How We Got Here.
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From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Creative Space
Peace Valley Studios began as a passion project in 2016, when founder John Leahy started teaching guitar lessons from his parents' home as a teenager. With a deep love for music and a natural drive to teach, John launched his first business venture in 2017: Music At Your Door, a traveling lesson service that brought music instruction directly to students’ homes.
During this time, John also partnered with the YMCA to develop summer music programs, expanding his impact within the community and helping young musicians find their voice.
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Growth, Teamwork & Our First Studio
In 2020, John was joined by educator and drummer Max Parlow, who began co-teaching and co-directing mobile lessons across Bucks County. Their collaboration laid the foundation for a permanent home for their growing student base. By 2021, Peace Valley Studios opened its first brick-and-mortar location in a small business complex—and within a year, the studio had already outgrown the space.
We proudly moved into our freestanding building on Park Avenue, where Peace Valley Studios now thrives as a full-scale creative learning environment.​
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Built with Purpose
Peace Valley Studios is more than a music school—it's a place built on relationships, creativity, and inclusion. John has a personal connection to the autism community through his work as a caretaker for a non-speaking individual, an experience that shaped his perspective and deepened his commitment to making music accessible for every learner. Through continued education and hands-on experience, John and the team have developed a program that meets students where they are—creatively, socially, and developmentally.
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Our Team
Today, Peace Valley Studios is proud to have a team of passionate and dedicated instructors, each bringing their own artistry and experience:
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John Leahy – Guitar Instructor & Founder
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Max Parlow – Drum Instructor & Program Director
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Sheila Fox – Piano & Voice Instructor
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Ian Vos – Piano Instructor
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Nick Matty – Guitar Instructor
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Aubrey Baker – Studio Operations Assistant
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Justin King – Piano & Voice Instructor
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Savahn Duerksen – Social Media Manager
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Together, we support students of all ages, skill levels, and musical styles through personalized instruction and performance opportunities.
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In the Community
Peace Valley Studios is deeply rooted in the local arts scene. We've hosted sold-out recitals at Free Will Brewing, organized student-led band showcases, and brought music to countless local events.
We’ve been honored to be nominated for multiple awards, including recognition from the Bucks County Herald, and we continue to grow with a strong vision for the future of music education in our community.
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Performing
Peace Valley Studios is committed to providing high-quality music instruction and a supportive learning environment. Our lead instructor, John, is a seasoned performer who is excited to share his experience and love for music with his students. With our guidance and mentorship, students will experience growth and self-improvement in their craft. Whether you have been playing for years or have never picked up an instrument, we provide an inclusive community of musicians that is supportive and welcoming.
John, founder of Peace Valley Studios, is a talented musician in his own right, with a successful solo project called 'NO X ONE'. His EP has collected over 100,000 streams and he is currently working on new music. John believes that music is a powerful tool for expression, growth and healing, and he is dedicated to sharing his passion and expertise with others. At Peace Valley Studios, we offer a wide range of music lessons, including guitar, piano, drums, ukulele, and more - sign up today and discover the musician within you!