Application & Tuition information
Admission to Opus 1 Chamber Music and/or Preparatory Program requires a video audition submission. This audition will be used to assess the student’s skill level and personality. For Chamber Music ensembles, a secondary or “seating” audition will not be held. Please be sure video recordings represent the student's highest quality playing.
*NOTE: All Opus 1 actives occur on Saturdays at Chapelwood United Methodist Church (11140 Greenbay St. Houston, TX 77024).
2026-2027 Application Deadlines:
Chamber Music Programs (youth and adult):
Available for full year and per-trimester applications. Application dates are as follows:
August 1, 2026 - Fall Trimester and Full Year Application Deadline
October 17, 2026 - Winter Trimester Application Deadline
January 23, 2027 - Spring Trimester Application Deadline
Preparatory Program:
Available for full year and per-semester applications. Application dates are as follows:
August 1, 2026 - Full Year Application Deadline
November 21, 2026 - Spring Semester Application Deadline
Chamber Music & Preparatory Program Bundle:
Available for full year and per-trimester/semester application. Applicants may apply for both programs simultaneously. Please note that in order to apply for both programs mid-year, your application must meet both application deadlines. Those who apply for the full year are eligible for a discounted tuition bundle (see tuition for more information).
Application guidelines
All applicants are required to submit:
Two unedited videos of contrasting pieces that showcase your best playing. Each video should be uploaded separately. (5 to 10 minutes total)
A 2-3 minute unedited video where you tell us about yourself. Why are you interested in Opus 1? What are your other musical interests? What are your interests outside music? We want to get to know you!
A letter of recommendation from your private teacher. Once you have submitted your application, we will send your teacher a Teacher Recommendation Form. Please note, your application will not be complete until your teacher has submitted their recommendation.
Chamber Applicants ONLY:
An additional, unedited video of you performing three rhythm excerpts found HERE. Please choose between Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 (Level 3 being the most difficult) and perform the three excerpts contained within that level. Instructions for doing so are included. We recommend choosing the most difficult excerpts you can perform confidently and accurately. Accuracy and fluency will play a part in acceptance and placement into an appropriate chamber group.
For audition and introduction videos:
These will be submitted as YouTube links. Make sure to select “UNLISTED” under “Visibility” if you want us to be the only ones able to view them. Please introduce yourself and the piece you’re about to play at the beginning of both playing videos. Your entire torso, bow, and instrument must be visible in the frame at all times. Obtain the highest possible audio quality. Record in a space with as little ambient noise as possible.
*Chamber Music Applicants: If you would like to apply as part of a pre-formed ensemble, please have each individual fill out an application. For the question, “please include anything else that you may want to tell us,” name the other members of your group.
Tuition
Chamber Music Program and Adult Chamber Music Program
$980 - Full Year Enrollment
$410 - Per-Trimester Enrollment
Opus 1 Preparatory Program
$2,500 - Full Year Enrollment
$1,250 - Per Semester Enrollment
Chamber Music and Preparatory Program Bundle
The tuition bundle is only available for those who apply for the full year. Partial year applicants will be charged the per-trimester chamber tuition rate ($410) and the per semester prep tuition rate ($1,250).
$3,180 - Tuition Bundle (only available for full year enrollment)
$410 Per Chamber Trimester Enrollment + $1,250 Per Prep Semester Enrollment
Financial Aid
Opus 1 offers financial assistance to families based on need. Our scholarship packages range between 20% - 100% tuition assistance. We also offer a few instrument scholarships, which cover 100% tuition and supply a professional-level instrument or bow to the selected student during the time in Opus 1. If you apply for an instrument scholarship and are not awarded, you will still be eligible to receive need-based aid.
If you are interested in financial aid, you will have the opportunity to complete the financial aid portion of the application after submitting your videos. Please be prepared to include the following documents:
Upload ONE of the following:
First page of most recent tax return (1040)
W-2
Last 2 pay stubs
Proof of government assistance
Personal Statement: Please upload a short essay describing your development as a musician. How did you start? Why did you pick your instrument? What are you most excited to learn? What are you most passionate about? How would receiving an instrument scholarship from Opus 1 help you achieve your goals? (250 word limit).
Parent/Guardian Statement: Please upload a short essay describing your financial situation and to what extent receiving a scholarship will impact your child's education. If your student is interested in an Opus 1 instrument scholarship, please describe your child's ability to be a responsible caretaker of an Opus 1 instrument. (250 word limit).
Teacher Statement: Required only for instrument scholarship requests (all other scholarship applicants are encouraged to upload a Teacher Statement, but are not required). Please upload a testimonial from your private teacher that addresses the following questions: How do you believe your student will benefit from receiving an Opus 1 scholarship? In what ways will an Opus 1 scholarship support their growth and development? If applying for an instrument scholarship, in what ways has your student demonstrated that they will be a responsible caretaker of an Opus 1 instrument and a professional, positive peer in the Opus 1 community? (250 word limit).
Payment
Payment Plan
Opus 1 offers monthly tuition payment plans. This gives families the opportunity to spread out their tuition payment over the full academic year. Further information will be provided when issued your tuition invoice.
Withdrawals and Refunds
Opus 1 offers tuition refunds in instances of medical and family emergency, or acts of God. In the event that a student cannot be placed into a chamber group for a trimester, Opus 1 will refund the student 1/3 chamber music tuition.