Leo Fishman teaches courses in Music Theory, including Harmony and Musicianship. He holds a Ph.D in Music Theory from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he gained significant experience in instructing students in the fundamentals of music and music appreciation as well as in the guidance and instruction of new teaching assistants. He has expertise in early twentieth century American music, especially works of Aaron Copland as evidenced by his imaginative theoretical analysis of representative early works of Copland. He also holds a Bachelor of Music degree in composition from the University of Hawaii and has created numerous works, especially chamber music, performed there.

Dr. Fishman holds a Juris Doctor degree from Temple University and has had a successful and comprehensive career as an attorney, particularly in the area of commercial law and in the drafting and negotiation of complex high-tech agreements. He has been admitted to the State Bars of California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Washington as well as several Federal courts.

Dr. Fishman is an accomplished jazz pianist and has a particular interest in all aspects of improvisation in music. He is among the founding members of the performing improvisation group at UCSB.