Opus 1 Music Studio

Oops, looks like my review is a little outdated. Their website now states 5 and above for private lessons. Our trial was in summer of 2013, with Fan. In any case, just remember to speak with the music teachers for private lessons to make sure they are a good fit for your child! Maybe we will try a group music class for our younger two.

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 Protégé 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!

My son and daughter are both taking Piano lessons with teacher Mark. He comes to our house in the evening for the lessons and the experience has been wonderful. He is a very caring, calm and dedicated teacher. His ability to adapt his teaching style to each of my children has been key in making these sessions a success.
He knows how to motivate both of them and find pieces that will be fun/​interesting for them. He also teaches a good balance of music theory, technique and musicality.
I can’t comment to the other teachers but if you are looking for a great teacher for your kids, I would definitely consider teacher Mark.

My son attended piano lessons here about 6 months, he began with one instructor and then was given a different one because of their scheduling necessities. I was disappointed with the lessons here because they were expensive and he didn’t learn a thing!
…
Doris,
So weird I am not found in the customer records because I still get emails from opus. I am not interested anymore but thank you for the reply.

My 7-​year old daughter is taking voice lessons at Opus 1. As an accomplished pianist and a piano instructor of over 15 years, I am very particular and cautious in my selection of music school and teachers for my children. I am happy with Opus 1 for several reasons:
1) The quality music learning my daughter receives–
The teachers at Opus 1 are highly qualified with Bachelors, Masters or/​and Doctoral degrees, and many years of experience. My daughter’s teacher provides encouraging feedback and know how to best motivate my daughter, catering to her personality and needs. I also appreciate that my daughter’s teacher communicates with my daughter in a respectful and mature manner, setting a good behavioral example for my child. Honestly, parents who understand the importance of quality learning are more than willing to pay for skilled instructors.
2) The professionalism with the studio policies, tuition and communication–
All the information about studio policies, fees and online registration are easily accessible on their website, which is not common for many other music studios. Most music schools I’ve researched do not reveal their tuition rates. As for communication, it is helpful that we receive email reminders on weekly lessons and on make-​up lessons.
3) The flexibility with trial and make-​up lessons–
i) It is a rare advantage to have the option to schedule full trial lessons with different teachers to get a sense of a good match before committing to a permanent instructor. The opportunity to see how our children interact with the teacher for a full session is vital in providing a clear idea of whether they work well together. One could not possibly draw conclusions on the depth of a teacher’s abilities from only a few minutes of observing the teacher’s teaching style, unless you yourself are a high caliber, experienced musician or instructor. Even so, every student requires different approach thus a subjective and limited perspective from a short observation does not project an accurate evaluation of how our children would respond to the teacher’s instruction. Besides, from a music instructor’s point of view, it is only fair that Opus 1 protects their current students and teachers from distraction by unfamiliar people observing their lessons. As a parent, I wouldn’t want a stranger watching my daughter during her lesson, affecting her concentration on learning.
ii) Another advantage I value very much is the make-​up lesson with 24-​hour notice policy. I feel this option offers a fair treatment to both the student/​families as well as the teachers — families don’t have to worry about losing the cost of missed lessons while teachers could plan ahead when given advance notice of absences. Being a musician and an instructor, I cannot emphasize enough how much musicians and instructors appreciate the respect from students and families for our time and service. This privilege should not be taken for granted. In addition, the possibility of having lessons with a substitute teacher when necessary gives students the chance to experience different methods and styles of singing/​playing and teaching, which is much encouraged and a common practice in higher-​education!
4) Performance opportunities–
My daughter recently performed at the studio’s spring recital and had the most wonderful experience. It was fulfilling to see my daughter’s progress from her achievement through earnest practice. I also appreciate the high quality medal presented to every student as a reward for their participation and hard work. My daughter couldn’t stop smiling about her ‘first medal’ and it helped reinforced her understanding of accomplishment as a result of her diligence. The recital was well-​organized with many thoughtful details such as the venue, a well-​tuned piano, teachers’ presence to support their students, staff support with getting the students in place, preparation of stage equipment for each student, monitoring the door to minimize disruption, welcoming introductions, time management of recital sessions (1.5 hours each session) for students and families’ convenience — all contributed to a positive experience for students and their families. We certainly look forward to the summer recital in June!
5) Exam opportunities–
My daughter is beginning her preparation for her first ABRSM (The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music) examination. It is an esteemed and internationally-​known exam delivering reliable assessments of students’ progress and performance that enhances students’ music education and development. My daughter is enthusiastic about dedicating her best effort towards the preparation of her exam.
With all the reasons above, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND OPUS 1!

WAY TOO OVERPRICED and ridiculous attitude!
Compared to other reputable music schools such as CSMA in Mt. View, this little place is sooo overpriced! A class for young kids costs exactly TWICE as much as CSMA. Even though the Opus class is 10 minutes shorter. Melody Music, Veklser much cheaper too and I have had great experiences in these other schools. I asked the lady on the phone why are they pricey and she gave some vague answers about their teachers being accredited/​trained or something. Really?
Then I asked her if I could pop in for 5 minutes to check out a class before I sign up. She said «No, I could only see from the window! WTH? I said I would come without my kid and just quietly observe from the back. Again, the answer was NO! I asked why. The lady said «it is not fair to other parents.» I asked what do you mean? She said «because class already started two weeks ago and those parents are already in there.» And I said, «so you mean there is no room in there for another person in the back? And she said yes, that is right. Ummm… okay…
I guess they don’t want new students! Too bad, we would have take a lot of classes here as my kid loves music IF ONLY they had allowed me to pop in for 5 minutes. Great business practice.
Thanks, but NO Thanks!
— TWICE as expensive as other places.
— They have a regular fee and on top they tack on a HUGE reg fee AND a materials fee.
— Small, crowded studio
— No customer service
— By their own admission, classes are so packed, that they can’t even fit one more body in the room!

