Jacob R. Leonowitz
Musician, Educator, Music Educator
Duquesne University, B.S. Music Education, Class of 2016
Twin Valley High School, Class of 2012
MUSICIAN
On this page, one will find samples of work that showcase my musicianship. A firm grasp of music theory, history, and aural skills allows me to hone my musicianship as a church musician, nursing/retirement home entertainer, and piano accompanist quite frequently. Through these ventures, I am often found playing piano, organ, voice, and/or viola.
I Come With Joy
Church Music
Let All Mortal Flesh
Keep Silence
A Mighty Fortress
Is Our God
For All The Saints
Bach - Liebster Jesu
Albrechtsberger - Fugue
Above are several files that show my skills as a church musician. I most recently served as interim organist at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Honey Brook, PA, a position which involved the forming of a children's choir and culminated in an organ recital to raise money for the music program at St. Mark's. In addition, I am a former Organist and Music Director for St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Morgantown, PA. This past academic year (2014-15), I served as the Baritone Choral Scholar (paid choir member) for Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA, and plan to do so again in the coming academic year (2015-16). When not engaged by a church on an ongoing basis, I often serve as a substitute organist.
"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence" - a meditation based on the hymn (324 in The Episcopal Hymnal 1982) by Myron Casner followed by the hymn, itself. If I were doing this hymn on a service, I might play the meditation as an introduction to it, as played here, or play the meditation somewhere else on the service.
"I Come With Joy" - hymn 304 in The Episcopal Hymnal 1982. This recording includes an introduction and five repetitions with registration changes between.
"For All The Saints" - hymn 287 in The Episcopal Hymnal 1982. This recording includes three repititions with registration changes between - the second repitition uses an alternate harmonization.
"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" - hymn 688 in The Episcopal Hymnal 1982. This recording includes an introduction and three repititions with registration changes between.
"Albrechtsberger - Fugue" - a Fugue by J.G. Albrechtsberger, something I might use for a Prelude or Postlude.
"Bach - Liebster Jesu" - Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier by J.S. Bach, something I might use for a Prelude, or an Offertory or Communion meditation.
"2014-2015 Trinity Cathedral Repertoire" - a list of choral anthems sung as the Baritone Choral Scholar for Trinity Episcopal Cathedral during the 2014-15 academic year. The list was compiled by David Schaap, Organist and Music Director for Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Similarly, all above recordings were made on the organ at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
As of 5/20/15.
In addition to playing solo repertoire, I serve as a piano accompanist for groups and soloists quite frequently. I most recently served as the piano accompanist for Duquesne University's Pappert Women's Chorale, and will soon assume the position of piano accompanist for the Trinity Cathedral Boy Choir, both in Pittsburgh, PA. For more information about and an endorsement of my skills as a piano accompanist, click the logo to navigate to my LinkedIn page.
Junior Recital
A video of my junior recital, given on Sunday, March 15th in the PNC Recital Hall at Duquesne's Mary Pappert School of Music. I was responsible for playing 30 minutes of varied repertoire with 20 minutes worth memorized. My repertoire included Sonata No. 9 in C Major (K309) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Duex Arabesques (L. 66) by Claude Debussy and Polonaise in A Major, "Military" (Op. 40, No. 1) by Frédéric Chopin. Note that the recital was performed with a partner striving to fulfill similar requirements as a vocalist - she and I alternated.
Nursing/Retirement Facility Entertainment
Photos from performances at Keystone Villa in Douglasville, PA.
Photos from performances at Keystone Villa in Douglasville, PA.
Photos from performances at Keystone Villa in Douglasville, PA.
Photos from performances at Keystone Villa in Douglasville, PA.
"Dream A Little Dream Of Me," performed at Keystone Villa in Douglasville, PA on June 29th, 2015. C. 1931, music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, lyrics by Gus Kahn.
"Unforgettable," 1951 by Irving Gordon.
Above are some materials that reflect my work as a nursing/retirement home entertainer. I sing/play everything from old standards to hymns to Bach to Debussy while giving these performances. It is always a joy to share music with senior citizens.