Dr. Lois Leventhal is a piano professor here at Southern Miss. She holds degrees from Indiana University and The New England Conservatory of Music. She began her teaching career in 1976 and has taught here for 39 years. Her performances include touring with faculty artists and collaborating with renowned guest artists such as trombonist Christian Lindberg and hornists Froydis Werke and Julie Landsman. When asked about the program at the School of Music, Dr. Leventhal said, “I am always astounded at the quality and quantity of the musical ‘offerings’ on our campus. I have heard some of the best—and still what happens here at Southern Miss never fails to amaze me.” A teacher’s pride and joy is her students, and Dr. Leventhal’s students do impressive things after they graduate. One of her recent DMA alumni, Nuria Rojas, received the “Most Outstanding Faculty of the Year” award at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where she teaches. Dr. Leventhal’s upcoming performances include the Lojo Duo with colleague Dr. Joe Brumbeloe, a concert tour with USM faculty Dr. Richard Perry (tubist) and Dr. Jackie Adams (hornist), and a recording session with the Argot Trio for future release on Centaur Records.
I was recently asked how I sustained myself in the field of music. My answer is simple: Music sustains me. Even now, after 39 years, I am excited about the fall semester —teaching my students, and concertizing and recording with colleagues old and new. I am lucky to have spent almost four decades in the profession and can’t imagine any career that could have been more fulfilling or more joyful. Working at USM has been a gift, one I continue to enjoy and cherish. -Dr. Lois Leventhal
“Coming to USM was a life-changing experience. I had the opportunity to meet and work with world-class musicians and professors, such as Dr. Leventhal, who not only was a wonderful piano instructor, but a mentor in every sense of the word. Her expertise, patience and professionalism, guided me with success through the completion of my doctoral studies.” -Amanda Virelles “Dr. Leventhal’s enthusiasm for piano teaching provided me with a stimulus to have creative ideas and limitless imagination in piano performance. In addition, her care for students made me feel as though she is like a mother to me. “ -Jihyun Kim “Dr. Leventhal helped me to find myself in every piece that I performed, and her joy of teaching brought a smile to my face, which meant a whole lot to me.” -Patrick Hearns