for exams or exploring favorite songs, students receive guidance tailored to their pace, experience level, and personal objectives.
We specialize in private ukulele lessons that help students develop strong foundations and a lifelong appreciation for music. Our teaching includes chords, rhythm, reading, singing while playing, and stylistic exploration. Experienced instructors work with each student to maintain motivation and progress. We make learning the ukulele accessible, structured, and enjoyable.
At our studio, we offer singing lessons that combine technical training with enjoyable musical experiences. Students learn effective vocal habits, improve accuracy and tone, and practice songs they love. Our university-trained teachers work with children, teenagers, and adults to support progress from first lessons through advanced performance preparation.
Our adult music lessons help students achieve personal musical goals through customized instruction and supportive teaching. We offer private lessons for multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, and ukulele. With convenient scheduling options and month-to-month tuition, adults can begin learning comfortably whether they are complete beginners or experienced musicians returning to music.
We offer the Music for Young Children Program for young beginners ages 3-6, providing engaging instruction through age-appropriate keyboard classes. Our Sunshine and Sunbeams levels introduce music reading, rhythms, piano skills, and creative learning experiences. With parent participation, children develop essential musical foundations while enjoying a positive and encouraging classroom environment.
People
Doris Ngai Lellouche
Piano
Doris Ngai is the co- founder of Opus 1 Music studio and a full time piano instructor. Her passion of music was inherited from her father, a professional violinist and a former member of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Doris has won various piano competitions at Hong Kong Schools Music Festival in her early age.
Sici Tsoi
Music Theory & Piano
Sici Tsoi graduated from San Jose State University with a Master of Arts in Music and received her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Hong Kong Baptist University. She has been involved in the music field for over 15 years with experience and training as a sound engineer, music theory and piano teacher, and conductor.
Dr. Lina
Master Piano Teacher
Dr. Lina is a concert pianist and chamber musician from South Korea and one of Opus 1's master-level (Level 3) piano teachers. She holds an Artist Diploma and a Konzertexamen (equivalent to a D.M.A.) in Piano Performance from Hanns Eisler Berlin, plus master's degrees in piano performance and chamber music from HfM Detmold, Germany, and a B.M. from Hanyang University in Seoul. She teaches students of all ages and levels, from beginners through advanced and exam-track pianists.
Dr. Akira K.
Master Piano Teacher
Dr. Akira K is a master-level (Level 3) piano teacher at Opus 1 with 11 years of teaching experience, including faculty roles at the University of Michigan Piano Pedagogy Laboratory Program and the Indiana University Jacobs Academy Young Pianists Program. He holds a D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, an M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Michigan, and a B.M. in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University. He specializes in helping students build healthy technique and body awareness at the keyboard.
Dr. Claire
Master Piano Teacher
Dr. Claire is a passionate pianist and one of Opus 1's master-level (Level 3) piano teachers, teaching students of all ages and levels across the United States and Taiwan since 2009. She holds a D.M.A. in Piano Performance from the University of Maryland, an M.M. and Graduate Performance Diploma in Piano Performance from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, and a B.F.A. in Piano Performance from National Taiwan Normal University. Many of her students have earned opportunities to perform at prestigious venues.
Dr. Heather
Master Piano Teacher
Dr. Heather is a concert pianist and master-level (Level 3) piano educator at Opus 1 with over 28 years of private and university-level teaching experience, including as a former adjunct music professor at New York University. She holds a Ph.D. in Piano Performance and an M.A. in Piano Performance, both from New York University, and a B.A. in Piano Performance from Korea. She brings a warm, patient, student-centered approach with a strong track record of building technique and musicianship.
Dr. Theodora
Master Piano Teacher
Dr. Theodora is a pianist, scholar, and one of Opus 1's master-level (Level 3) piano teachers, with more than 11 years of experience teaching students from beginning through advanced levels, including undergraduates. She holds a Ph.D. in Musicology from Cornell University, double B.A. degrees in Music and English (both High Honors) from the University of California, Berkeley, and an M.A. in Musicology from Cornell, and also holds Certificate of Merit credentials. Her students have earned distinctions in ABRSM exams and competitions such as the U.S. Open. She emphasizes healthy technique, body awareness, and helping students become imaginative, well-rounded musicians.
Effie Z.
Senior Piano Teacher
Effie is a classically trained pianist and composer with over 20 years of musical experience and more than 6 years teaching piano and music theory to children and adults at all levels. She earned her M.M. in Music Composition (concentration in Music-in-Education) from the New England Conservatory of Music and a B.M. in Music Composition from the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, China. Her warm, creative lessons weave in music theory, ear training, improvisation, and music history.
Marco P.
Master Piano Teacher
Marco is one of Opus 1's master-level piano teachers, with over 10 years of experience teaching all ages and levels and preparing students for ABRSM exams. He earned two Bachelor of Music degrees in Piano Performance and Music Theory graduating as valedictorian, and an M.A. in Piano Performance from Arizona State University under renowned pianist Dr. Caio Pagano. Before coming to the United States he taught at conservatories in Portugal.
Sylvia W.
