Welcome to Opus 118

We are a nonprofit community music school serving the students of the Harlem area by providing low-cost, high-quality instruction in violin, viola, cello, guitar, and piano, while partnering with local organizations to promote education and arts appreciation throughout New York City. Understanding that great musicians come from a variety of backgrounds, we accept all students regardless of age, financial situation, or previous musical experience. Our goal is to transform the lives of our students and we do this with a faculty of dedicated, talented musicians who help students be their very best—both on stage and in life.

Since 1991, Opus 118 has received many honors, and this year has been our most exciting year yet!

Despite economic challenges, Opus118 students have once again exceeded expectations, earned national attention, and delivered an impressive performance season filled with community recognition. Last June our students opened for the New York Philharmonic’s Concert in Central Park before an audience of over 16,000. In January our students were featured on CBS, FOX, and NBC Nightly News leading up to their performance in honor of President Barack Obama at the Children’s Inaugural Ball in Washington, DC. In February, Opus 118 received a Proclamation from The New York City Council honoring our service to the community; and our violinists performed at Lincoln Center with Mark O’Connor.

Aside from all the attention, students didn’t miss an opportunity to give free performances in their own neighborhoods, including a special Holiday Music Hour at Opus 118’s performance hall. And most exciting is that all three eighth graders in our Performance Ensemble were accepted to Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Congratulations! We couldn’t be more pleased.

Everyone here at Opus 118 is looking forward to another school year filled with big dreams and hope for the future. If you are interested in learning more about us and our programs, please feel free to contact us.