Tanner Leonardo is an accomplished percussionist and educator based in Dallas, TX, currently serving as an Adjunct Instructor of Percussion at Texas A&M University-Commerce. There, he teaches percussion ensemble, music technology, marching percussion, and private lessons. With a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky, a Master of Music Performance from Morehead State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Louisville, Tanner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in performance and technology to his students.

Tanner’s ensemble performances at Texas A&M University Commerce are a unique fusion of music, technology, and visual art. There, he has led the Percussion Ensemble, II, III, and the Experimental Music Ensemble. These performances often feature educational collaborations with composers, incorporating new works that push the boundaries of traditional performance. By integrating electronic elements, live sound manipulation, and lighting design, Tanner’s ensemble creates immersive, multimedia experiences that captivate audiences. Each performance is thoughtfully designed to combine music with visual and technological components, offering audiences a compelling exploration of modern performance.

Tanner’s professional career spans a wide array of roles including music arranger, adjudicator, and clinician. His marching percussion arrangements have been featured in BOA competitions, winning at Grand Nationals, and have contributed to numerous state championships. His compositions for percussion ensembles have been performed on an international stage, with his 2020 piece premiering at The Conservatoire de Musique de Grasse in France. Known for his innovative teaching and passion for advancing music technology, Tanner has presented multiple clinics and co-produced a virtual session for the prestigious Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC).

A recognized expert in live sound design and audio engineering, Tanner’s work includes audio engineering for elite drum corps such as the Blue Knights, Phantom Regiment, Troopers, and Santa Clara Vanguard. His meticulous attention to audio production extends beyond the marching arts, having most recently served as Music Producer for The Collected Few Dance Project, a modern dance company in Lexington, KY, where he developed and produced the original score for their program Veil of Perception.

Tanner’s performance background is rooted in his extensive experience as a percussionist. He has performed with a variety of ensembles, including chamber groups, orchestras, and contemporary percussion ensembles, showcasing his versatility across different genres. His work with the A/Tonal Ensemble, a contemporary chamber group, has been a key part of his career, where he contributed to performances blending experimental and new music. His background in both traditional and innovative performance settings have deepened his understanding of how to bridge live performance and sound design, allowing him to integrate acoustic and electronic elements.

Tanner continues to be a leading figure in the intersection of music performance and technology, known for his innovative approach to sound design, composition, and music education.