ABOUT
Positively Music is here to make music fun! We learn through play and encouragement. Gone are the days of dreading practicing piano or being dragged to music lessons. Positively Music exists to share the joy that learning to play, write and read music brings to life.
Leighton Serlo, lifelong singer and founder of Positively Music LLC, has been providing music lessons in the beaches area for the past decade. Having sung professionally and internationally for over 30 years, she connects with students of all ages and backgrounds to bring out the best in them as they learn their instrument.
LEIGHTON'S STORY
Leighton’s first professional performance was right here in Jacksonville in junior high in the opera La Boheme as a member of the children’s chorus. A few years later she starred as Peter Pan in the Bolles production at the Florida Theatre. Those opportunities showed Leighton that anything was possible. She went on to graduate from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after studying voice performance, interpersonal communications, and the adaption of children’s literature for stage. Before she graduated, Hollywood came knocking, and so soon, with her degree in-hand, Leighton moved to LA and worked in children's television production.
​
Back home in Jacksonville in the early 2000s, Leighton went to work for a nonprofit focused on early childhood education as she also pursued her Masters in Business Administration. Over the span of a decade she worked in the direction of Head Start programming along with administering other nationally accredited early learning centers and Voluntary PreK programs.
When Leighton and her husband Matt started a family, she took a step back from the professional roles and focused on her home life while also singing at church and in nursing homes, performing in bands locally, and touring internationally with her children at her side. She wrote, recorded, and produced a Christian Contemporary EP “Live the Calling” and led Christian women groups as she traveled sharing the love and redemption she had found in Christ. As the kids grew into full-time students, Leighton started teaching lessons at a music school close-by. A favorite opportunity was working with the music therapy non-profit group "Connecting Thru Music" where she led weekly classes at Duval County schools serving children of differing abilities and needs. The music school has since closed, but Leighton has continued teaching piano, voice, general music education, performance preparation and audition coaching on her own locally in person and online internationally. Positively Music, LLC is the product of love, experience and dedication to sharing the joy of music with those around us.
WHAT WE OFFER
Voice • Piano • Private Lessons • Early Childhood & Family Classes • Recorder • Handbells for Children • Songwriting & Composing • Auditions & Competition Preparation • Workshops & Master Classes • Day Camps • Spring, Winter & Summer Break Camps • Homeschool & Small Group Classes • Acting & Improv • Karaoke Nights • Band • Performance and Recital Opportunities• Apprenticeship Opportunities • Bass and Advanced Guitar and Drums Lessons by Referral • Ukulele • Beginner Guitar • Beginner Drums • Student Showcases • Opportunities to sing the National Anthem at Local Events
WHAT MUSIC DOES FOR THE BRAIN
Music has a profound impact on the brain, influencing various cognitive, emotional, and physiological functions.
Cognitive Benefits
-
Music has been shown to enhance memory and cognitive function as it activates multiple areas of the brain, including those associated with memory and learning. Children who engage in musical training often show improved cognitive skills, including better academic performance and enhanced executive functions.
Emotional Benefits
-
Music can have a powerful impact on emotions. Listening and playing certain types of music can help regulate mood and reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Music can stimulate the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, contributing to feelings of joy and happiness. Music has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system, leading to reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Social Benefits
-
Making music or attending musical events can foster social bonds and a sense of community. For some individuals, music can serve as a medium for communication and self-expression when verbal communication may be challenging.
WHAT OTHERS HAVE TO SAY
Ms. Leighton is the best music teacher. She is knowledgeable, kind, talented, and she truly loves our children and teaching them. The light of Jesus shines through her in every lesson we attend. She finds special ways to connect with our four year old to inspire a love of music. Our older son, Steven, has differing abilities. Her music lessons combine exposure to different instruments (love of music), singing (speech therapy), piano playing (hand strength/OT). After years with Ms Leighton, Steven can play multiple songs on his own! - Clare A.
Mrs. Leighton is a natural with children. My son absolutely loves her and looks forward to music lessons and camps. He has made amazing progress with piano and we couldn’t be happier! - Colleen R.
Leighton makes piano FUN! Three of my kiddos take lessons every week and it never feels like pulling teeth. Leighton creates an encouraging and carefree environment. Kids are able to celebrate what they’ve learned while being incrementally challenged in ways that are appropriate for their age, personality and skill. I feel so fortunate to have my kids learning piano from such a gem of a human! - Jodie B.
Thanks for helping me learn how to play piano. You are fun and silly like me and that is what makes you the best!! Ms. Leighton I love you. You are the best. - Jodie B's Children