Senior Piano & Violin Teacher
Sylvia is an internationally experienced piano, violin, and music theory teacher with 30+ years of experience across private lessons, group classes, and K-12 classrooms. She holds an M.M. in Violin Performance and Pedagogy from Texas Christian University, a B.A. in Violin and Piano Performance from Western Illinois University, and is a Fellow of Trinity College London (FTCL, Piano) with long-term Suzuki training. Her students have excelled in national competitions and ABRSM and Certificate of Merit exams.
Ying H.
Senior Piano Teacher
Ying holds a master's degree in classical piano performance from the Aaron Copland School of Music at CUNY Queens College and a double-major B.A. in Music Performance and Music Education from Soochow University, Taiwan. Her experience spans soloist, chamber musician, collaborative pianist, and educator, and she is certified as a Music Teacher and Performing Arts Teacher in Taiwan. Known for a flexible, attentive style, she adapts each lesson to the student's needs.
Minghua H.
Master Piano Teacher
Minghua is one of Opus 1's master-level piano teachers and a certified university lecturer who taught piano performance, pedagogy, literature, and music education at universities for over 10 years. She holds a B.M. in Music Education and Piano from the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester) and an M.M. in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Temple University. A piano competition judge, she has helped many students win world-class competitions and gain admission to top universities.
Giselle N.
Senior Piano Teacher
Giselle is a pianist and dedicated educator with over 8 years of teaching experience. She holds an M.M. in Piano Performance from the Longy School of Music of Bard College and a B.M. in Piano Performance from Cornell College, graduating Cum Laude with Distinction. Her nurturing, games-based approach builds sight-reading, theory, and confidence early, and many of her students have earned Merit and Distinction in ABRSM exams.
Christine K.
Senior Piano Teacher
Christine has taught piano and music theory since 1993 and has over 30 years of experience as an accompanist for choirs, vocalists, ensembles, and instrumentalists. She holds a B.M. in Musicology and Music Theory from the Korea National University of Arts. She and her family also spent time in Iraq teaching music to refugee students.
Tram D.
Senior Piano Teacher
Tram earned a Bachelor of Music with a Minor in Music Education from McGill University and has taught piano since 2010. She reinforces strong technique and fundamentals from the very beginning, and many of her students have completed Royal Conservatory of Music exams from beginner to advanced levels with Distinction. An award-winning pianist herself, she encourages students to perform in recitals and competitions.
Dr. Emily
Senior Piano Teacher
Dr. Emily is a pianist, educator, and researcher specializing in piano performance and pedagogy for students of all ages and levels. She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of Georgia and has taught at Clemson University, the University of Georgia Community Music School, and the Asheville Academy for the Arts. Her teaching emphasizes technical excellence, artistic expression, and a lifelong appreciation for music.
Julia K.
Master Piano Teacher
Julia is one of Opus 1's master-level piano teachers, with over 25 years of experience teaching all ages and levels. She holds a B.A. in Piano Performance from Ewha Womans University, Korea, and an M.A. in Piano Performance from San Jose State University, where she won the Concerto Competition. Her students have excelled in Certificate of Merit, MTAC Solo, and the U.S. Open Music Competition.
Rebecca Z.
Senior Piano Teacher
Rebecca holds a Bachelor's degree from New York University and a Master's from the Mannes School of Music, with over five years of teaching experience and a special love for young and beginner students. She focuses on strong fundamentals, good practice habits, and confidence at the piano, tailoring each lesson to the student. An active performer, she has given recitals in the U.S., Europe, and China.
Young-Rang S.
Senior Piano & Voice Teacher
Young-Rang holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from Yonsei University and an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, with performing and teaching experience in voice, piano, and group classes. She was cast in the title role of Carmen with the San Francisco Opera Guild and won first place in the Bay Area Opera League competition. She serves as a choir director and music director in the Bay Area.
Aaron Z.
Senior Piano Teacher
Aaron began piano at age 4 and has won numerous international competitions and performed across China, Europe, and the U.S. He holds a B.M. in Piano Performance from the College of Music of SDNU, China, and an M.M. in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Hartford. With over 8 years of experience, his warm yet demanding approach has led students to win international competitions and gain admission to prestigious music programs.
Chloe C.
Senior Piano Teacher
Chloe is a member of the Music Teachers National Association and a trained Suzuki and ABRSM teacher who has taught in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Los Angeles. She earned her B.M. and M.M. in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Temple University, where she won the Symphony Orchestra Soloist Competition. Her lessons emphasize creativity, musicianship, technique, and artistry tailored to each student.
Reviews (25)
Karen Ng
May 21, 2026
Teacher Kashmira has been an incredible violin teacher for our six-year-old daughter over the past year. She brings the perfect blend of patience and structure to every lesson, and goes above and beyond by teaching her students how to practice effectively at home. The progress our daughter has made in just one year has been remarkable. We feel so lucky to have found her and would highly recommend her to any family!
X. T.
May 20, 2026
My child has been learning piano with Christina at Opus 1 for a year. She is a wonderful teacher who is very conscientious and thorough. Weve seen huge improvements in our childs playing and interest in music. Christina made the transition into piano so smooth and enjoyable for a young beginner. Thank you, Christina, for all your hard work!
