William Leavitt (musician)

William Leavitt (born 1926, died 1990) was an American guitarist, composer, and pedagogue best known for his contributions to jazz guitar education. He is primarily remembered for his series of method books, A Modern Method for Guitar, published by Berklee Press. These books are widely regarded as foundational texts for aspiring jazz guitarists, emphasizing sight-reading, chord voicings, scale studies, and improvisation techniques.

Leavitt served as a professor at Berklee College of Music for over thirty years, shaping the curriculum and influencing generations of guitarists. His systematic approach to guitar instruction, focusing on technical proficiency and theoretical understanding, has had a lasting impact on jazz guitar pedagogy. While not a prolific performer, Leavitt's primary focus was on teaching and developing a comprehensive system for guitar instruction, making his lasting legacy in music education rather than performance. His students include numerous notable jazz guitarists who have continued to build upon his pedagogical foundation.