TAMPA, Fla. — Leland Peck has been teaching piano lessons since 1959, but it wasn't until last month that he learned that all his work has paid off.

• Leland Peck among first teachers to be inducted into Steinway Teachers Hall of Fame
• Peck has taught piano lessons since 1959
• Several of his students have played professionally

In October he was among 43 other teachers throughout the U.S. and Canada who were the first to be inducted into the Steinway Teachers Hall of Fame. It was a distinct honor that caught him by surprise.

"When they chose me, I thought good grief there's a lot of good piano teachers in this area," Peck said. "Why me? Well, you have to ask them the reason for that."

So we did and Steinway & Sons president and CEO Ron Losby said "These teachers foster a love learning and practice in young people that ultimately created the fabric of tomorrow's music and culture."

Leland has had several students go on to play professionally, although he didn't want to name names. He says he's learned a lot about people and their music over the years.

"Some have amazing amount of talent," Peck said. "Some not so much, but the amazing thing is, that some people that don't have the most talent are the hardest working." Peck says he plans to continue to work hard teach music to young and old alike.