Nicholas Leigh

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Nicholas Leigh has been involved in the music community in Boise for many years, first as a student and now a piano teacher.  He has been teaching at Idaho Music Academy since graduating from Boise State University, where he studied piano, violin, and composition under teachers such as Dr. Del Parkinson, Dr. Svetlana Nagachevskaya-Maddox, Prof. Craig Purdy, and Prof. J. Wallis Bratt. Nicholas holds a B.M. from BSU and professional certification (NCTM) in piano from Music Teachers National Association. He runs a full time piano studio and stays active in the local music teacher’s organizations including the Treasure Valley Federated Music Club (TVFMC), where he currently is Festival Cup Chairman and co-chair of scholarships.  Nicholas has spoken at teacher’s workshops and frequently adjudicates piano festivals in Boise and Meridian, Idaho.

• Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in piano
• More than 20 years of piano experience
• Over 15 years experience of music in a group setting (including orchestras, chamber ensembles, and smaller groups)
• Solid knowledge of music theory, piano technique, and performance skills
• 10+ years experience teaching private piano lessons
• Piano teacher at Idaho Music Academy for more then 7 years
  
• Currently running a successful piano studio (Leigh Piano Studio) with over 60 current students
• Great communication skills and patience
• Certified member of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and local groups, Idaho Music Teachers Association and Treasure Valley Music Teachers Association
• Member of the National Federation of Music Clubs and local chapter, Treasure Valley Federated Music Club, currently serving as Festival Gold Cup Chairman and Budget/Scholarship Committee Chairman
  
• NFMC Festival Judge

Piano/Music Experience

• Pianist for 20+ years
  
• Started taking lessons at age 7 and continued through college
• Yearly participation in multiple festivals, recitals, and competitions (placing in the top many times)
• Participation and performance in school orchestras and music groups, as well as extra ensembles including the Meridian Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Centennial Chamber Orchestra
• Member of the Boise State University Symphony Orchestra (2009-2014)

Education and Certification

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Music from Boise State University, 2014
   • Composition and theory studies with Professor J. Wallis Bratt
   • Piano performance and pedagogy studies with Dr. Del Parkinson
   • Piano performance studies with Dr. Svetlana Nagachevskaya-Maddox
   • Violin performance studies with Prof. Craig Purdy, and Jill Rowley
   • Instrumental conducting studies with Prof. Marcellus Brown
   • Choral conducting studies with Prof. Jim Jirak
2. Recipient of multiple music scholarships, including:
   1. Ava C Brinck piano scholarship
   2. Jim Cook piano scholarship
   3. Veness/Munson music scholarship
   4. BSU Foundation of Arts and Sciences scholarship
   5. Music Endowed scholarship
3. Earned title of Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in Piano by Music Teachers National Association, 2015-present

• Nick is a great teacher for my 15 year old son. He is accommodating, knowledgeable and professional. I would recommend him to anyone.

-Byron H.

• After trying many piano teachers we finally found one we will never change. Nick’s full time job is teaching piano. He loves it and it shows. He is trained, organized, and knowledgeable. He is good with people and kids. The best part is the way my daughter has changed. She is now enjoying her lessons and her time practicing. She loves to hear him say she did a great job. When she didn’t get much practice in, he is kind and encouraging and she wants to try harder. Thank you, Nick. I would strongly recommend him to any one who is looking for the “right” teacher. -Lauren N.
  

• Nicholas is very organized and we appreciate his instruction style. He has been a great fit for our 6 y/o son. Nicholas gives the right amount of praise as well as structure to make piano learning fun.

-Colette D.

• My children love Nick as a teacher. I have two young children new to piano and they learn so much every week and love his teaching style and kind nature. I also have an older child who has been playing for 6 years and she thinks he is the best teacher she has ever had. My children look forward to their lessons and I could not be happier.

-Dena S.

• My grandson just started piano lessons with Nicholas and has already learned quite a lot. He (grandson) is always excited to go to his lessons, almost pushing us out the door for fear he will be late! I was searching for someone to teach piano to my grandson, someone who he would be eager and excited to learn from. I don't think I could have found a better match!

  -Denise B.
  

• As an older student just starting out with the piano, I was worried about finding a teacher that was comfortable working with me. Nicholas is great! He doesn't let me get away with sloppy technique and keeps me motivated. As an educator myself, I can see he has the qualities it takes to be a great teacher. I highly recommend him for students of all ages.

  -John G.
  

• Nicholas is a wonderful piano teacher. He not only teaches the notes, but really teaches my daughters to "read" the music. They are playing beautifully and understanding the music they are reading. He enjoys what he does and this comes through with his teaching. I am so happy to have him as our daughters' teacher!!

  -Karen R.
  

• My 13 year old son is in his second year of taking lessons from Nicholas. He has done an amazing job in teaching piano. He takes time to make sure the student understands the lesson, improves technique and is clear in his expectations. Nick is very organized in his scheduling, prompt and makes each lesson a positive yet productive experience.

  -Gina M.
  

• Nicholas is a kind, patient, knowledgeable piano teacher. My daughter has had a few teachers before him of which were female and she was a little anxious about having a male. But she loves Nicholas even more than her other teachers. Nicholas is very encouraging and supportive. My daughter has an issue with focus but Nicholas always keeps her attention and is kind and gentle. I would recommend him to anyone.
  

-Vicki W.

• Nicholas is very professional and organized. My son really enjoys his lessons and is learning well. He goes out of his way to try and accommodate . I highly recommend him.
  

-Lori B.

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