Rated 4.54 / 5 from 26 reviews
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Opus 1 Music Studio We strive to enrich students lives by fostering their musical development and by cultivating their passion for music. We aim to develop students technical accuracy and inspire their musical creativity through applying suitable teaching methods to their learning styles. Through out the music lessons, our teachers deliver encouragement, inspiration and support to our students and allow them to enjoy the fun of making of music together.

We offer private and group music lessons ( Piano, Violin, Guitar, Saxophone, Voice and Clarinet) at our Mountain View and Palo Alto locations. At Opus 1 Music Studio, we make every effort to fulfill your music needs with skill and ease for all ages in a professional, friendly, and nurturing environment.
Highlights and features
  • Keyboard, Music Theory, Clarinet, Violin, Voice, Piano, Guitar, Saxophone
People
Doris Ngai
Doris Ngai
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
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.
Chazz Alley
Chazz Alley
Saxophone, Clarinet & Flute
Charles Joseph Alley III was born in Palo Alto, CA. From his first glance at the Saxophone on a television broadcast, the obsession began. After a few years of playing, at 14, Chazz booked his first professional gig at Rickey’s Hyatt in Palo Alto weekly for 8 months.
Joseph Christianson
Joseph Christianson
Violin & Viola
Joseph Christianson has studied violin performance at Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and San Francisco Conservatory of music. He is in demand as a violin teacher throughout the San Francisco / Peninsula area.
Videos
Arthur Ji
Arthur Ji
Nocturne in C # Minor by F. Chopin
Jackie Le
Jackie Le
Tico - Tico- bird in the Cornmeal by Z. Abreu
Jackie Le, Piano
Jackie Le, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Spring Recital 2013 Sonatina, Op. 13, No.1 by D. Kabalevsky I.
Eric Wan, Piano
Eric Wan, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Spring Recital 2013 1. Yesterday by J. Lennon & P. McCarthy 2. Habanera from "Carmen" by G. Bizet
Dottie Yu, Piano
Dottie Yu, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Spring Recital 2013 1. Prelude & Fugue in c minor by J.S. Bach 2. Sonata in B Flat, K.333 by W.A. Mozart
Tiffany Chou, Piano
Tiffany Chou, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. London Bridge by Traditional 2. Ode to Joy by L.V. Beethoven.
Naomi Lyn, piano
Naomi Lyn, piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Yankee Doodle by Traditional 2. Shoo!Fly by Traditional.
Aurora Li, Piano
Aurora Li, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Muffin Man by Traditional.
Connie Chi, Piano
Connie Chi, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Sonata in G, Op. 40, No.2 by L.V. Beethoven I. Allegro II. Minuetto 2. Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin.
Kaden Li, Piano
Kaden Li, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Yankee Doodle by Traditional.
Isabella Chau, Piano
Isabella Chau, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Mary Had a Little Lamb by Traditional.
Ethan Ling, Piano
Ethan Ling, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Rain on the Roof by J. Thompson.
Sean Wang, Piano
Sean Wang, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Ode to Joy by L.V. Beethoven.
Group Performance
Group Performance
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Hello Song 2. GoodBye Song.
Michael Leung, Piano
Michael Leung, Piano
Opus 1 Music Studio Summer Recital 2013 1. Fantasia in D minor, K. 397 by W.A. Mozart.
Reviews (26)
Write a Review
Jamie Huang
Jun 08, 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 it's in super convenient location. You can go shop or eat while your child/children in the lesson.
Kjersti McCombs Nelson
May 29, 2022
