Jesse Leyva, D.M.A.

Conductor. Musician. Educator.

As a band director in the California public and private high schools, Dr. Leyva directed concert and jazz bands that consistently received superior ratings at festivals and contests. He also served as a part-time faculty member at San José State University, where he taught courses in conducting and music education, as well as Stanford University, where he was the Assistant Conductor of the Stanford Symphony Orchestra.

A graduate of the Academy of Military Science, Dr. Leyva received his commission as an officer and served in the United States Air Force Band Program as Commander/Conductor of the 561st Air Force Band. He has served on the music faculties of Kent State University, the University of Illinois, and Henderson State University. 

Dr. Leyva holds degrees from California State University at Stanislaus (BA – Music Education), San José State University (MA – Instrumental Conducting), and Arizona State University (DMA – Wind Band Conducting).

Published in several volumes of the GIA series “Teaching Music Through Performance in Band,” Dr. Leyva is a passionate advocate of music education and the exploration of engaging communities through music. Further research interests include the wind band music of Mexican composers Carlos Chávez and Silvestre Revueltas, and the pedagogical practice of The Breathing Gym in the wind band rehearsal setting.