Julie Poklewski is the founder of Opus11 School of Music, a pianist, and a lifelong music educator. She began teaching piano at the age of seventeen, stepping in for her mother, a concert pianist, while she was on tour in Spain. What started as a way to help a few students continue their lessons became the beginning of a career that has now spanned more than 25 years.

Julie earned a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from San José State University and a Master of Arts in Piano Pedagogy from Notre Dame de Namur University. Throughout her career, she has taught hundreds of students, mentored teachers, developed innovative music programs, organized countless performances, and built learning environments where students feel both challenged and genuinely supported.

In 2020, Julie founded Opus11 School of Music with a simple vision: to create a place where every student feels welcomed, understood, and inspired to grow. Today, she leads a team of caring, professionally trained educators who provide exceptional music instruction for students of all ages, abilities, personalities, and learning styles.

Julie believes that music education is about far more than learning notes and rhythm. At its best, it helps students develop confidence, focus, creativity, communication, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. She remains personally involved in helping every family find the teacher and program that best fits their goals, because she believes the right teacher can change a student's relationship with music.

Beyond Opus11, Julie serves as Executive Director and Board Member of the San Jose International Piano Competition, is a Board Member of Prima Music Foundation, and previously served as President of the Music Teachers National Association, Santa Clara Chapter. She has also worked extensively as a collaborative pianist with choirs, musicals, soloists, and organizations including Vivace Youth Chorus.