Rated 4.96 / 5 from 27 reviews
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Orpheus Academy of Music Orpheus Academy of Music is a classical music academy in Northwest Austin that provides a musical learning environment that is nurturing and professional with the highest artistic standards. We offer lessons on guitar, piano, violin and voice tailored to the needs of each student. In addition to their private lessons, students attend a group musicianship/theory class each week that is fun and ensures they are developing into well-rounded musicians.

A wide variety of performance experiences each year help our students become confident performers while maintaining a high level of motivation to practice each day. Our teachers are highly qualified with many years of experience, advanced degrees and a student centered approach. The Musical Journey Creative Achievement System allows students to set and achieve ambitious goals for themselves each year.
Highlights and features
  • Music Theory, Guitar, Percussion, Viola, Bassoon, Piano, Violin, Voice, Drums
Services
Guitar Lessons
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Guitar Lessons Our Guitar Students all learn to read music, play chords, play with great technique and make music with their friends. Through a combination of private guitar lessons and group Music Theory or Musicianship Classes, students grow as complete musicians, not just someone who can play a few songs. The skills and experiences they receive at Orpheus will provide them with a lifetime of musical enjoyment - not to mention the tremendous benefits to their development of discipline, life-skills, friendships and brain development.
Piano Lessons
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Piano Lessons Our piano lessons follow a Sound-to-Symbol approach wherein the students learn to sing and move to the music first and then add note reading skills. All students, ages 4-16, take a combination of group and private lessons which provides them with a well-rounded musical education. This approach not only ensures excellent piano technique and great sight-reading skills, but students also find it to be a joyful experience.
Videos
Dotted Quarter
Dotted Quarter
Musicianship and Music Theory Video for Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice and Percussion Students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Hexachord Ear Training Video
Hexachord Ear Training Video
Music Theory and Musicianship Video for Guitar, Piano, Voice, Violin and Percussion Students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
16th note video number 3
16th note video number 3
Musicianship and Music Theory lesson for Piano, Guitar, Violin, Voice and Percussion students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Half Note Video 1
Half Note Video 1
Musicianship and Music Theory Video for Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice and Percussion Students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Pentatonic Video
Pentatonic Video
Musicianship and Music Theory Video for Guitar, Piano, Violin, Voice and Percussion Students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Re and Rest Video
Re and Rest Video
Musicianship and music theory video for guitar, violin, piano, percussion and voice students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Do Video
Do Video
Musicianship and music theory video for guitar, violin, piano, percussion and voice students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
La Video
La Video
Musicianship and music theory video for guitar, violin, piano, percussion and voice students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
So Mi Video
So Mi Video
Musicianship and music theory video for guitar, violin, piano, percussion and voice students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Half Note Video
Half Note Video
Musicianship and music theory video for guitar, violin, piano, percussion and voice students at Orpheus Academy of Music.
Reviews (27)
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David Foster, Adult Student
Aug 10, 2022
I can't thank you enough for inviting me to the adult performance party. It wasn't until I was around others struggling with their own mastery that I realized for the first time that I wasn't alone-I actually felt like a musician instead of feeling like a pretender who "plays at the guitar". I left feeling exhilarated and couldn't sleep for several hours afterward. I wanted to practice, to become really better.
Sekhar Gangidi, Father Of Akhil
Aug 10, 2022
Orpheus Academy has great program that caters to young minds. The instructors are very professional and friendly. We feel that it is has been an enriching & rewarding experience for our child.
Craig Miller
Jul 26, 2021
Wyatt Turner was terrific. I studied Classical Guitar in my teens and am now 57. I wanted to return to the guitar as a hobby. Life happens though and I need to save up for a surgery my wife needs, so my lessons have to take a back seat for a while. Wyatt was highly qualified and was more prepared for each of my lessons than I myself was. He had a plan.

