Michael J. Leslie
- Music Department
- Composer
- Soundtrack
Michael J. Leslie is a Los Angeles-based composer and orchestrator in
the film and television industry. A native of Florida, he began
learning classical piano at the age of seven, eventually studying the
trumpet, saxophone, guitar and violin along the way. Throughout his
high school years in Los Angeles, Michael received several awards for
his arranging and original jazz compositions. He also participated in
choir, orchestra, marching, symphonic and jazz band. This diverseness
opened him up to a variety of musical styles and genres. He continued
his love of music as a band member of the Florida A&M University
"Marching 100" band. While attending Film & Television classes at
neighboring Florida State University, Michael developed a strong
passion for film music. To get his feet wet, he collaborated with
countless inspiring student filmmakers and by the end of his college
experience, Michael had scored over two dozen student films, radio and
commercial jingles. To further establish himself as an inspiring
composer, he relocated back to Los Angeles. Shortly after arriving to
L.A., Michael would find himself in the company of various music
heavyweights, including musical legend Quincy Jones. Under Quincy's
mentorship, Michael learned the record business, conducting and the
techniques of scoring to picture. Michael's next teacher came about
when he was asked to score a documentary (New York Says Thank You) with
the guidance of TV legend, Mike Post. Impressed with Michael's
musicianship and understanding of orchestration, Post offered Michael
the chance to sit-in and eventually contribute to several episodes of
Law & Order: SVU. A chance encounter with James Newton Howard would
give Michael the opportunity to learn the everyday life, creative
process and business of a Hollywood film composer. Quincy Jones, Mike
Post, James Newton Howard, Teddy Riley, Brian McKnight and Kenneth
Edmonds have been hands-on in developing Michael's growth as a musician
and businessman. Michael has several theatrical trailers, network
promos, theme park music and over 30 advertisement and radio jingles
under his belt. He is equally adept at composing and producing Pop,
Urban, World/Ethnic music and many other styles. His music has been
heard nationwide on NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, A&E, TLC, The History Channel
and many others networks.
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