Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Lo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a graduate of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I started playing music since I was 5. Music has always been a huge part of my life, but I also knew from a very young age that I wanted to eventually have a music school of my own. I loved the idea of creating a place where students could receive really high-quality music education while also feeling encouraged, supported, and excited about learning.
After graduate school, I decided to test that idea before making a major commitment. I started teaching out of my little apartment in West University, Houston and essentially treated it as my own small experiment: could I actually build a student base and create the kind of teaching environment I had always imagined?
It grew much faster than I expected. Very quickly, I had more than 30 students, and that was when I realized this could potentially become something much bigger than just me teaching private lessons. I decided to take a pretty big leap of faith and use my own savings to open Overture in the Memorial area. I didn’t have financial support from my parents or outside investors, so it was a very personal investment and, honestly, a little terrifying!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We opened right before COVID hit.
That was probably one of the most difficult periods of the business. I had just put essentially all of my savings into building this place, and suddenly the entire world shut down and we had to move away from the in-person model we had built everything around. I remember feeling pretty defeated and nervous about whether the school would survive.
But we did. We adapted, virtual lessons were a huge win. While we eventually returned to in-person lessons, we still have some students taking lessons virtually until now! Once we were able to reopen, Overture started growing again, and I gradually expanded the studio and the team.
Today, Overture has grown far beyond what I initially imagined when I was teaching out of my apartment. What started as a small experiment has become a real music school and community, with a team of more than 10 teachers and many students learning a variety of instruments.
In many ways, I think the biggest part of my story is that I didn’t start Overture because I had everything figured out. I started because I had an idea that I really believed in, tested it on a very small scale, and then kept taking the next step as it grew. There have definitely been plenty of moments where I’ve had to figure things out as I went, but I think that has also been one of the most rewarding parts of building the school.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Overture School of Music specializes in one-on-one music lessons for students of all ages and experience levels. We offer private instruction in piano, violin, viola, cello, guitar, ukulele, trombone, trumpet, french horn, other brass instruments, and voice, with the goal of giving each student a strong musical foundation while also making the experience enjoyable and personally meaningful.
I think what sets Overture apart is the combination of professional-level musicianship and a very personal, flexible approach to education. As a musician myself, I care deeply about the quality of instruction our students receive. We have extremely qualified teachers, many of whom have studied at some of the top music schools and conservatories, and I am also a Steinway Certified Educator. At the same time, I never wanted Overture to become the kind of highly professional music environment that feels rigid, intimidating, or impersonal.
There is a balance I really value: we take music education seriously, but we also remember that we are teaching people. Every student learns differently. Some students are highly motivated and want to move quickly; others need more encouragement and flexibility. Some are pursuing music seriously, while others simply want to learn an instrument because they love it. I want us to be able to meet students where they are while still maintaining high standards.
I’m also very proud of the level of communication and customer service we provide. Because I am the owner and also a musician and teacher myself, I’m very involved in the day-to-day experience of our students and families. I pay close attention to things like teacher fit, scheduling, communication, student progress, and the overall experience a family is having with the studio. I’m willing to go the extra mile when something needs to be worked out, whether that means finding a better teacher match, rearranging a schedule, or simply taking the time to listen to a parent’s concern.
Ultimately, I want Overture to feel different from a place where you simply show up once a week, take a lesson, and leave. We want to know our students, celebrate their progress, support their goals, and create an environment where they feel like they belong.
I’m probably most proud of the reputation and relationships we’ve built over the years. Our families stay with us for years, and many have been with Overture since we first opened back in 2018. To me, that long-term trust is one of the strongest indicators that we’re doing something right. Our brand is really built around that combination of excellent music education, genuine care, and a very high level of personal attention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.overtureschoolofmusic.com
- Instagram: @overtureschoolofmusic
- Facebook: @overtureschoolofmusic
