Tony Leonardi contributed much to Youngstown State University and the community in his many years of service here, including the years when he was a student.  In his second year at YSU, 1969, he formed a jazz ensemble; upon graduation in 1971, he was hired at the University part-time to teach jazz.  YSU has not been without jazz ever since.

            In 1979, he became full-time faculty at the same time that the Dana School of Music established a jazz emphasis degree.  He was both witness of and chiefly responsible for the tremendous growth the program experienced in the 22 years that followed.

            In addition to the study of jazz, he was a formidable teacher of classical double bass music and technique as well.  And just as in jazz, many of his classical students have gone on to very successful careers.

            Mr. Leonardi passed away on July 12, 2001at the age of 61 and is sadly missed.  He is succeeded in Jazz Studies by Dr. Kent Engelhardt and in classical double bass by Micah Howard.