He did not "wing it." I was very impressed and learned a lot in the short time I was able to take lessons with Orpheus. I hope to return when my financial situation improves. Thanks!
Andy Fogarasi
Jan 22, 2021
We are very happy with Jae Eun, our daughter's piano teacher! After two years of lessons, Leah plays many songs passionately. Orpheus does a great job supporting their teaching staff and administering the details.
Susan Fogarasi
Dec 15, 2020
The approach to learning music theory and composition as opposed to just learning the notes is what sets Orpheus apart. It works so well to create better musicians. I absolutely love our daughter's teacher, Jae Eun Baek. She is fabulous. I think Leah's progress and interest in music has been greatly influenced for the best due to her teaching.
Chantel Soirez
Jun 24, 2020
We love Orpheus! Your staff is very gracious and helpful. Your instructors are patient, knowledgeable, friendly, encouraging and thorough. It is very easy to make adjustments to our schedule if something comes up. And, there are lots of extra-curricular programs for my daughter to continue and build-on her music skills and comprehension.
Diane Nason
Jan 01, 2020
We feel so fortunate to have our children enrolled in guitar and piano lessons at Orpheus. Particularly during a time that we are at home and are doing zoom lessons. My children have felt connected with their teachers and have been able to enjoy their lessons and progress with their instruments. My daughter has even learned to tune her guitar on her own with special help from her teacher. We are grateful for Orpheus's easy transition to enriching instruction through zoom lessons.
The M.
Nov 26, 2019
I am an old guy student of the guitar. The majority of students at this school are very young folks by my observation. If you are a person who has been a fair weather player like myself then you may want to try this place out. I had been on a 10 year hiatus and decided to find a new way forward. I registered for guitar lessons and was placed with a person who really works to understand his students or their guardian's expectations.

I have had many many teachers thru my life. By far I have made the fastest progress working with my assigned instructor. He really works to connect with his students. If you are an older player like me and are open to changing old bad habits then you may want to consider Orpheus. I am in my 50s but don't have a closed mind. My instructor corrected some of my old bad habits and a new horizon was opened to me. The curriculum at Orpheus is academic but will produce results consistent with your investment. That is all. Good playing!
Vivek R.
Jan 14, 2019
Fantastic curriculum and excellent faculty makes Orpheus a wonderful center for music learning
Aruna Lakshmanan
Jan 10, 2018
My son has been going to Orpheus for a year now and his music had improved tremendously. The teachers and the staff are very friendly and are easy to approach for any kind of issues. Apart from the regular private lessons the group classes make music learning a fun experience. Also the practice charts motivate the kids to practice everyday!
Sirsha C.
Oct 29, 2017
We love the philosophy of the academy and we love our piano teacher Ms Georgia who has infinite patience for a loquacious 4 year old who thinks he knows everything. Most importantly we love that the academy teaches not just music but the love of music.
Shelby G.
Jul 29, 2017
We LOVE LOVE LOVE Layla! She's smart, encouraging, empathetic, flexible, kind, funny and an all around great teacher.
Parker A.
May 30, 2016
These guys/gals are literally the best folks to work with you will encounter anywhere. I've studied music at interlochen, brevard in NC and all over little studios in Texas and I can promise that all the teachers here provide excellent, holistic instruction that will grow you in every sense musically and personally! 5 stars. I am loving voice lessons with Elise she is so great! And pumped to start piano with Bernie!
Nisha R.
Jan 19, 2016
Well done to engage young kids. I was a little bit nervous about putting my 7 year old in music lessons, and was really pleased with our inital experience (so far) with Orpheus. The group lessons were really age appropriate and fun. The private lesson instructor was great at translating technical goals (e.g., proper grip) in a way that was clear and enjoyable for a 7 year old (stickers!). Focus on quality and engagement at the right level was perfect.
Fellix G.
Jul 18, 2015
Every aspect of Orpheus is aimed at providing the highest quality of music education to every student. The teachers are of a caliber rarely found at other schools, as well as the attention to detail in administration. I am proud that my son gets to begin his musical journey here and I am excited to spend many years as part of this amazing community.
Amy M.
Jul 17, 2015
My son is 4 and is playing the guitar. Who would have thought? Granted, he's 4 and I realize there may be some negativity starting a child so young, but Orpheus offers a free first evaluation of potential students and had that not been such a success we would have waited. My son absolutely adores his weekly sessions with Mr. Jesse and he is developing some life long skills and appreciation for studying music. Orpheus's program is legit. It's grounded in a unique methodology and the teachers enjoy their work and their influence over their students.

