Well, hello there and welcome to my studio webpage.  My name is Leslie Denning, but most of my students call me Miss Leslie.  I’m a mom, a grandma, and I’ve had a love affair with music my whole life.

My Credentials

I have been music maker practically since birth.  I started as a singer as soon as I could talk and made my debut singing Jesus Loves Me in church when I was 2 years old (according to my mom – I really don’t remember!).  I started piano lessons at age 8, and since that time I have:

• Earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Elementary Education from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO
• Earned a Master of Arts in Music Education from Central Missouri University
• Taught elementary general music, band, and choir in public school
• Certified as a Musikgarten instructor
• Taught private piano, guitar, and voice and early childhood music classes in my studio.  I opened Second Street Music Academy in July 2001

My Teaching Philosophy

I believe that music is for everyone, not just the ‘talented.’  I have also come to believe that the earlier children have musical experience in their lives, the more they will be able to understand and make music later in their lives.

I teach lessons to both children and adults.  I begin children as young as age 4 on piano, depending on their readiness.  Voice and guitar students may begin lessons at age 8.  I use a combination of Suzuki method, music methods, and my own materials to teach.  When teaching adults, I depend on them to let me know what and how quickly they want to learn.

It is my goal to help people learn to incorporate music in their lives, not just as passive listeners but as active participants.  I have created, as well as my affiliate links to wonderful products that I use in my own studio.

Please call (573) 759-4454 if you have any questions or are interested in starting you or your child in lessons.