Virgil Leon Thurman

Virgil Leon Thurman

November 4, 1940 – May 25, 2024

Known to all who came in contact with as “Leon“, Virgil Leon Thurman was born on November 4, 1940, in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Leon’s profound love and passion for music led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree from David Lipscomb College in 1962, followed by a Master of Science and a Doctor of Education from the University of Illinois in 1965 and 1977, respectively.

Leon’s career as a vocal music educator began in Harlan County Schools, Kentucky, where he taught K-12 vocal music from 1962 to 1964. He continued his work as a 4-12 vocal music educator in North Royalton City Schools, Ohio, from 1965 to 1968. His dedication to music education led him to the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he served as a graduate teaching assistant from 1968 to 1970.

He joined the Norman Luboff Choir as a chorister in New York City in 1970 and was an announcer for WILL-AM & FM Public Radio in Urbana-Champaign, from 1971 to 1973 and again from 1976 to 1978. He was assistant professor of voice, choral music, and music education at Yankton College, South Dakota, from 1973 to 1976.

From 1977 to 1986 he was Instructor at the MacPhail Center for the Arts in Minneapolis,  Artist-In-Residence for Minneapolis Public Schools from 1977 to 1978 and a vocal advisor for the Minnesota Boychoir from 1981 to 1986.

In Minneapolis, Leon established the Voice Center, where he specialized in voice education from 1986 to 1995. Continuing his dedication to the field, he became a specialist voice educator at Fairview-University Medical Center from 1995 to 2007 and founded the Leon Thurman Voice Center in 2007. From 1998 to 2008 he served as an adjunct professor in the graduate program in music education at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul,

Leon’s leadership and vision were evident in his numerous roles, such as serving as president of the Minnesota chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing from 1980 to 1981 and again from 1984 to 1986. He was also the associate director of the Interdisciplinary Voice Colloquium at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, from 1981 to 1984, and contributed significantly as the voice department assistant coordinator at the MacPhail Center for the Arts from 1982 to 1986. Moreover, he was the founder, board director, and principal faculty member of The VoiceCare Network from 1982 to 2006.

Leon was the author of the influential book Body, Mind & Voice, Foundations of Voice Education which has been a vital resource for voice educators and students worldwide. His work in this area emphasized the holistic integration of body and mind in the development of vocal technique and health and culminated in his founding of the Human Compatible Learning Center.

In addition to his professional achievements, Leon was deeply involved in community and educational initiatives. He served as music director and conductor for various choirs, including the Betty Marin Hobby Singers and the Skyway Singers in Minneapolis, and the Choral Society of Tri-Cities in Kentucky.

Leon’s legacy is one of passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to the advancement of voice education. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the field, and his memory will be cherished by the countless individuals he inspired and mentored throughout his career.