Very impressed! My only concern with enrolling him weekly was the request to also have him participate in a weekly musicianship class. Two times a week was too much for us to commit at this age and worked with us on creating a path that we could support for our son. While we will begin the classes, we are waiting until Fall to start.
Kristin S.
Mar 29, 2015
My 5yo goes to the Kinder Theory class and loves it. Very professional staff. They are great with kids and superb musicians.
Shinta S.
Mar 12, 2015
My oldest has been going to Orpheus for her piano and music lessons since 2012. In 2014, I got my youngest to go as well. I especially like Orpheus philosophy that learning a music instrument needs to be backed by a strong theory. When I was growing up, my piano teacher taught me to play piano, but never taught me music theory. I feel I'm missing some music foundation.

I think my kids will have a richer musical life knowing a decent amount of music theory. I like the fact that we spend approximately equal amount of time on theory (in a group) and on instrument lesson (individually). Another aspect I like about Orpheus is the opportunities to collaborate amongst students. Orpheus' annual Friendship Concert where multiple kids collaborate to perform a duet or triplet is just about my favorite event of the year.
Tina Prentice
Jan 27, 2015
Orpheus Music Academy has highly skilled instructors who infuse lots of fun and warmth for each child into their classes. My 4 year-old son takes group music and private piano. He looks forward to both each week. He's never taken any formal music lessons until now and he's grown so much in his musical ability this past year - all thanks to both Ms. Wendy and Ms. Christine. I can't say enough wonderful things about Orpheus!
Somy H.
Mar 20, 2014
The Orpheus Academy of Music is top notch. I feel like I find a pearl among music schools that has excellent teachers as well as philosophy of music education. Materials are well organized based on their long-term teaching experience. Teachers are high quality and they know exactly how to handle each student to develop their own ability. My daughter, Kindergartner, has been doing so well learning Kodaly method on piano.

It seems like playing piano is a little slow in short-term with this approach. But I believe that their approach builds strong basis on music. We love every single lesson with Ms. Wendy & Mr. Klondike. I highly recommend the Orpheus Academy of Music.
Falguni Jariwala
Dec 16, 2013
My son has been taking guitar lessons and theory class at the Orpheus Academy of Music for past 4 years and I can not recommend a better place to learn and appreciate music. The facility is clean and very well maintained. The staff is very friendly and exhibit a great amount of professionalism all the while keeping the learning fun and the pressure low-key.

Above all, what keeps us at Orpheus are two things that I consider very important: One, the diversity and appreciation of all kinds of music that they teach and are open to teaching. Second, the various group performances held every month and the concerts that they hold which keeps my son motivated to learn and enjoy music, and at the same time work towards a goal. The participation in these are optional but it really helps set a goal.
Sean H.
Mar 25, 2013
Excellent! Their voice teacher, Elise, worked with me on my priorities. As an adult taking music lessons, I wanted to focus on the kind of music I like -- not on the classical track (which is what I'd gotten forced down as a kid taking violin lessons). Elise worked with me on my priorities and I made good progress in a short time. The owners, Wendy and Klondike, are friendly and highly committed to their students' success.

When I was in last week, I bumped into Klondike and he showed me a new teaching tool he'd been working on to help kids understand a little music theory, but in a way that would be non-academic and easy for them to visualize. Its a beautiful setting. It's not easy to make a strip mall site calm, peaceful, and inviting, but they've done it.

