About
Leigha Turner is a saxophonist, educator, and composer from Greenville, South Carolina, whose ultimate goal is to share the joy and power of music with all. She has recently composed a new saxophone sonata, which will be premiered by Dr. Caleb Carpenter of Allen University at the University of Georgia, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and additional venues. This project, Contours, is an expressive exploration of the saxophone, driven by her deep passion for the instrument and its signature sound.
Leigha studied saxophone at the University of Georgia with Connie Frigo and performed in the Wind Ensemble, the university’s top large ensemble, which premiered works by composers like John Mackey. She also played in a mixed quartet of saxophone, cello, flute, and violin that presented both standard string repertoire and original works. Her undergraduate career was marked by achievement and growth, as she earned competitive scholarships for her primary instrument saxophone. She also participated in master classes with leading artists such as Chien-Kwan Lin from the Eastman School of Music.
In addition to her classical training, Leigha is an active arranger and composer within the marching arts. For the past three years, she has written and arranged original shows for the Blue Ridge High School Marching Band, which have been presented at the South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) state-level competitions. She has also served as a woodwind instructor with various marching bands across South Carolina and Georgia.
Alongside her work as a performer and composer, Leigha is an experienced educator who has taught music across all grade levels in the South Carolina school system. She previously maintained a successful private studio, teaching students throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. Her teaching emphasizes technical skills, musical expression, and exploration, helping students find success in solo and ensemble contexts. She is committed to inspiring her students to engage with music in a way that cultivates and discovers intrinsic motivation in their musical journeys. Currently, Leigha is pursuing a Master’s degree in Music at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she studies to continue to expand her craft as a performer, teacher, and composer. This graduate-level work allows her to explore new approaches to teaching and composing, improve her musical skills, try out new ideas, and prepare her to make meaningful contributions to the musical community. Leigha is dedicated to inspiring a love of music that lasts a lifetime, believing that music education enriches the lives of everyone, regardless of age or background.