We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Cheng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factors behind the success of Opus Music School are our ability to make learning music fun, and the creative opportunities we provide for our music students. Whether it’s our use of custom educational games to teach music, or a performance opportunity at Carnegie Hall in New York City, Opus Music School is unlike any other local music school because of our unique way of inspiring kids and adults to learn music. We also focus on the diversity and inclusion of our staff and students. In one of our teaching rooms, we have a banner that says “All Are Welcome Here.” We believe music is a universal language that can bring together people of various cultures and backgrounds, and we look forward to welcoming all to our school to learn music.

What should our readers know about your business?
Opus Music School is located in a community that means a lot to me. Hacienda Heights is my home and a place I grew up since Kindergarten. But all through my childhood there was never a music school in Hacienda Heights, so I wanted to do something about it. Growing up as an Asian-American, my parents did not want me to pursue music. They believed having a secure corporate job would be a safer career path. Following their advice, I pursued an initial career in financial consulting and spent 8 years at an accounting firm in Downtown LA and became a CPA. It was an exciting yet demanding job that allowed me to learn a tremendous amount about business. But it was not a career I was passionate about. I remember being part of a promotion celebration where I was promoted to Manager at my accounting firm and feeling so unfulfilled. With the encouragement of my husband, in 2014, I quit my job at the accounting firm and went back to my hometown of Hacienda Heights to start Opus Music School. I started in a tiny studio with one piano student. We have since taken off and are now the largest music school in Hacienda Heights. I am so happy to be able to go back to my hometown and provide a service that people in this community can enjoy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am a big foodie, particularly with Asian food, and feel so fortunate to be living in a pocket of Los Angeles County that has many authentic Asian restaurants. Some of my favorite restaurants include Din Tai Fung Dumpling restaurant in Arcadia, BaekJeong Korean BBQ in Rowland Heights, and Boiling Crab in Rowland Heights. You can’t forget Asian dessert or tea places, and my favorites are the sea salt teas from 85C Bakery or the shaved ice and jelly desserts from Meet Fresh. As far as places to visit, I love the variety of places LA has to offer, including Runyon Canyon for a scenic hike, Santa Ana Lakes to go fishing, and of course Disneyland. Then, to experience the music scene, I would check out some of the many concert and music venues in the area. The Hollywood Bowl is an awesome outdoor venue to watch a concert and have a picnic. I also personally like electronic dance music and music festivals such as Coachella or one of the many EDM events promoted by Insomniac.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my husband, Hanwei Cheng, who was the primary one who encouraged me to take the leap of faith of quitting my corporate finance job and pursuing the career of my dreams of owning a music school. He has inspired me, told me the hard truths I needed to hear, and supported me every step of the way as I started Opus Music School from one student to over 300 students. Last year, Hanwei joined me as my co-owner and business partner, and I am so happy that Opus Music School is now a family owned business that combines both of our professional backgrounds.

Website: www.opusmusicschool.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/opusmusicschool
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chentheresa
Facebook: www.facebook.com/opusmusiceducation
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/opus-music-school-hacienda-heights

Image Credits
Wing Chu, Philip Tamayo

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