MEET THE MUSICIAN

Leon Harrell

A passionate pianist performing for worship services since 2001 who has also taught thousands of students the skills they need to grow musically.

Sample Recordings

Worship Music

LOVE DEVINE
by Charles Wesley

PRELUDE IN C MAJOR (BWV 846)
by J.S. Bach

WERE YOU THERE?
African American Spiritual

Compositions

THE NYMPH’S REPLY TO THE SHEPHERD
by Leon Harrell

GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD
by Leon Harrell

BE THOU MY VISION
by Leon Harrell

Piano Covers

HALLELUJAH
by Leonard Cohen

YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL
by Joe Cocker

AND I LOVE HER
by The Beatles

Career Highlights

Professional Experience

Substitute Pianist and Organist
Champaign-Urbana Area
Since 2012

Staff Pianist and Organist
Beulah Presbyterian Church
Louisville KY
2008-2010

Musical Director
Farmville Presbyterian Church
Farmville NC
2001-2003

Education

Doctorate of Musical Arts (A.B.D.)
Music Composition
University of Illinois
2012

Masters of Music
Music Composition
University of Louisville
2006

Bachelors of Music
Music Composition
East Carolina University
2003

Skills

Piano Performance Styles
Traditional & Contemporary Worship Music
Classical Piano
Cocktail Piano

Music Teaching
Private and Group Piano
Collegiate Level Music Theory and Aural Skills

Additional Musical Skills
Choral Conducting
Litergical Calendar Music Planning
Choral Music Composition

Achievements

Composition Awards

  • Winner of the 2003 New Music @ ECU Composition Competition

  • Selected for inclusion on 2011 & 2012 SEAMUS Music Conference

Scholarships

  • 3-year Tuition Wavier Recipient at University of Illinois for Music Composition

  • Moritz von Bomhard Music Composition Scholarship Recipient at University of Louisville

  • 4-Year Half-tuition Waiver Recipient for Music Studies at East Carolina University

  • Mary Shannon Boyd Piano Scholarship at East Carolina University

  • Walston Family Scholarship for Music Studies at E. T. Beddingfield High School

Publications

  • Authored the e-book “How to Read Music Easily in 30 Days” and reached a #1 chart spot for the category of Music Instruction on Amazon Kindle platform in 2011

Ready to book a performance?

Contact Leon to book a performance or inquire about musical services.