Leah Michael Whalen

Drums | Piano

Leah Michael Whalen (they/them) is a composer, artist, and multi-instrumentalist who strives to expand past conventional music solutions and boundaries concerning how we emotionally engage with music. Inspired by cross-domain art forms, supernatural cognizance, and the connection between individuals, they often confront profoundly personal and challenging issues resulting in a surreal and reflective aesthetic. Guided by intuition and tactile sensations, Leah Michael’s music contains complex polyphonic structuring, sonic imagination, and unpredictable texturing, producing a unique and potent voice. 

As a teacher, Leah Michael has a deep belief in the power of personalized learning, Leah Michael creates a dynamic and nurturing environment where each student’s unique musical journey takes center stage.

Drawing from a rich background in both performance and pedagogy, Leah Michael tailors their teaching methods to fit the individual needs and goals of their students. Rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all curriculum, they emphasize self-directed learning, encouraging students to explore their musical interests and develop their personal style. This approach not only fosters creativity and self-expression but also builds confidence and a lifelong love for music.

Leah Michael incorporates a variety of techniques and resources to support their students, from goal-setting and reflective practices to offering a range of genres and instruments. They value open communication and collaboration, working closely with each student to identify their aspirations and craft a personalized learning path.

Committed to the belief that music education should be as unique as the students themselves, Leah Michael inspires their students to take ownership of their musical growth and discover their full potential. Through this student-led, individualistic approach, Leah has transformed countless budding musicians into confident, self-sufficient artists.