Tracy E. Leenman received a Bachelor of Music (magna cum laude) degree from Syracuse University in 1977 in Choral and Instrumental Music Education. She earned a Master of Music in Music Education from Syracuse University, in 1983; and has done course work towards a Ph.D. in Music Education at the Eastman School of Music.
Education Specialist, Norian Fordham
Mr. Norian Fordham, a dedicated Musical Innovations Education Specialist, serves the North Carolina Piedmont Triad area, encompassing Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, and Yadkin counties and surrounding areas. His deep-rooted understanding of instrument repair and delivery stems from his formative years working alongside his father at Duncan Music Company. His journey from a music educator to returning to a music company in his hometown is a testament to his unwavering commitment to music education.
Education Specialist, Dr. Eric Peterson
Dr. Eric Peterson is a recipient of the Richard B. Tolley Service Award at Texas Tech University and is a member of Music Educators National Conference, South Dakota Bandmasters Association, the North Carolina Music Educators Association, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, an elected jury member of the John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Shield Committee, and is an honorary inducted member of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi. Dr. Peterson remains active as a conductor, clinician and adjudicator.
Education Specialist, Woodwind Specialist, and Repair Tech, Scott Brady
Education Specialist, Repair Technician and Euphonium Specialist, Matthew Slay
Matthew Slay is a euphoniumist with a music education degree from the University of South Carolina where he studied under Tuba/Euph professor, Ronald Davis. Before joining Musical Innovations as an education representative, he was a middle school band director. He also offers lessons on euphonium, trombone, and tuba.
Education Specialist and Low Brass Specialist, Taylor Davis
Ordering and Receiving, Rachel Longacre
Rachel received her bachelor’s degree in Piano Pedagogy from Bob Jones University and continued on for her master’s degree in Piano Performance while studying under Peter Davis. While in college, she participated in handbell and piano ensembles, taught private piano lessons, worked as the choral librarian for the Fine Arts department, and performed both piano solo and ensemble recitals.
Administrative Assistant & Social Media Manager, Alex Hare
Alex was born and raised in Greenville, SC. She was in color guard all throughout high school. While she was born to a musical family, she does not have an instrument specialty because, as she puts it, it leaves room in her brain for everything else. Alex’s specialties instead include our computer system, running the Musical Innovations Facebook, Instagram, and Tiktok accounts, graphic art and design, and customer service.
Front Sales and Trumpet Specialist, Isaac Hoxit
String Specialist and Repair Technician, Dr. Jonathan Simmons
Clarinet Specialist and Woodwind Repair Technician, Bob Chest
Bob Chest earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and the Master of Arts Degree in Clarinet Performance from Bob Jones University, where he taught woodwinds on the pre-college and university levels for over 40 years. Bob joined Musical Innovations as clarinet specialist and woodwind repair technician in the summer of 2019.