Meet Noah Leiva | Jazz Cellist | Teacher | Performer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Noah Leiva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Noah, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Early in my life, I learned the value of hustle from my mom, I worked in restaurants & bartended while going to school. At the same time, I was fully immersed in music, often running on no sleep, no calendar, and lots of unpredictable all-nighters. UNT’s Jazz Program and my love for being busy really shaped that drive. Back then, my “balance” was basically chaos, I thrived on being constantly on the move.

Now, I approach balance very differently. I’m much more intentional, I live by my Google Calendar and plan my days carefully. I’m still constantly working, but it’s across different passions: performing, my music tech sales job, teaching, contracting, and creating music. Each piece seems to feed the others, so even though I’m busy, it feels purposeful rather than stressful. For me, balance isn’t about doing less; it’s about structuring the busyness so it works for me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is all about music and the connections it creates, whether I’m performing, teaching, or collaborating. I love playing with others and constantly working to become as fluent as possible, chasing that feeling of truly understanding and communicating with fellow musicians. What sets me apart is blending genres like jazz, classical, folk, and pop in ways that feel fresh and personal. And I’m a cellist who plays jazz, so I like to keep things interesting. I also love bringing traditional instruments to life in any setting, from weddings to small venues to jazz clubs.

Getting here wasn’t easy. Growing up, I balanced school with work in the service industry and music. UNT was a turning point, teaching me focus, discipline, and creativity. Along the way, I’ve learned that consistency, curiosity, and relationships matter more than raw talent. My work isn’t just about playing music, it’s about creating experiences, connecting people, and making every performance meaningful. My brand is rooted in professionalism, creativity, and heart.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For food and drinks, I’d start with Meso Maya, the food is amazing, and their pineapple avocado margaritas are unreal. For a true BBQ mood, Pecan Lodge is a must.

We’d definitely spend time at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, it’s gorgeous and peaceful. If it’s summer, The Statler Hotel rooftop pool is a wild experience. For music, we’d hit Balcony Club, my favorite jazz bar, where I first fell in love with jazz. And we’d also check out the Meyerson Symphony Center, it’s incredible to see the Dallas Symphony perform there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a huge shoutout to my mom, she instilled in me a strong work ethic and love of hustle from a young age, showing me the value of service & dedication. I also have to thank my mentors and teachers at UNT, who shaped my musicianship and pushed me to think bigger. Beyond that, the friends, collaborators, and fellow musicians I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years have all contributed to my growth, both personally and professionally. Every step of the way, the people who believed in me, challenged me, and made the journey enjoyable.

Website: https://noahbenmusic.com

Instagram: Noahbenmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@noahbenmusic

Image Credits
Maria Crane
instagram: @mariacranemedia
mariacranemedia.com