MEET THE MUSICIAN

Leon Harrell

With an unwavering commitment to fostering a love for music since 2008, Leon has guided over 10,000 students of all ages on their journey to mastering the piano.

Through his innovative VIRTUOSO Method, he empowers learners to swiftly grasp new songs by integrating the seven essential elements of music.

Leon's mission is to make learning piano enjoyable and fulfilling, ensuring that every student can play the songs they love.

Sample Recordings

HALLELUJAH
by Leonard Cohen

YOU ARE SO BEAUTIFUL
by Joe Cocker

AND I LOVE HER
by The Beatles

Career Highlights

Teaching Experience

Founder & Piano Coach
VIRTUOSO Piano Lessons
Since 2008

Provide piano instruction and foster artistic curiosity for a community of 12,000+ music-makers.
Instruct individual and group piano lessons for students of various skill levels and ages.
Develop courses and personalized lesson plans tailored to meet the needs of a varity of student's learning styles and educational goals.
Foster a positive and encouraging learning environment to inspire student engagement and passion for music.
Published "How to Read Music Easily in 30 Days", a #1 Best-Selling Amazon Kindle eBook in 2011.

Adjunct Professor
Traditional and e-Learning Higher Education
2006 - 2016

Taught over 1800 students for 6 universities: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Illinois Wesleyan & Illinois State University. University of Louisville, Kentucky State University, and Jefferson Community College.
Designed and developed music curriculum for traditional in-person and e-learning courses with a focus on using multimedia presentations and interactive classroom activities.
Incorporated current technologies into classroom activities and coursework to enhance student experience.

Performance 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
Liturgical 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 Waiver 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