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David Leisner is a distinguished Professor and Department Chair of Classical Guitar at the Manhattan School of Music. He is an internationally acclaimed performer, composer, and educator who has had a remarkable career spanning several decades.
Leisner's research interests encompass classical guitar performance, contemporary music composition, guitar technique and ergonomics, and the treatment of performance-related injuries. His groundbreaking work on focal dystonia has helped numerous musicians recover from this debilitating condition. His book Playing with Ease: a healthy approach to guitar technique, published by Oxford University Press, represents a significant contribution to the field of instrumental technique.
His compositional output demonstrates a remarkable breadth, ranging from solo guitar works to orchestral compositions. His recent works show an increasing inclination toward minimalism, with greater emphasis on quietness and attentiveness. Leisner's compositions often draw inspiration from visual arts and literature, creating vivid musical narratives that engage both performers and audiences.
- Top Prize, 1975 Toronto International Guitar Competition
- Top Prize, 1981 Geneva International Guitar Competition
- Featured recording artist for Azica Records with eleven highly acclaimed CDs
- Artistic Director for 12 years of Guitar Plus, a New York chamber music series
- Commissioned by prestigious organizations including Pepe Romero, Cavatina Duo, and Cedille Records
As an educator, Leisner taught for over two decades at the New England Conservatory before joining Manhattan School of Music. His innovative approach to guitar technique emphasizes the involvement of larger muscle groups to prevent injury and enhance musical expression. His 'Six Golden Rules for Conquering Performance Anxiety' has become an essential resource for musicians worldwide. Leisner's personal journey overcoming focal dystonia from 1984-1996 has profoundly shaped his teaching philosophy and technical approach, making him uniquely qualified to address performance-related physical challenges.
