A native of Washington, DC, Le Roy graduated from Duke Ellington School of the Arts in June 1997. In 2001 he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Jazz Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from North Carolina Central University located in Durham, North Carolina. He later obtained a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from NCCU in 2011.
Mr. Barley holds the following teaching positions: Jazz Trumpet Applied Instructor at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Adjunct Instructor of High Brass at Shaw University, Jazz Director at Green Hope High School and Green Level High School, Brass Instructor at the Musicians Learning Center and Jazz Director at Creators Christian Homeschool Bands. He is the High School Band Director at North Raleigh Christian Academy, where he directs the High School Wind Ensemble, Honors Jazz Band, Intermediate Jazz Band and the Marching Knights. He is often called upon as a Consultant, Adjudicator, Guest Artist, Guest Lecturer, and Guest Speaker for various schools and organizations. Further, He has had the opportunity to teach at Duke University as Lecturer and Director of Jazz Combos, North Carolina Central University as Adjunct Instructor of Trumpet, Upper Room Christian Academy as both Music and Band Teacher, Beginning Band Director with Capital Christian Homeschool Bands, Powell GT Magnet School as Band Instructor, AP Music Theory Teacher at North Raleigh Christian Academy and he helped develop and instruct the Winds/Brass program at KidZNotes.
Mr. Barley's teaching philosophy is simple. Everyone should be exposed to music and have a basic understanding of it. The teacher must strive to meet the student where they are, in regards to their learning style and level, and encourage and challenge them as they grow. The goal doesn’t have to be for them to be a professional musician, however, approaching music at a high level will give the participant discipline and problem solving skills that will better them in life. The benefits are undeniable. No other activity ignites the brain like playing music and it can be enjoyed at any level well into advanced age.