Music Teachers Blog

About Leila Viss

I enjoy teaching piano to around 40 students ranging in age from 4 to 84. I am drawn to discovering innovative teaching methods and successful practice strategies to make the average player stick to the bench for life.

After receiving a BA degree in Piano and Organ from Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa, I married my husband (of 23 years), moved to Denver and received a masters in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Denver.

Although I have always maintained a studio, I ventured into teaching keyboard classes in a nearby school district for 2nd-8th grade students for four years. Although, those were the most challenging years of teaching I ever experienced, it was pleasing to know that the federally-funded program brought the piano (keyboard) to many kiddos who would have never even met Middle C without this opportunity. Soon after, I used this experience to help teach and train teachers for a company called "Keyboards For Kids" which brings keyboard group classes to after school programs.

Recently, I have settled back into building a larger studio and diligently planning effective ways to make piano playing and music making a reality for any student. I often adjudicate local and state piano and composition competitions as well.

When I am not teaching, I am usually practicing the organ and piano for my church position, composing, or attending a soccer, football or basketball game of one of my three sons. Yes, they play piano--quite well, in fact--but would rather not admit it.