Degrees

B.M., Oklahoma City University; M.M., Northwestern University

Short Bio

Carman Leerstang was awarded the Master of Music from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL and the Bachelor of Music from Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK. As solo performer, teacher, organist, and pianist, Ms. Leerstang has had a rich and varied career.

Her accompanying duties started at the early age of thirteen in her native state of Oklahoma. As an accompanist in New Orleans, she has been the rehearsal pianist for the Concert Choir of New Orleans, the Symphony Chorus of New Orleans, has participated in the chamber ensemble at the Windsor Court Hotel and has played for the Metropelican Opera school productions. She has also appeared on the Trinity Recital Series several times in concert with singers, a chamber ensemble program that included Steven Dankner’s “Trio for Piano, Clarinet, and Cello,” and has performed with Loyola faculty. As a soloist, she performed the piano solo in the “Concerto for Piano and Chorus” by Peter Schickele. In addition, she has appeared in concert with the Canadian Brass, Karen Beardsley (New York City Opera), Gimi Beni, and others.

Ms. Leerstang is currently full-time at Loyola as Staff Accompanist and is also the Parish Organist at Holy Name of Jesus Church.

Courses Taught

• accompaning