Fiona Opie began studying the piano at age 5 and violin when she was 7 years old at Junior Guildhall. She switched to viola at the age of 17 when she changed teacher to Mark Knight. Whilst at Junior Guildhall she was principal viola of the string ensemble, and performed in many venues across London. She was invited to participate in a work experience scheme with the London Sinfonietta, where she led the violas. After winning the Barbican Music Shop prize at Junior Guildhall, Fiona continued her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music on a scholarship. She is currently in her third year working for a BMus degree with Mark Knight. In the academic year 2003-2004, Fiona studied at the Oberlin Conservatory in America with Roger Chase on a scholarship. Whilst there, she performed in many concerts and recitals, and was principal viola of the Oberlin Orchestra and Opera Orchestra. Fiona was a member of the National Children's Orchestra for five years, and took part in Pro Corda for four years. In February 2001 she went on tour to Romania and played Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante with the Arad State Philharmonic. In November 2002, Fiona was asked to play in an international orchestra in Strasbourg, performing for the European Parliament. She has played solo, chamber music, and orchestral works all over Europe and in North America. For three years she has taken part in the ‘Summer Music Festival' in Casalmaggiore, Italy. In August 2004 she was invited to take part in a chamber music program in Ontario, Canada. At the beginning of December 2004, Fiona auditioned for the BBC Philharmonic access scheme, and was successful. She played with the orchestra in March 2005.