LEO PREZIOSO
MUSICIAN. EDUCATOR. ADVOCATE.
ABOUT ME
Thank you for visiting my website! My name is Leo Prezioso and I am a recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I hold both a B.S.Ed in Music Education and a BFA in music performance (saxophone major, cello minor). I’m excited to get out into the field and pursue a career in Music Education!
Throughout my time at IUP, I have done everything I can do become as well-rounded a musician and educator as I can be. With my experience playing wind and string instruments in ensembles, singing in choirs, conducting, and taking private piano lessons, I would be a great fit for any position your program has to offer.
Take a look at my Experience page to learn more about my credentials and specializations, or visit my Portfolio to see examples of my educational and musical abilities.
Life is better with music. It’s my job to help students realize that.
My classroom, whether I’m teaching second grade general music, high school orchestra, or anything in between, is an environment where every student is made feel welcome, included, capable, and wanted. I am dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for students from all backgrounds, regardless of their culture, identity, or ability. The music classroom should be a space where every student can participate fully and be welcomed as an equal member of a community.
I value honoring and celebrating the cultural backgrounds of my students, and actively work these factors into my teaching. I believe in teaching a variety of musical traditions from around the world through folk music and dance, and I am a strong advocate for keeping the Appalachian folk music tradition alive in music classrooms in our region. As a Latino educator and the child of a Brazilian immigrant, I know the importance of celebrating Hispanic and Latino musical traditions as our schools see increasing Hispanic/Latino student populations.
Above all else, I believe that my role is to help my students grow into well-rounded adults and informed citizens. By teaching acceptance and trust in general music, responsibility and accountability in ensembles, and cultural appreciation in music history classes, I strive to help my students grow into the fantastic individuals I know they have the potential to be.
It is my hope that, once my students leave my classroom, they will have developed a positive and lifelong relationship with music, whether that involves playing in bands and singing in choirs for the rest of their lives, or just singing along to the radio on their morning commute.
“Leo’s easily relatable personality has gained him many friends and supporters among students and faculty. He is dependable, very intelligent, and knowledgeable in his content area while his strong desire to be helpful will make him a wonderful role model for students.”
Dr. James Flowers, professor
“Leo is in a constant state of personal development and improvement, and seeks out opportunities everywhere for guidance and advice. He is both humble and ever curious, and always strives to be more than he already is; Leo will never be caught resting on past laurels.”
Mr. Gregory Lutz, mentor teacher
“Leo easily makes connections with students of all ages, making them feel right at home and ready to learn. Leo is a true “kid magnet” that would be able to make instant connections with his students, establishing trust and creating a safe and nurturing environment for learning.”
Dr. Jason Worzbyt, advisor