PLEASE WELCOME CANADIAN PIANIST FILM COMPOSER - 

LEELA GRAHAM

1 Please tell us a little bit about your childhood/background;
I grew up in Victoria BC Canada and was raised by my grandmother.

I had an extremely sheltered upbringing where music was my only creative outlet. My first piano lesson was at age four and from there I studied classical music through the Royal Toronto Conservatory of Music. When I was 16 years old I was involved in a major automobile accident. My right hand was broken in seven places and had to be held together by a pin. This event altered my life as I was told I would not be able to play like before.

2 You are a piano film composer. Have you always wanted to be in the entertainment industry or did you want to be something else when you were younger?

Music was my first love; only I had another passion - travel.

I was fascinated with airplanes and wanted to become an airline stewardess. So I decided to go to school to learn French. This did not last long as I always felt a part of me was missing. I continued dabbling in various career choices that left me feeling frustrated and isolated.

3 How long have you actually been composing your own music?
I have been composing music since the age of four.

4 Do you compose music for other musicians?

I haven't had the opportunity to compose for other musicians. I would love to experience more collaboration.

5 Have you ever been nominated for or won any awards?

Last year I was honoured to be one of the nominees for Sue Vicory's short film "Absent" at the SanDiego Film awards.

6 You are also a music teacher. How long have you been teaching for?

I finally decided that my purpose in life was to compose and teach music. So I attended the Victoria Conservatory of Music where I received my associates teaching degree. It was in school where I had my first breakthrough. I started composing a compilation of pieces that were published and performed for a children's story book and cassette called "A Visit To The Circus".

7 Who and/or what are your inspirations?

My beautiful son, Kaleb (20), love, depth, heartfelt emotion - all these inspire and move me. I love watching movies, foreign films, dramas and documentaries. If I have writer's block, I immediately practice playing some of my favourite classical composers, Brahms, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Beethoven etc...

8 You have many other skills as well. Please tell us a little bit about them;

A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit beautiful Sedona Arizona, where I instantly fell in love with the people, climate and spirituality. I was introduced to the Metaphysical Science program where I became a Metaphysical Science Minister.

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9 What are your causes?
Love, compassion, caring, educating, helping people in need.

10 What do you enjoy doing in your ‘spare’ time?

My spiritual practises are very important. I love exercising, swimming, yoga, music, concerts, shopping, lol! travelling! Spending time with friends and family.

11 What are your short and long term professional goals?

Other than winning an Oscar for best song lol! I would like to meet more directors and producers and have the opportunity to work on feature films and movies. I am always open to learning new skills.

12 Are you professionally managed or do you represent yourself?
I currently represent myself and would love to have an agent. I have been blessed to be in the right place at the right time thanks to social media.

13 Have you performed on TV at all? Or has any of your music been used by others on TV?
I have not performed on TV. I did have a wonderful surprise back in 2012 when my music got onto the TV show 'Law and Order'.

14 Have you done any/many interviews?
In 2012 I was living on Maui and had a local news station do an interview with me, regarding my success on 'Law and Order'. I was interviewed at the Sandiego Film Awards where I was one of the nominees for the short film "Absent" I have also had a few radio interview and had my music played.

15 Have you had to overcome any challenges throughout your career to date? How have you handled these?
Yes, I have had some ongoing health challenges, yet I continue to persevere knowing the best is yet to come!

16 Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I am very grateful I came into this life to share music. Please get in touch with me as I am always eager to work on new projects. Thank you very much.

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