Biography
Michael J. Leslie is a Los Angeles-based composer and orchestrator in the film and television industry. A native of Florida, he began learning classical piano at the age of seven, eventually studying the trumpet, saxophone, guitar and violin along the way. Throughout his high school years in Los Angeles, Michael received several awards for his arranging and original jazz compositions. He also participated in choir, orchestra, marching, symphonic and jazz band. This diverseness opened him up to a variety of musical styles and genres. He continued his love of music as a band member of the Florida A&M University "Marching 100" band. While attending Film & Television classes at neighboring Florida State University, Michael developed a strong passion for film music. To get his feet wet, he collaborated with countless inspiring student filmmakers and by the end of his college experience, Michael had scored over two dozen student films, radio and commercial jingles. To further establish himself as an inspiring composer, he relocated back to Los Angeles. Shortly after arriving to L.A., Michael would find himself in the company of various music heavyweights, including musical legend Quincy Jones. Under Quincy's mentorship, Michael learned the record business, conducting and the techniques of scoring to picture. Michael's next teacher came about when he was asked to score a documentary (New York Says Thank You) with the guidance of TV legend, Mike Post. Impressed with Michael's musicianship and understanding of orchestration, Post offered Michael the chance to sit-in and eventually contribute to several episodes of Law & Order: SVU. A chance encounter with James Newton Howard would give Michael the opportunity to learn the everyday life, creative process and business of a Hollywood film composer. Quincy Jones, Mike Post, James Newton Howard, Teddy Riley, Brian McKnight and Kenneth Edmonds have been hands-on in developing Michael's growth as a musician and businessman. Michael has several theatrical trailers, network promos, theme park music and over 30 advertisement and radio jingles under his belt. He is equally adept at composing and producing Pop, Urban, World/Ethnic music and many other styles. His music has been heard nationwide on NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, A&E, TLC, The History Channel and many others networks.
