This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the many colleagues and students who have been such a driving force in my career. It would not have been possible to achieve this honor without the supportive and stimulating musical environment at the USC School of Music.

– Clifford Leaman, professor of saxophone

Clifford Leaman, professor of saxophone at the University of South Carolina, has been awarded Honorary Life Membership in the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA). This honor recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to saxophone performance, teaching, scholarship, or repertoire. He was one of only a few recipients announced at the NASA Biennial Conference in March.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join the other saxophonists recognized by this organization who have given so much of their lives to the growth and acceptance of the saxophone in the musical world,” said Leaman. “This recognition is not just a reflection of my work, but of the many colleagues and students who have been such a driving force in my career. It would not have been possible to achieve this honor without the supportive and stimulating musical environment at the USC School of Music.”

Leaman is in high demand as a soloist and clinician, having performed and taught throughout the United States and internationally, including in Canada, Italy, Spain, France, Slovenia, Sweden, Australia, Colombia, Croatia, Thailand, Taiwan, and China, where he has appeared as a featured guest artist eleven times. He earned a Bachelor of Science in music education from Lebanon Valley College and both a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts in performance from the University of Michigan, where he studied with Donald Sinta.

With more than 40 years of collegiate teaching experience, Leaman has served on the faculties of Furman University, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of Michigan before joining the University of South Carolina.

USC School of Music Dean Tayloe Harding said the university is fortunate to have had Leaman on its faculty for more than 25 years.

“Cliff Leaman is and has been a world-class saxophone performer. His recognition by NASA as a lifetime member would be warranted on that account alone. However, Professor Leaman’s greatest gift to the international musical ecosystem is that he is one of the finest saxophone pedagogues in history, securing a legacy of excellence that has propelled young saxophonists—amateurs, professionals, and notable pedagogues themselves—to high-achieving careers and influence in the musical world,” said Harding. “His designation as a Carolina Distinguished Professor is evidence of these achievements.”