Meet the Program Coordinators

Leslie Beers is delighted to return to Centre Co., Pa., where she introduced Suzuki Piano in 1978 and was director of Suzuki strings and piano for many years. Later, she started her own studio, Suzuki Friends. Leslie received a Music Education degree from Susquehanna University and studied in the Masters program for Suzuki String Technique at University of Tennessee with William Starr. Author of the teaching manual, the Suzuki Violinist, Mr.Starr lived for years in Japan, studying with Suzuki. Leslie creates an intimate yet professional studio, encouraging friendships through ensembles, theory games and reading in group classes. She is certified in the Mark O’Connor American music method, adding fiddle tunes to her teaching.

Betha Christopher is a fully licensed Musikgarten teacher, was a National Musikgarten Teacher Trainer and a Level I Certified ECMMA member. She earned a Bachelor of Music from DePauw University in Indiana, and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from Boston University. "Because I can see the wonderful benefits of music in my own children, I am delighted to offer Musikgarten & Music Together programs to families at The Music Academy! I bring over 20 years of experience with young children, as a children's choir director, nanny, nursery director, preschool music teacher, and mother. I hope that your family will join me soon to sing, dance and experience music together."