Leland Matsumura

M.M. Trombone Performance (2016)
Western Michigan University

B.M. Trombone Performance (2013)
James Madison University

Why did you choose to attend WMU?

I decided to go to WMU because of the success of the trombone studio. There has been a long tradition of studio members doing well in International Trombone Association competitions as well as auditions. We also had great rapport when I auditioned for the studio, and Dr. Wolfinbarger's reputation in the trombone community was impeccable.

What do you consider to be your most important professional achievement to date?

My most important achievement to date is winning a full time position with the Navy Fleet Bands. When I won this position, I had already taken 22 auditions and was freelancing for at least two years. I made it a personal goal to win a full time position by the age of 30 and I achieved it by 28!

What is your fondest memory of your time in the trombone studio (or music program) at WMU?

My fondest memory from my time at Western is playing in the graduate brass quintet. I have made some lifelong friendships and musical connections with the members of the quintet and I continue to keep in touch with them!

General Information

Leland Matsumura currently serves as a trombonist in the United States Navy Fleet Bands. Prior to this he held the position of principal trombone with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra in Michigan from 2016-19. As an active freelance trombonist, Leland has performed with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, Ft. Wayne Philharmonic and the Youngstown, Lima Lakeside, West Michigan, Firelands, Southwest Michigan, and Holland (MI) Symphonies respectively. 

In addition to his performing career, Leland has been a devoted educator. He maintained a private low brass studio in Northeast Ohio and several of his students have found success in the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) all-state auditions, solo and ensemble competitions as well as regional honor bands. More recently his students have auditioned successfully into the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra in Cleveland, OH. Several of his students have been accepted to prestigious music programs around the country, including the New England Conservatory, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory.

Leland earned the Master of Music degree in trombone performance at Western Michigan where he was the graduate teaching assistant to Dr. Steve Wolfinbarger. He also earned the Bachelor of Music in trombone performance from James Madison University under the guidance of Dr. Andrew Lankford. Other important teachers include Richard Stout of The Cleveland Orchestra, Garth Simmons of the Toledo Symphony, and Dr. Mike Hall of Old Dominion University. Leland is an Edwards Instruments Performing Artist.