Jennie D.
May 17, 2026
We have been with Opus 1 for several years now and have worked with Teacher Elliot for cello for my now 11 year old ever since. Teacher Elliot is very skilled in his craft and teaches with kindness. One of the things we like most about Teacher Elliot is the way he explains specific techniques. He is also one of the kindest and friendliest people out there and we're grateful he does such a good job of balancing teaching cello skills and techniques, while still keeping it fun and exciting to preserve the kids' love of playing cello. Thank you, Elliot!
Caroline Van Der Pool
May 16, 2026
Xiaomeng Wu
May 15, 2026
Catherine Zhang
May 13, 2026
My child started violin lesson since November last year, and it has brought so much more joy. She now looks forward to practicing and feels proud of her progress.
Teacher Kashimira makes learning fun and inspiring, while still building strong fundamentals. Were very grateful and would definitely recommend!
Teacher Kashimira makes learning fun and inspiring, while still building strong fundamentals. Were very grateful and would definitely recommend!
Haipeng Zheng
May 09, 2026
James Healey
May 06, 2026
I have been very fortunate to have Mr. Alex as my piano teacher to guide my musical journey over the last year. Alex is kind, patient, and encouraging. He is consistently positive, with a gentle sense of humor, manifest in every session we meet. With his help, Ive made great strides in reading, playing and appreciating music. Many thanks, Mr. Alex!
Jiexi Liu
May 05, 2026
Ms Julia is an excellent piano teacher, she is talented, patient, and very kind. My daughter has started learning piano for 5 years, in Ms Kim's class, she can play the exact same piece immediately as my daughter is practicing, which provides a direct impression of how the sound should be like. My daughter loves her teaching style so much!
Xevi Mir Bruix
May 05, 2026
Yi Quan
May 04, 2026
My daughter has been taking piano lessons at Opus 1 Music Studio with Teacher Effie for more than a year, and we truly appreciate her teaching style. Last year, she helped my daughter successfully pass the ABRSM Grade 3 exam, and this year they are working toward Grade 5. Hopefully everything will continue to go smoothly.
Ye Tang
May 03, 2026
Joy Shen
May 02, 2026
As someone who grew up playing piano and always loved music but never learned vocal fundamentals, I was excited to see that Opus 1 offers adult lessons. Its been a pleasure working 1:1 with Caitlin (Level 1) on everything from breath work to sight singing to ear training. Over the last few months weve learned several songs together and I look forward to continuing our lessons!
Kin-Kee Sit
Apr 29, 2026
Wei Chai
Jan 24, 2026
My daughter has been learning cello with Teacher Elliot since 7yr old. Elliot is a very patient and encouraging teacher with a lot of attention to details and shaping kids practice habit. My daughter improved her skills dramatically since she started learning with Elliot and has always been looking forward to her weekly cello classes.
Sara Vuolteenaho
Dec 28, 2025
Gurbinder Kaur
Oct 23, 2025
Mr Joseph is the best guitar teacher!!! My son is a big fan of him. Things couldnt go better without him, he is absolutely fantastic teacher, so considerate and accommodating! I guess he is the bestest we could ever find for my sons guitar . His methodology is so easy and flexible that my son got everything with ease.. if you want the best guitar teacher just ask for Mr Joseph Ochoa!!!
Roger Chen
May 15, 2024
Joy Zhang
Jan 20, 2024
Rong Zhu
Jan 15, 2024
Yolanda Li
Jun 24, 2023
Ms. Pei-shan Yu is very professional and super nice teacher with lots of patience and technical skills. She always leaves a detail after-class note for my daughter, which is very helpful to follow up and practice off the class. My daughter enjoys every class with Ms. Yu. I strongly recommend her if you're looking for a violin teacher for your child.
Wayne Li
May 24, 2023
My son has been learning violin with teacher Luis for the past 3 years, and it has been a truly wonderful journey. He is an awesome teacher and I would highly recommend other violin students to also learn with him. Every class, he helped my son improve his skills and taught him new techniques. He also taught him various methods to improve his intonation and rhythm.
Sarah Hem
Mar 29, 2023
Opus 1 Music has been wonderful for my son and daughter. Its helped them with focus and attention along with strengthening their memory and reasoning. The teachers there are very dedicated and excellent at what they do, in particular Teachers Tram and Kenta. Their weekly plans are very helpful in keeping parents up to date. Highly recommend this music studio. It has been a great addition to my childrens learning, a great balance to schooling.
E. H.
Dec 08, 2022
Yongzhi Chen
Apr 03, 2022
My son was enrolled in Opus1 group music class (My First piano) when he was five. After that he learned playing piano from the teacher Yuri. Ms. Yuri is a fantastic teacher who is professional, patient, kind, and motivating. My son made a great progress with her help. Opus 1 has convenient locations and provides an easy way to schedule the make-up lesson in case there is a conflict. The front desk staff Mei is very nice and helpful. I would highly recommend Opus 1 and Ms. Yuri.