Michael Leibowitz (b. 1981) is a composer and music educator living in Philadelphia, PA. He holds his Bachelors in Composition from Oberlin Conservatory and his Masters in Art and Teaching from the University of the Arts.  Michael has studied composition privately with Randolph Coleman and Lewis Nielson at Oberlin Conservatory, Andrea Clearfield and Norman Davis at the University of the Arts, and Howard Frazin at the Longy School of Music.

Michael’s compositions explore the expressive possibilities of sound and the relationship between the composer, performer, and audience. At times subtly beautiful and at others violent and alienating, the audience is both challenged and rewarded by attentive listening. Chance elements in many of his works allow the performer great interpretive freedom and expressive potential.  

Michael has had works performed and commissioned by numerous performers and ensembles including pianists Kimberly and Michelle Cann, the Jasper String Quartet, The Borderlands Ensemble, Philadelphia Opera on Tap, The Perspective Collective, cellists Arlen Hlusko and Timothy Leonard, saxophonist Crystal Alexander Duckett and the Marple Newtown High School Choir. His short opera, For Love of Country, co-written with librettist Jeremy Basescu was recently premiered to much acclaim.