We have worked with Teacher Kiersten and Teacher Tram. They both have provided a very positive learning experience for my kids (both kids started at age 5). They are incredibly talented (teaching online and in-person). I've appreciated the emphasis they place on establishing good habits and proper technique. Most of all my kids look forward to piano lessons!
Nur Unlu
May 28, 2022
Kyle is an awesome teacher. He is so talented, kind, patient, friendly and communicative. We feel so lucky to have found such a wonderful teacher. My daughter looks forward to piano lessons! Highly recommended!
Yongzhi Chen
May 26, 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.
Sandy Sargis
May 18, 2022
We've had a great experience at Opus 1 in Mountain View. Teacher Christine has been great with my 8-year-old son. In a matter of months he has become a very good piano player (he had no previous experience). She is patient with him but requires him to try hard and make progress every week. I like that classes can be rescheduled if we have a conflict and finding an alternate time/location is usually very easy. I definitely recommend Opus 1.
Saya Zhang
May 09, 2022
Convenient location and flexible monthly subscription option. We can easily schedule make-up lessons if there is a conflict. They also offer Summer Hold for active members which is excellent for summer vacations. We're very lucky to have Miss Leah as our kids' piano teacher. She is professional, patient, very good at motivating kids and very supportive during piano recital. She also gives us a lot of detailed instruction for helping our kids practice at home. So highly recommended.
Pinar Donmez
May 09, 2022
My 6 year old daughter is taking private lessons with teacher Tram Dang at Opus 1 for about a year now. Teacher Tram is super patient, has lots of tricks to get the little ones excited and stay focused. My daughter always put piano at the top of her activities and it is thanks to the care and attention she receives from teacher Tram. We highly recommend her and Opus 1 to all!
Jeivitha Purushothaman
May 09, 2022
Ms. Natasha has shown exemplary support for my son's vocal classes! I highly recommend Opus1 music studio for kids aspirations to learn the art of music! We couldn't be much happier. Thank you very much, Ms. Natasha!
Annie Nguyen-Lin
Apr 30, 2022
My daughter was enrolled in two Opus 1 group music classes (My Little Mozart and My First Piano) and was very fortunate to have Ms. Yuri as her piano teacher for both courses. Ms. Yuri is an outstanding teacher and her teaching style is particularly suited for young learners. She is patient, kind, and responsive to her students. Within a few months, my daughter was able to play short melodies and participated in her first recital. I would highly recommend Opus 1 group music classes and Ms. Yuri in particular for beginning piano students.
Annie Kwan
Apr 12, 2022
Teacher Yuri is very nice and patient. She makes piano fun and customizes learning to the child. Progression is at a good pace. It has made piano practice at home doable for my son and myself. Yuri is also communicative and fills me in every lesson.
Yolanda L.
Sep 10, 2020
My daughters like this place and especially their piano teacher Dana. Opus 1 music studio is very well organized with professional teachers. Now they are consistently offering online classes which are great. It definitely a plus for the neighbor community. I strongly recommend it.
Andrew W.
Feb 13, 2020
I took voice lessons and made some great progress towards singing some quite difficult pieces that I was interested in. My instructor gave me lots of encouragement and advice so that I would know what to practice at home.
Robin V.
Feb 05, 2020
Opus 1 Music Studio, a family-owned and operated business, is so much what the culture of Silicon Valley needs! Both children & adults need a break from the demands of society that the SF Bay Area imposes upon them, as they try to compete and survive in this crazy area in which we live This music studio is a breath of fresh air, offering piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, & voice lessons (& group classes for the youngest) to people of all ages!

