At Opus 1 Music Studio, we strive to create enriching musical experiences that help students expand their abilities and develop a genuine enthusiasm for music. Our teaching approach emphasizes accurate technique and encourages imagination by incorporating methods that support each learners individual style. Throughout the learning process, our instructors offer valuable encouragement, inspiration, and assistance, allowing students to experience the happiness that comes from creating music.
We provide a variety of private and group music lessons, including Piano, Violin, Guitar, Cello, and Voice, at our Mountain View and Palo Alto locations. Our commitment is to provide exceptional instruction for students of all ages within a professional, welcoming, and supportive environment. We make every effort to address each students musical needs while making the learning experience enjoyable and rewarding.
We provide a variety of private and group music lessons, including Piano, Violin, Guitar, Cello, and Voice, at our Mountain View and Palo Alto locations. Our commitment is to provide exceptional instruction for students of all ages within a professional, welcoming, and supportive environment. We make every effort to address each students musical needs while making the learning experience enjoyable and rewarding.
Served areas
- Palo Alto, Mountain View, Los Altos, Menlo Park California
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
At Opus 1, we offer tailored piano education for children and adults at every experience level. Our lessons build strong foundations in note reading, ear training, scales, chords, and music theory. Students receive guidance from experienced faculty while developing performance skills for recitals, exams, competitions, and auditions. We support each learners individual goals through structured instruction.
Our violin lessons offer personalized instruction designed for young students, adults, and experienced players. We teach posture, bow technique, tone production, music reading, theory, and performance skills. Our instructors prepare students for exams, auditions, and ensembles. Each lesson plan is tailored to match the students goals and progress.
Our private viola lessons are designed to create lasting musical skills through expert instruction and personalized attention. We guide students in developing strong technique, understanding music concepts, and preparing for performances. With support for exams, auditions, and ensemble playing, our program helps children and adults advance at their own pace.
Our cello lessons help students develop lasting musical skills through patient, professional teaching. We focus on technique, repertoire, ensemble preparation, and confident performance. From beginner tudes to concerto literature, students receive guidance suited to their abilities. We also provide support for exams, auditions, and continued growth as musicians.
We teach guitar to children and adults through private lessons that focus on practical skills and musical growth. Students explore acoustic, electric, and classical styles while learning techniques such as strumming, picking, fingerstyle, improvisation, and songwriting. Our instructors adjust lessons to match individual goals and encourage students to enjoy their musical journey.
We deliver private ukulele lessons that combine skilled teaching with a joyful learning experience. Students develop musical understanding through technique, rhythm, repertoire, and performance preparation. Our instructors support beginners by making early progress achievable and enjoyable. We offer a clear path for students to strengthen their abilities from first notes onward.
We deliver comprehensive singing lessons for students seeking to strengthen their voices and expand their musical abilities. Every session develops essential skills such as breathing, pitch control, and vocal expression while allowing singers to explore preferred genres. Our programs support beginners, developing musicians, and audition-ready performers with dedicated instruction.
At Opus 1, we offer adult music lessons that are tailored to individual goals, schedules, and learning preferences. Our experienced teachers guide adults through piano, guitar, voice, violin, viola, cello, and ukulele lessons. Every student receives personalized instruction with flexible appointment times, no annual commitment, and a welcoming environment for all skill levels.
Through our Music for Young Children Program, we provide a supportive introduction to piano and musicianship for children ages 3-6. The Sunshine and Sunbeams classes focus on playful learning, music concepts, and skill development with family involvement. Students explore rhythms, notes, keyboard techniques, and composition while developing confidence in their abilities.
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)
Sevda Izaddoust
Jun 06, 2026
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We are so grateful that Sam has the opportunity to learn piano with Ms. Eliza Chien. She is truly the best piano teacher he has ever had. Her kindness, patience, and wonderful teaching style make every lesson enjoyable and inspiring.
Sam absolutely loves her classes and always looks forward to every Friday. He gets so excited to see her, learn new notes, improve his skills, and complete his music lessons. Its wonderful to see how much confidence and enthusiasm she has helped him develop.
Ms. Eliza is not only an exceptional teacher but also an amazing person who genuinely cares about her students. Her encouragement, positivity, and dedication make such a meaningful difference. We truly appreciate everything she has done for Sam and feel incredibly fortunate to have her as his piano teacher.
Thank you, Ms. Eliza, for your passion, patience, and the joy you bring to every lesson. We couldnt ask for a better teacher!
Sam absolutely loves her classes and always looks forward to every Friday. He gets so excited to see her, learn new notes, improve his skills, and complete his music lessons. Its wonderful to see how much confidence and enthusiasm she has helped him develop.
Ms. Eliza is not only an exceptional teacher but also an amazing person who genuinely cares about her students. Her encouragement, positivity, and dedication make such a meaningful difference. We truly appreciate everything she has done for Sam and feel incredibly fortunate to have her as his piano teacher.
