Leon Portelance is a classically trained composer, songwriter and orchestrator. He has been playing music since he was six years old and started writing songs when he was twelve. Since then, Leon has written and produced hundreds of songs and scores. He has also worked as a recording engineer and producer. Leon started using MIDI and sequencing back in 1982 and has since become very proficient in all areas of computerized music and audio creation, production, editing and mastering.

Leon is looking for opportunities to further his career in film & tv scoring and licensing.

Characteristics
  • Highly driven, focused
  • Independent
  • Quick learner who grasps new concepts easily
  • Innovative, creative
  • Perfectionist
  • Pays attention to detail
  • Ability to work on intricate, intense projects for long time periods
  • Sets and maintains goals and schedules
  • Works to tight deadlines
  • Achieves consistent results under pressure
Education

1972 - 1977
     University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia
     Bachelor of Music Degree with a Major in Composition and Theory, including special studies in electronics and sound synthesis. Major instructors: Boyde Hood, Martin Bartlett and Rudolf Komorous.

1979
     Columbia School of Broadcasting, Vancouver, British Columbia
     Diploma in Recording Engineering. Instructor: Laurie Wallace, Producer and Engineer.

Experience

1979 - 1981
     Mushroom Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia
     Position: Assistant Engineer; worked with Keith Stein, Producer and Engineer on various projects including Susan Jacks, Ghosts album with Terry Jacks producing.

1982 - 1990
     Bullfrog Recording Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia
     Position: Independent Engineer and Producer. In 1990, became a part owner of Bullfrog Studios until it closed in 1997.

1998 - Present
     Songbird Productions/Kaatza Music Publishing, Sonora, California
     Position: Owner, composer, producer.

Leon’s music covers a wide range of genres from classical/orchestral film cues and electronic music to pop, rock and jazz. Leon plays guitar, bass, keyboards and MIDI controller.