Jesse Leyva, DMA, is a professor and conductor and has taught at many universities, including Kent State University, Henderson State University, and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. In Illinois, he served as visiting assistant director of bands and an assistant professor of music, conducted the Hindsley Symphonic Band, and taught undergraduate conducting classes. At Henderson State University, Dr. Jesse Leyva became a tenured professor of music and also served as the director of bands, overseeing the comprehensive band program, which included three concert bands and a marching band. He was a graduate teaching assistant at Arizona State University, and previously served as director of bands for De La Salle High School and El Cerrito High School.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Jesse Leyva has spoken at numerous events, including the College Band Directors National Association’s National Conference, where he co-presented on whether or not conductor-less ensembles really benefit students and discussed Mexican wind music by Mexican composers. He holds multiple degrees, including a doctor of musical arts from Arizona State University.