He received academic degrees from the University of North Texas (Bachelor of Music cum laude, 1972 and Master of Music Education, 1974) and Northwestern University (Doctor of Music - Trumpet Performance, 1985), studying with teachers such as John Jay Haynie, Robert H. Fleming, Vincent Cichowicz and others
Until Fall 2009, he served as Professor of Trumpet and Artist in Residence at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Prior to his appointment at UAB, Leonard was, for 28 years (beginning fall 1974), professor of trumpet at the University of North Texas College of Music, where he was eventually named Regents Professor of Music in the College of Music. He is recognized internationally as a teacher and performer, and has been a featured soloist in numerous concerts all over the world.
He has often been praised for his high level of musicianship and artistry.
Candelaria has performed and recorded with the Dallas Symphony, and has also performed with numerous other orchestras, including the Texas Baroque Ensemble, the Fort Worth Symphony, the Dallas Bach Society, and many others Many of Candelaria"s students have had successful careers in bands and symphony orchestras throughout the world.
From 1993-1995, Leonard served as President of the International Trumpet Guild (ITG), an association of trumpeters totaling approximately 7,100 members from more than 60 countries. In November 2004, Leonard organized and coordinated the Ellsworth Smith International Trumpet Solo Competition at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, an event which was co-sponsored by ITG and the Columbus Foundation.
While studying at the University of North Texas, Candelaria was a member of the world famous One O"clock Laboratory Band. His students have been members of the jazz bands of Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, and Maynard Ferguson, and in numerous major orchestras, including the Dallas Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony, the National Symphony and others Today, he continues to be a member of the ITG Board of Directors and is Chair of the Carmine Caruso International Jazz Trumpet Solo Competition.
