William Leathers | Life After Juilliard

Postcards From Juilliard Alums

A few months before I graduated, I auditioned for the position of principal trumpet with the Nashville Symphony and got the job while completing my final year at Juilliard. At the time, I was in the accelerated BM/MM program—I received my bachelor’s in 2022 and my master’s degree the following spring while playing my first season with the Nashville Symphony. In February, the orchestra granted me tenure.

I also won the position of principal trumpet of the Santa Fe Opera and I have had the opportunity to join the 2022 National Brass Ensemble, perform with the Cleveland Orchestra, play guest principal with the St. Louis and Toronto symphonies, and play guest associate principal with the Philadelphia Orchestra. I have also been invited to perform solo recitals and give master classes at universities and high schools throughout North America. In fall 2023, I performed a concerto with the Knoxville Symphony. Overall, things have been great since graduating!

William Leathers (BM ’22, MM ’23, trumpet)

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