Legendary pianist Leon Fleisher represents the gold standard of musicianship, and he continues to impart his life-affirming artistry throughout the world, thriving in a sustained career as conductor and soloist, recitalist, chamber music artist, and master class mentor. Fleisher made his debut with the New York Philharmonic in 1944 and in 1952, he became the first American to win the prestigious Queen Elisabeth of Belgium competition, establishing himself as one of the world’s premier classical pianists. At the height of his success, he was suddenly struck silent at age 36 with a neurological affliction later identified as focal dystonia, rendering two fingers on his right hand immobile. Rather than end his career, Fleisher began focusing on repertoire for the left hand only, conducting and teaching. Not until some 40 years later was he able to return to playing with both hands after undergoing experimental treatments using a regimen of rolfing and botulinum toxin injections.

The multifaceted David Cutler is one of the world’s leading voices on arts leadership, career and entrepreneurship training. After 11 years on the faculty at Duquesne University, he is now director of music entrepreneurship at the University of South Carolina. Cutler’s book The Savvy Musician: Building a Career, Earning a Living, & Making a Difference is considered one of the most valuable resources available for aspiring musicians. Along with teaching and being an author, he is also a jazz and classical composer, pianist, arranger, conductor, collaborator, concert producer, blogger, consultant, advocate and entrepreneur. He has given interactive workshops for organizations such as the Julliard School, Dutch Classical Music Meeting, New World Symphony Orchestra, Indiana University and Italy’s soundSCAPE music festival.