Thank you, Ms. Eliza, for your passion, patience, and the joy you bring to every lesson. We couldnt ask for a better teacher!
Jenny Peck
May 22, 2026
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Jing Xu
May 09, 2026
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We are glad that we chose Opus 1 as my daughters first musical school. My daughter has truly enjoyed her time with Miss Laura and looks forward to her piano lessons every week.
We are so grateful for Lauras incredible patience and the respectful way to engage with her; it has helped her build so much confidence in her playing. Lauras organized notes after each lesson are also incredibly helpful for us to stay on track and keep the momentum going at home.
We are so grateful for Lauras incredible patience and the respectful way to engage with her; it has helped her build so much confidence in her playing. Lauras organized notes after each lesson are also incredibly helpful for us to stay on track and keep the momentum going at home.
Juting Zhai
May 09, 2026
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Jungsook Y.
May 07, 2026
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Christine Chan
May 06, 2026
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We are so grateful for Teacher Christine. Our son Owen is the kind of kid who will groan about almost any homework - but piano is the exception. Hell sit down to practice on his own whenever he has a free moment, and watching how far hes come has been such a joy. So much of that is because of Teacher Christine. She is steady, patient, and genuinely supportive, and Owen lights up at his lessons because of her. Thank you, Teacher Christine, for believing in him and making music something he actually loves.
James Healey
May 06, 2026
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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
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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!
Zahra Zadeh
May 05, 2026
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We have had experience with three teachers at Opus 1 Music, and all of them have been great. However, Teacher Sasha is one of the best voice teachers we have worked with so far.
My daughter enjoys every second of her class with Teacher Sasha, and she looks forward to going every week with great enthusiasm.
My daughter enjoys every second of her class with Teacher Sasha, and she looks forward to going every week with great enthusiasm.
Yi Quan
May 04, 2026
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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.
Kevin Liu
Apr 15, 2026
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Well-organized school for mainly piano and violin lessons. I took my trial lesson at Palo Alto, but found the MTV location way more bikable.
I took lessons with Luis. I was a returning violinist who stopped 10 years ago after 8 years of lessons. Luis figured out a plan with me on reaching my goals -- building my intonation, bow techniques back up to scratch -- of playing the concertos I missed so much. He provided good feedback every lesson and addressed my questions pretty well.
The school has a great web portal for scheduling lessons and recitals. It's pretty easy to use, much nicer than the phone call + check based system I grew up with.
I took lessons with Luis. I was a returning violinist who stopped 10 years ago after 8 years of lessons. Luis figured out a plan with me on reaching my goals -- building my intonation, bow techniques back up to scratch -- of playing the concertos I missed so much. He provided good feedback every lesson and addressed my questions pretty well.
The school has a great web portal for scheduling lessons and recitals. It's pretty easy to use, much nicer than the phone call + check based system I grew up with.
Wei Chai
Jan 24, 2026
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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
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Gjn
Jul 15, 2025
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Li Moore
Jun 29, 2024
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David Vance Wagner
May 29, 2024
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We love this music school so much. My daughter has been in both violin and voice lessons for several years. Most of all, we love the teachers (big shout-out to wonderful Natasha (voice) and amazing Pei-Shan (violin)!), but we also appreciate the regular recital opportunities the school provides as well as the flexibility in rescheduling lessons as needed. Oh and we also love Mei at the front desk!
Roger Chen
May 15, 2024
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Christy Bushnell
Feb 24, 2024
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Joy Zhang
Jan 20, 2024
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Chantal Hwang
Jan 01, 2024
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I've been taking my daughter to Opus1 since August, and it has been a wonderful experience! The school is very organized, and my daughter is getting the proper foundation to learn piano. We really enjoy the teaching and approach to the basics/fundamentals of music, and I would highly recommend it. We commute down each week from San Mateo, and it is worth it!
Jenny Yeh
Jun 28, 2023
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My two kids have been taking music lessons (piano and cello) at Opus 1 for the past few years, and all of the teachers there are great, including Doris Ngai (piano), Elliot Mallard (cello), and Yuhui Li (piano). These teachers are very patient with the kids, but do work with the kids to ensure that they are on track to the next level. The tuition also includes 2 free recitals, which are very good experiences for the kids.
Yolanda Li
Jun 24, 2023
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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
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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.
Jamie Huang
Jul 06, 2022
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My daughter is with Opus1 private piano lesson for over a year now. Her teacher Dr. Leah is so amazing. She is very patient and fun. We started 30mins lesson with her, but we changed to 45mins. My daughter has been learning to read notes and now she can play new songs just by reading notes on her own. The front desk Ms Mei is super nice. She helps us in our best interests. I highly recommend Opus1 in Mountain View. Clean facility and its in super convenient location. You can go shop or eat while your child/children in the lesson.
Yongzhi Chen
Apr 03, 2022
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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.