Barbara Leidich Piano Studio

New students and their parent(s) will meet me at my studio to see where lessons take place and become familiar with the surroundings. If the student has had prior lessons, I will ask the student to play their favorite piece so I can evaluate where they are musically.
I will ask questions regarding how the student does in school, which subjects they like (recess is not an acceptable answer! You will find I have a great sense of humor!).
Can the student read? If in Kindergarten, a parent will have to help with writing assignments.
If the child is a 5 year old beginner, I request that a parent sit in on the lesson so he/she knows what the student is expected to do for the week.

I have a B.S. degree in Music Education with a major in piano and have taught music in grades K-6. I have been teaching piano privately for 42 years and have experienced a variety of abilities in my students. I adapt my teaching toward the individual student since no two students are alike.

Tuition is $25 per half hour lesson, most months are $100 with some months having 5 weeks, $125. I also teach 45 minute and one hour lessons. Payment is adjusted according to time. I recommend adults to start with 45 minute lessons. I also recommend longer lessons to my more talented students. Payment is due at the first lesson of the month. I will reschedule a lesson if given enough notice. I am flexible up to a point, but I expect parents and students to respect my time.

I fell in love with the piano at age 5. I had 12 years of lessons before entering college to major in music. I received a B.S. degree in music education from West Chester University (then West Chester State College) and taught elementary music in the Central Dauphin School District for 3 years. I eventually decided to teach privately and started doing so in 1984.

I have worked with 5 year olds up to over 70 year olds who "always wanted to learn the piano."  The piano is an excellent brain exercise for senior citizens.
I have had students with ADHD and emotional problems. I have never had anyone with an extreme learning disability.

I belong to a local music organization, the Capital Area Chapter of the PA Music Teachers Association (CAC of PMTA). CAC holds a Piano Extravaganza every 3 years at the Harrisburg Forum which is a beautiful concert hall and home to the Harrisburg Symphony.
This is a concert with 16 pianos on the stage with 2 students and/or combination of student and parent/teacher at each piano under the direction of Dr. Johannes Dietrich of Lebanon Valley College. We play duet and quartet music. We select music that is recognizable to the audience, ranging in difficulty from elementary to advanced. It's a lot of work, but it's a lot of fun for the teachers as well as the students!
The one in April of 2022 was held in a different venue because of COVID and construction at the Forum. We returned to the Forum in April of 2025. The next Extravaganza is in April of 2028.

Look for a teacher who matches your objectives. If you have already been taking lessons for a number of years and want to have a career in music, then look for a teacher who only accepts advanced students and has a track record of sending high school graduates off to college as Music Majors.
I have had several of my students major in music but not necessarily go on for piano as their principal instrument. One went on to major in Viola and now is now a conductor in a New York Broadway show. Another went on to major in Bass and is now the principal Bassist with the Harrisburg Symphony. Both young men are grateful to have a strong piano background.

If you are a beginner and your goal is to make playing the piano a part of your life, then look for a teacher who has experience with different age levels. Most teachers will interview a new student to see if the student and teacher are a good match.

Make sure the piano is the principal instrument of the teacher's expertise. There are too many teachers who excel in one area and teach piano as an "extra". There are also a lot of people who think they can "teach" the piano just because they can play it.

Note to students: Teachers are not miracle workers. YOU have to put in the practice time to get the most out of your lessons!

Do I have enough time to practice at least 4 out of 7 days a week?
Young students should devote 20 minutes a day. This time can be divided. As students progress, they will need to add more time. As in other activities, the student will reap the rewards of consistent practice.

Will I go to a lesson even if I feel unprepared? 
Skipping a lesson is unfair to both the student and the teacher. Obviously the teacher depends on the student's participation for income. The student is set back another week because if practice has not occurred, the student most likely won't remember what was covered at the last lesson.

Am I willing to listen to the teacher to achieve my goal?
The teacher is hired as the expert. Following the teacher's advice will get a student a lot further than not. 

Do I have a reasonable goal?
Don't expect to be playing the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata in 6 months. I have students who want to make giant leaps before they are ready. Slow and steady wins the race!

Am I willing to make my lesson time a priority in my schedule?
Well, are you??