I think I breathe a little easier whenever I'm in Orpheus. Very helpful on scheduling. I had something come up just a couple of hours before a lesson. I called up to cancel just because its the right thing to do, fully expecting that I would be on the hook for the lesson (like they do in a doctors office if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice).

I didn't even ask. To my great surprise, I was told that it was no problem, I could reschedule, and wouldn't be charged for the lesson. They explained that many of their students are kids and that this sort of thing happens all the time, they weren't going to hold one cancellation against me.
Lori Magruder
Nov 29, 2012
Orpheus Academy is a wonderful comprehensive musical program! I think they have the perfect combination of instruction for theory and performance. They also provide such a unique music culture for the kids with faculty concerts and other community opportunities. My son is in his third year and my daughter has just started piano. I'm utterly amazed at the pace and progress from week to week. I give Orpheus Academy my highest recommendation.
Greg G.
Oct 15, 2012
Very impressed with Orpheus Academy on several levels. As a musician, I know the value and enrichment that music brings to my life. I especially want my children to be exposed to the benefits of music, even if they never become musicians. The program that Klondike and Orpheus Academy instills is all encompassing. It not only focuses on the individual's practice on their given instrument, but also covers music from a holistic standpoint.

Music is more than just the individual excelling at their instrument and Orpheus stresses the importance of working with others to create music in a group setting. I highly recommend Orpheus Academy for a complete musical education for your child.
M. K.
Apr 26, 2012
Orpheus is fantastic! I can't say enough great things about this academy. My kids took piano lessons and musicianship here for six years. All of my kids' instructors have been of the highest caliber, all with advanced musical education. Each instructor is committed not only to high-quality musical education but also to kindness and fun! The group musicianship classes that are included in the tuition take the students' learning to a very advanced level. Academy owners Wendy and Klondike are responsive to students' and parents' needs and make constant improvements based on family feedback as well as their own extensive experience. You will not find a better value or better quality musical instruction.
A. H.
Mar 31, 2012
Our 8 year old daughter took a semester of piano class at Capitol Music Center before we switched her to Orpheus. While she was happy at Capitol Music, we felt that we want her to go some place that is a little more rigorous. At Orpheus, the program includes a music theory class in addition to the piano class. There is frequently a music theory homework, which involves doing some exercise with a youtube video. We're very happy with the progress that she has made so far and are looking forward to her first home concert.
Tom M.
Jun 08, 2008
Our family has been with Orpheus Academy for about two years now. We have an elementary student and a middle-school student, but Orpheus also does Kindermusik (tm) for the toddlers-bopping-and-dancing set, and music lessons for adults of all abilities, from beginner to someone who's ready to play the local coffeehouse circuit and beyond. Instruments available are guitar, piano, violin, viola, cello, flute, and voice.

The commitment to music is shown by owners Klondike Steadman and Wendy Kuo, who only hire instructors with advanced degrees. Chances are your instructor will either already have a PhD in music, or be in the process of pursuing it. Because of weekly lesson rescheduling over the past few years, I can say that EVERY instructor at Orpheus is wonderful with our kids, as well as being accomplished musicians and good teachers.

These are three very different skills, and when you can find someone who can do all of this, you keep them. Orpheus Academy has a number of value-add features that we love. Students get a weekly individual lesson on their instrument, but they also attend a 30-minute theory class with students in their own age group and ability. Performance classes are offered, to give pointers about how to handle yourself, your instrument, and your work on stage and in front of an audience. Opportunities are given for students to join with others in performing chamber pieces or duets, which instills the benefits of playing with a group. Scheduling is available online, so you don't have to chase your teacher around to find out when to reschedule: You can see what they have available at all times, and just click the slot you want. We will recommend Orpheus exclusively to ANYONE who is looking for a classical music experience, from an organization that truly wants the joy of music passed on to others.