Leslie Hamric

Leslie Hamric has been blind since birth, but that has never stopped her from pursuing her passion for music. Starting out taking lessons in piano, cello, voice, she went on to pursue cello most actively studying at Northern Illinois University, Eastman School of Music, Aspen Summer Music Festival and Meadowmount School of Music. 

Initially learning music by ear, Leslie was inspired by her teachers and mentors to learn braille music notation, a challenging but valuable skill that has allowed her greater independence in both learning and performing music!

Leslie is deeply passionate about giving back, working to ensure blind musicians have access to essential resources. She teaches cello and braille music and advocates for the use of adaptive technologies to enhance learning. She is often accompanied by her guide dog, Omega and you can hear Leslie in the cello section of the Elmhurst Symphony, which she successfully auditioned for in 2016. 

Leslie’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right resources, opportunity and training, music can be accessed by everyone. Learn more about Leslie by reading the essay she wrote for the National Federation of the Blind and click here to donate to the National Federation of the Blind which advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States.