"Ms Leslie gave me the tools and fundamental skills required to not just be a pianist, but to be a musician, Without her instruction, I could not have begun to make my dream of becoming a concert pianist a reality."
-Ryan Pagels
Note: After high school, Ryan earned a scholarship and his bachelor's degree in piano performance from Stetson U., went on to Georgia Southern and received his Master's degree in piano performance there, and is now in Lexington, KY working on his Doctor of Musical Arts.
Leslie Hammes is an amazing piano teacher! She recognizes each individual student's abilities and learning styles and teaches accordingly. She possesses the teaching skills required to help each student perform at his or her personal best level. While other piano teachers stress learning to play specific pieces well for competitions, etc., Ms. Leslie's program entails so much more. Ms. Leslie's goal is to ensure her students gain the ability to play any piece well; she stresses sight reading, musical interpretation, being aware of key signature, practice techniques, and so much more. My daughter Rachel, a senior in the IB program at Vanguard High School, is in her eighth year of study with Ms. Leslie. Thanks to Ms. Leslie's great teaching, Rachel is able to earn money playing at churches and as an accompanist. She has acquired a life long talent as a direct result of Ms. Leslie's excellent instruction. Enrolling in the Ocala Piano Conservatory was a great decision!
-Teresa Tift
Ms. Leslie is one of the reasons why we love Ocala! Before my husband’s work brought us to Ocala in 2004, our daughter had experienced three different piano teachers, with whom we had been very pleased. The Ocala Piano Conservatory takes musicianship and professionalism to a new level, however. Right away, Ms. Leslie’s students learn to play quality music that is meaningful and fun. Her students also learn important performing skills and important practice techniques, not with the goal of developing each student into a concert pianist, but rather so that they can each express themselves and share the gift of music with others.
- Jean Imes