The teachers are phenomenal and come with an array of various professional backgrounds, and are the highest of quality as expressed in reviews as well as the smiles on the faces of students leave the studio. I'm new on staff, so I'm observing this with fresh eyes, as a parent, and ask somebody that loves to sing and values art in our culture today.

What I have seen, from the inside looking out, are people who care and have a hearts of compassion and a passion for bringing music into the lives of the people in the San Francisco Bay Area! As part of the subscription membership, student can participate in three recitals per year at NO COST. The school offers a very generous vacation-hold as families travel away over the summer & a quite generous cancellation/makeup policy, with no long-term contracts or commitment & sibling discounts. Also, if at any time the student wants to change teachers, days, times, or instrument, it's very very easy to do so and the staff are always willing to help and suggest adjustments that could make the student more satisfied!

The school has two locations currently: 1 in Mountain View +1 in Palo Alto near Mountain View. They are also opening up another Mountain View NEW LOCATION sometime in mid-2020! Opus 1 Music Studio is here to enrich the lives of the Silicon Valley people, and IT SHOWS with their dedication and passion for making music happen! I've only been part of the front desk staff for a very short while, but I am so glad to be a part of the Opus 1 family.

I welcome you to PLEASE come check out our facilities and schedule a TRIAL LESSON with any of our wonderful instructors for your music of choice. you will not be sorry you did. We will gladly welcome you also into our family.
Ligia C.
Jan 14, 2020
I was looking forward to trying a voice lesson today. Unfortunately my son suddenly got a 105 degrees fever and so I immediately emailed them to try and reschedule. I understand the no rescheduling policy unless given a 24 hour notice but emergencies happen. I would encourage anyone reading this to look elsewhere because of the lack of empathy with the customers. Thanks for reading.
Swati C.
Nov 24, 2019
Regressive and owner focused policies. There is absolutely no regard for customer service. I would have given them a -10 score if at all possible. All their policies are focused to serve the owner. 1. If you miss a class due to their error in sending schedule to incorrect email I'd they would still not give a make up class. 2. Their teachers can do a no show even on the day of class and you will have to suck it up and get a reschedule done.

However as a customer you need to give a proper notice for reschedule. 3. To add insult to injury, if their teacher is no show and you get a reschedule to a day but there is some emergency then they would not reschedule again. A make up class can't be rescheduled and it does not matter if the reason for makeup class is their teacher's own no show. 4.

Unlike other institutes which charge for a package of classes so you know the rate per class, opus charges monthly fee. Then they declare holidays in your days of classes with no make up class so you may end up paying $80/ class during some months. A good way to rip off your customers. 5. They schedule classes back to back obviously, to make more money so if the student in the class before you is asking questions during your time then your 5-10 mins out of the 30 hour class is gone.

The teacher will stop teaching exactly as your time ends irrespective when he/she starts. 6. Now if you want to leave them then it's again an exasperating process. They need 14 day notice before start of next month with withdrawal form so plan way advance to leave them and they would anyway get an extra months fee out of you before you are able to leave. In my 8 years in Bay Area this is the worst experience I had with in any classes ever. Run from them as fast as you can. Deeply dissatisfied and upset with them.
Kwame Y.
May 13, 2019
My two kids are at Opus 1. The first one for started 4 years when we used to leave in Mountain View. After we moved to Palo Alto, my second one asked me to do like the first who did incredible progress. I would like to say too, they are using a new software to manage the courses and online re-scheduling as never been so easy. It's better than any software I used until now for any of my kids activities. It's incredible what Opus 1 brought to the kids, it's the most amazing music school you can use. Now the first one start his own recital home. He learn how to focus, concentration and never give up. This has been so useful for his middle school. Thanks to all the team.
Garrett S.
Mar 07, 2019
High priced, glorified babysitting. The teachers are there to impress the *parents* to collect that parent money. They are not there to help you develop your potential. I sent in the video I'd prepared for the teacher. The staff said he'd received it. When I got there, he hadn't watched it. He talked a lot. I got a sense that he was intelligent, but he was not teaching me at all. It's a giveaway that this place is there to impress the parents by talking. Hey, bro, couldn't care less about your credentials and degree or whatever names you drop, etc.

Respect isn't earned that way. The first guy would not stop talking in paragraph after paragraph, even after I told him I was tired of listening to him talk and I wanted a lesson. He hadn't watched the video like they said he had, either. They then scheduled me with Antoinette who also did not watch the video I'd sent to her. She was unfamiliar with the tune, so she took lesson time to listen to it.

She had it in the wrong octave upon listening and expressed her ignorance with "all that screamy rock stuff sounds the same, " blaming her ignorance and incompetence on the music itself (yes, it's the music's fault you don't understand the music). Antoinette also carried on about herself. I asked for a refund and they refused. I think that speaks for their intentions, level of professionalism, and commitment to excellence and education. Absolute waste of time and space. Here is where you can find glorified babysitting; a drop-off after school area for when your kids are done with their compulsory schooling.
Erik E.
Nov 18, 2018
Our daughter has been taking piano lessons at Opus 1 for 7 years. She loves her teacher, Mona, for developing her skills and confidence while always being patient, encouraging, and kind. Mona explains everything clearly and really helps students understand the nuances and artistry of the pieces they're learning. She teaches a diverse repertoire yet encourages students to focus on music they love. Opus 1 is run very professionally.

