In addition to studio teaching, Leali teaches jazz performance fundamentals and directs the Three O’Clock Lab Band. Leali received his bachelor’s degree in music education from UNT in 1989, where he played with the One O’Clock Lab Band. After earning his Master’s degree from Rutgers University in 2005, he was appointed head of the jazz program at Texas Tech University. From 1989-1994, Leali was lead alto saxophonist for the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra, serving as its musical director from 1990-1994. In 1995, he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, earning a Grammy nomination for his solo work on Count Plays Duke. Leali has since recorded five CDs, including Maria Juanez (2006), featuring his own compositions and jazz orchestra, and DA’s Time with his quartet (2008).