We liked Teach Marco a lot. He is definitely good with young kids.
But the studio has really rigid rules such as must attend 8 classes per month to maintain your status as active. Otherwise you’d re-​register and pay the fee again. Recently they raised registration fee. I just got a feeling they are too much after money. I mean, who isn’t ?! But there’s just a balance which I feel the owner is unbalanced. Why should someone take a 5 week break pay you re-​registration fee?
Wish they are just a bit more «¨user friendly»

Well after filing a complaint w/​the BBB I was AGAIN denied by the Opus owner and told they followed their policy perfectly and of course, they find no fault with Mei the sales person despite the fact she clearly stated I could cancel the trial lesson 24 h prior BUT failed to mention they wouldn’t refund the cost. I can honestly say now that they are totally dishonest beyond a reasonable doubt. I don’t understand how any business could be comfortable taking a parent’s hard earned money and not provide a service; even worse to force us to use their service even when we don’t want to??? Hence the downgrade from 2 to 1 star. Regarding the complaint with the BBB I wanted to provide the case # to anyone interested, please note they’re still deciding the issue, in addition I’m not sure how much influence they really have… at least it’s on record: BBB CASE#: 386 464. I also filed for a refund with my bank and have not heard back from them yet. No surprise there. I should probably file a BBB complaint against them too for their horrible service and outrageous fees! :) I hate to feel so sour with the Holidays at hand but I know I have to do what I have to. Good luck to my fellow parents out there, be sharp (unlike me in this case) and let’s stick together as best we can. We all work hard for our money and dishonest businesses like Opus1 should not be rewarded with our patronage.

I was taking private piano lessons for almost 2 years (from 2010 – 2012.) The owners and administration staff were absolutely great to work with. But the problem was with their very high turnover rate in piano teachers, over the 2-​year period, I had at least 4 teachers without counting numerous substitutes. The teachers didn’t take any notes to pass to the new teachers/​substitutes. Frequently I got conflicted suggestions for the same place in a piece. For $ 40/​per half hour (at that time, $ 45 now), I don’t think it’s professional to do this to their students. Now I have changed to another teacher who teaches from her home studio, she is absolutely great and I feel I can totally build relationship with her and enjoy her teaching many years to come.

We LOVE the Music for Young Children program here taught by Teacher Irina. I’ve heard the the owner, Doris, is also an amazing teacher. We had another woman for a MYC course here who was not as terrific, but overall, wow. We tried piano lessons at several places and this is the only program that kept my daughter’s interest. The kids play the piano then sing then put stickers on a sheet, then dance around and all the while they are learning a ton about music – reading it, theory, and playing the piano. As the owner, Doris, said, the program is spunky enough that kids never get bored in class – which is a revelation to me. As a kid I thought that piano HAD to be boring. :)
In any case, my daughter loves the piano and I owe Opus 1 a lot of thanks for that!

I am writing this because I use to work for Opus 1 Music Studio and I had a good time and a good learning experience with Opus1 staffs. The reason why I left Opus1 is because the everyday commute was just too far for me. However, I want to write this review because I want to thank Opus1 for giving me the opportunity to work there before and getting to know great people like them.
This place is truly great and very warm welcoming for kids and adults or for all ages! They have many different lessons to choose from and they are pretty flexible in scheduling. All the teachers are super nice, talented and professional music teachers. Although, I never got a chance to learn any instruments, i did get to know the teachers. They were always good at encouraging kids and always providing positive attitudes towards their own students. I found it very important that the teachers were able to make their students become better musicians.
I really hope Opus1 will become successful every year! I wish the best of luck to all of them!

My son has been doing guitar here for quite a while now and is really doing well. His teacher is Vince and he is exceptional. Patient, encouraging, knowledgable but also makes sure Levi stays on top of his practicing and improving. We are very happy with this studio and location and the mini recitals that are optional as well. :)

My son has been doin so well in guitar since he started. His instructor is patient and encouraging and knows his stuff!

My niece has been taken piano lessons for the last 9 months. She really likes her teacher, and enjoys her lessons. She told me that her teacher is very strict but fun. She seems improved a lot.

My 2 boys (7 yo and 10 yo) started taking piano lessons here 3 months ago. We are very happy with their progress so far. Teacher Tara has been very patient and kept them focused on learning while at the same time making it an enjoyable experience. The boys are really having fun with it.

Our daughter who is seven now has been going to Opus for piano classes for awhile now, and she’s enjoying it more every day. Doris has been very patient with her thru ups and downs. Thanks !

My 7 year old son has been taking piano lessons from Opus 1 for more than a year. They have a good program that is understanding of where each child is at and teaches the fundamentals. They can adjust to the interest and ability of the child. That is good. Recommend you try it out.

My daughter (6yo) is taking piano lessons from Doris. She is really enjoying the lessons and has learned quite a bit. She is learning theory and the key fundamentals of piano. Doris is patient, helpful, and a great teacher. We can’t recommend her enough.

My daughter Halle is taking piano classes here and we are very pleased with their professionalism. The price also seems fair. She attends once per week for a half hour. The lesson book is included in the tuition.

I have been taking piano music lessons with Doris at Opus One music studio, in Mountain View for the last few months. The lessons are great and Opus One service has always been outstanding!