The staff and administrators are friendly and helpful, and the facilities are nice. Also, the recitals are well organized. And they're filmed and photographed for you, so you can sit back and enjoy the performances.
Jieun C.
May 09, 2018
We've been attending Opus 1 for about four years now. I have a daughter (age 12) and son (age 9) who both play the piano with Tyler. What I like about the studio is that there are substitutes when the teachers can't make it, and that you can reschedule lessons as needed. As a busy family with lots of after-school commitments, we find that having a studio that is somewhat flexible in rescheduling when there are conflicts is very helpful.

And speaking of helpful, the staff is very capable of handling these schedule changes. Mei is especially great at helping me reschedule my kids' appointments in a quick and professional manner. She is also very easy to talk to and personable, which is a plus when you're sitting in the studio for over an hour waiting for your kids.
Shannon G.
Sep 21, 2017
My three daughters have been taking piano lessons from Mona at Opus 1 for over a year, and I'm very happy with her. They are all enjoying their lessons and making quick progress. Mona makes sure they are learning the fundamentals, and adapts her style to their abilities and interests. I definitely recommend her!
Joshua Wang
Aug 10, 2017
My daughter started lessons a couple months ago and came home from lesson and goes straight to piano to practice. Very proud. Good school and teacher.
Janet Yejee B.
May 02, 2017
We've been with opus 1 for beginning piano for about a year. First we had teacher Kate and then Christine. Both nice and great beginning teachers. We had to quit a couple mos for personal reasons. We switched teachers around because my daughter didn't seem to connect with piano and I didn't want to waste all that money (it's very pricey for personal piano lessons!).

Finally we went back and the staff suggested Vivian and we love her! She's sweet and according to my 7yo "sometimes funny" (which you definitely need as a beginning teacher). My daughter is still young and I want her to enjoy piano and Teacher Vivian provided fun and engaging lessons for my daughter as I saw her visibly enjoy piano. Thank you teacher Vivian and opus 1!
Callia T.
Nov 14, 2015
I have been taking piano lessons with Doris for ten years, and recently just completed my ABRSM level 8 exam. Doris is extremely patient, and knows exactly what exercise I should do to help me improve my piano playing. She loves music, and is very knowledgeable about every aspect of music, and how to score well on exams. She explains things very clearly. The front desk people are also very friendly.
Jason C.
Jul 27, 2015
My 9 years old daughter and I have been taking piano and violin lessons at Opus 1 for over a year now and we couldn't be more pleased! We study Piano with teacher Doris, Violin with Richard and Theory with Celeste. Opus 1 facilities are great, the staff is friendly and the music lessons are fantastic. My daughter not only passed ABRSM theory Grade 5 with Merit, and CM exam piano level 7, but also won the American Protege Competition and will be performing at Carnegie Hall in New York this November. I would highly recommend Opus 1 Music Studio to aspiring musicians of any age and level!
Bart D.
Nov 18, 2014
I took beginner piano lessons with Marc at Opus 1 (first in Mountain View, most recently at this nice new Palo Alto location) for the last ten months. I was a complete beginner, adult student. I really enjoy this academy: Doris and the staff & instructors are all really nice & friendly, and my teacher Marc really loved music and was thinking about how to best meet my needs.

For example on several occasions he brought pieces of music that he thought I would enjoy. Also: the new Palo Alto facility is very nice, great location, fun buildout, nice equipment & studio rooms. Highly recommend for parents and adult students alike!
Lilian T.
Sep 10, 2014
Great new addition to their mountain view location. Friendly and professional staff and teachers. My first pick place to send kids after school, where they will actually enjoy spending their time. instead of stressing them out at SAT-prep classes.