Everyone deserves music
At Opus 1 Music Studio, we believe that music education should inspire growth, creativity, and a lifelong connection with music. We dedicate ourselves to helping students improve their technical precision and artistic expression by implementing teaching strategies that align with their personal learning needs. Our teachers create positive lesson experiences by offering support, encouragement, and inspiration while allowing students to enjoy the shared excitement of making music.
Our studio provides private and group lessons covering Piano, Violin, Guitar, Cello, and Voice at our Mountain View and Palo Alto locations. We are proud to serve students of every age by providing skilled instruction in a professional and caring setting. Through our friendly and nurturing environment, we make every effort to accommodate musical needs while helping students progress with confidence.
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 offer private piano lessons for young learners, adults, and returning players seeking quality music education. Each lesson is adapted to the students current abilities, interests, and objectives. Our teachers emphasize proper technique, musical understanding, and consistent progress. Students can prepare for exams, performances, and continued development with dedicated instruction.
We provide private violin lessons for students ages five and up at our Palo Alto Campus. Our university-trained teachers guide beginners through advanced players with patient, structured instruction. Students develop technique, musicianship, and confidence through individual lessons. We support classical, contemporary, fiddle, folk, and chamber music learning paths.
We offer private viola education that combines serious musical training with patient, supportive teaching. Our instructors help students progress from foundational skills to advanced performance preparation. Lessons cover bow technique, intonation, repertoire, and audition readiness. Students may pursue their goals through consistent instruction, exam support, and opportunities for musical growth.
We provide private cello lessons for students ages 6 and up at our Palo Alto Campus. Our university-trained teachers develop technique, intonation, and musical understanding through personalized instruction. Students explore classical, contemporary, chamber, and orchestral styles. We support beginners through advanced players with exam preparation and performance opportunities.
Our private guitar lessons are created to help students discover their musical potential through expert instruction and personalized learning plans. Teachers introduce essential skills including chords, scales, rhythm, reading, and performance while adapting to each students interests. We offer a structured approach that supports steady improvement from beginner levels to advanced study.
Opus 1 provides ukulele instruction for families and adults who want to build real musical skills. Our teachers introduce students to fundamental playing methods while encouraging creativity and confidence. Lessons cover multiple musical styles and include opportunities for performance development. We create personalized instruction plans that support steady improvement at every level.
Our singing lessons help students develop strong vocal foundations through expert instruction and carefully selected songs. We welcome complete beginners, experienced singers, and performers preparing for auditions. Each lesson emphasizes proper technique, musical growth, and confidence while supporting individual goals across various vocal styles and performance opportunities.
We offer professional adult music lessons for those beginning their musical journey or returning after years away. Each lesson is customized to support individual goals, whether learning songs, building skills, or developing a creative outlet. Our instructors provide guidance across several instruments while offering flexible scheduling and a simple month-to-month tuition structure.
Our Music for Young Children Program creates an interactive learning experience where children and parents grow together musically. Using the MYC curriculum, we guide young students through keyboard instruction, singing, listening exercises, rhythm activities, and creative exploration. The program establishes a strong musical foundation while encouraging enjoyment, participation, and continued learning.
Preparation for ABRSM, Certificate of Merit (MTAC), and RCM music exams, with Opus 1 students regularly passing with Merit and Distinction.
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
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
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!
Caroline Van Der Pool
May 16, 2026
Sneha
May 14, 2026
Genhan Chen
May 12, 2026
Teacher Akira is an amazing piano teacher! He is very patient with my kid, and I really appreciate how he talks to my child calmly and positively when focus starts drifting. My kid absolutely loves him and always looks forward to class.
I also like that his lessons are fun and engaging. He doesnt just go page by page through music pieces. He mixes in different techniques like music note flash cards and other activities to keep kids interested and learning. He knows how to motivate kids and make music enjoyable.
I also like that his lessons are fun and engaging. He doesnt just go page by page through music pieces. He mixes in different techniques like music note flash cards and other activities to keep kids interested and learning. He knows how to motivate kids and make music enjoyable.
Parand Mansourian
May 12, 2026
Sylvia Woell has been such a wonderful piano teacher for my son. He has made so much progress since learning with her, not only in his playing but also in his confidence and enjoyment of music. Sylvia is kind, patient, and calm, while also being very disciplined and encouraging in her teaching style. She knows how to challenge students in a supportive way and makes lessons both productive and enjoyable. Were so grateful for all the time, dedication, and care she puts into helping my son grow as a pianist and truly enjoy learning piano.
Haipeng Zheng
May 09, 2026
Christine Chan
May 06, 2026
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.
Xevi Mir Bruix
May 05, 2026
Ye Tang
May 03, 2026
Ming Zou
May 01, 2026
Yanran Yang
Apr 29, 2026
Kevin Liu
Apr 15, 2026
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.
Allison R.
Feb 27, 2026
My daughter started with Opus 1 as an infant doing a Music Together class. She loved her introduction to music and started piano at 3 years with Teacher Yuri in Sunshine. She loved her piano classes and flourished under the guidance of teacher Yuri. She continued on to private lessons with teacher Yuri and has grown tremendously. Opus 1 has amazing teachers, high level talent, and friendly staff to help. Our experience has been wonderful. Highly recommend Opus 1 for any music needs with top notch quality instruction and friendly and skilled staff to help.
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.
Gjn
Jul 15, 2025
C. Chien
Apr 09, 2025
John Mausen is an incredibly patient and talented guitar teacher. His passion for music really comes through in his lessons, and he has a great way of connecting with young students. My son has made noticeable progress under Johns guidance and truly enjoys learning all the classic hits. We feel lucky to have found such a skilled and encouraging teacher!
David Vance Wagner
May 29, 2024
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!
Christy Bushnell
Feb 24, 2024
Chantal Hwang
Jan 01, 2024
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!
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.
Iman Saleh
Mar 10, 2023
E. H.
Dec 08, 2022
Jamie Huang
Jul 06, 2022
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.