About Opus

Welcome!

Opus Ithaca School of Music is a non-profit music school located in the lower level of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, at the corner of Court and Aurora Streets in downtown Ithaca, NY.  At Opus Ithaca, we strive to create a positive environment for students of all ages and abilities to study and appreciate great music. We believe communities are strengthened through music, and we want to provide quality music education for all those who wish to learn.

Founded in 2011 by Dr. Andrea Merrill, Opus Ithaca has grown into a vital institution in Ithaca, serving over 500 active students each week. The school provides private lessons for all ages and levels in various instruments and voice, as well as a multitude of chamber ensembles, musicianship classes, and the Odyssey Choir. Our wonderful space has 13 large rooms with 10 grand pianos, a harpsichord, a pipe organ, several upright pianos, many electric keyboards and percussion equipment. We are a 100% music school, focusing on both individual and group music making. 

Our overall vision consists of a multi-dimensional approach of music education for the community, with our various musical offerings enhancing private study of an instrument and building community. The Opus Ithaca faculty are all professional performers, highly educated in music, and experienced teachers. Throughout the year, we offer group classes to all enrolled students focusing on different elements of musicianship. To ensure that our musical offerings can be made possible for all, Opus Ithaca has received funding for scholarships and general operating support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Triad Foundation, as well as private donors. Opus is committed to ensuring that all students can afford lessons and classes at our school.  The scholarship fund has more than quadrupled in the past 4 years, with more families receiving aid this year than ever before. For more information about our scholarship fund, please email info@opusithaca.org. Donations are always welcome!

Performance opportunities are available throughout the year at Opus Ithaca. We hold as many as 20 optional recitals for our students in our own beautiful space at the end of each semester. We also enjoy our annual Halloween theme concerts, jazz jams and chamber music events, where kids and adults share their music with our whole community. Our annual Opus Piano Fest in April provides another goal-oriented adjudication experience for our piano students.

We want our impact to extend past the walls of the school. Our faculty has given masterclasses and performances in various public schools, and performs together regularly in free public concerts. We believe by working together we can help build a stronger community in Ithaca.

Several times a term, students are also invited to perform at various retirement communities in Ithaca. Our chamber groups have performed in middle and high school concerts, Cornell University celebrations, Cayuga Chamber Orchestra gatherings, Porchfest, as well as at the Ithaca Festival each summer with our Odyssey Choir. Each time we play together we are making long-lasting memories.

Music offers so much to each and every person. As individuals we gain confidence, build a sense of discipline and accomplishment, and create beauty every time we practice or perform.

And most importantly, music is fun.

Smiles are abundant at Opus Ithaca!