Timpanist Stanley Leonard is a noted performing artist, prolific composer, and dedicated percussion teacher and mentor. Leonard achieved prominence in the music world during a distinguished 38-year career as principal timpanist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. He performed world premiers of two new concertos and two American premiers for timpani and orchestra with the PSO. His discography with the orchestra include over 50 recordings with Capitol, Angel, Phillips, Columbia, Command, Everest, and Sony. He was a faculty member of Duquesne and Carnegie-Mellon Universities.
Leonard’s extensive compositions for percussion and other musical mediums are published in the United States and Europe and performed around the world. He conducts and performs his own compositions on the albums Canticle, Collage, and Reunion. His works for organ, timpani, and trumpet are featured on the album Acclamation. He is author of the well-known method book Pedal Technique for the Timpani, a text unique in its field.
Leonard has presented masterclasses at leading conservatories and universities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has been a major presenter at the Percussive Arts Society International Conventions. He is listed in the Percussive Arts Society Hall of Fame.
Leonard is a Yamaha Performing Artist.