Influential Women spotlights Julie Poklewski and Opus11 School of Music

Influential Women is recognizing Julie Poklewski, founder and CEO of Opus11 School of Music in Campbell, California, for building an inclusive music education model that serves students from young children to adults in their 80s. Her approach combines private lessons, ensembles, camps and adaptive instruction with a focus on access for neurodivergent learners and families with different learning styles.

Why it matters: - Julie Poklewski is expanding access to music education beyond traditional private lessons. - Opus11 School of Music is built to serve students of different ages, abilities and learning styles. - The model reaches more than 300 students and families, which gives Poklewski a wider platform to shape arts education and community connection.

What happened: - Influential Women recognized Julie Poklewski for her work as a classically trained pianist, arts leader, educator and founder of Opus11 School of Music. - Poklewski founded Opus11 in 2021 in Campbell, California. - The school has grown from a single teaching studio into a multi-location organization. - Poklewski has more than 25 years of experience in music education.

The details: - Opus11 serves students ranging from young children to adults in their 80s. - The school offers private instruction, group programs, ensembles, camps, performances and adaptive music education. - Poklewski places a particular focus on welcoming neurodivergent learners. - Her background includes 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. - She is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, Music Teachers Association of California and California Association of Professional Music Teachers. - Poklewski spent two decades running a private piano studio. - She also served as executive director and a board member of the San Jose International Piano Competition. - Her family background in classical music shaped her approach, including early exposure to piano, opera and concert performance. - Poklewski’s parents were both pianists and met while studying in the former Soviet Union in Georgia. - A formative teaching experience began when her mother asked her to help students preparing for examinations while she was away on tour.

Between the lines: - Poklewski’s career shows a shift from one-on-one instruction to a scaled education model that can reach more families without abandoning personal connection. - Her emphasis on ethics, honesty and consistency suggests Opus11 is intended to be as much a community institution as a music school. - The article frames entrepreneurship in the arts as a path to both creative impact and broader access, especially for women considering leadership roles. - Her interest in mentoring and connecting established artists with emerging musicians points to a long-term view of arts education, not just skill building.

Whats next: - Poklewski is focused on growing a team of teachers who combine strong musicianship with warmth and the ability to connect with students. - Opus11 is expected to keep expanding access to high-quality musical experiences through education and performance. - Poklewski also plans to continue using nonprofit arts leadership and artist mentoring to strengthen ties between generations of musicians.

The bottom line: - Julie Poklewski is using Opus11 School of Music to turn a personal lifelong relationship with music into a broader, more inclusive educational platform.