Brian Leslie Bowman was born on July 22, 1946 in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He grew up in Dixon, Illinois, and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in music from the University of Michigan. After earning his master's degree, he served in the United States Navy Band from 1970 until 1974, followed by the United States Armed Forces Bicentennial Band from 1974 to 1976, and the U.S. Air Force Band from 1976 until 1991. Bowman also completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the Catholic University of America in 1975, and performed the first euphonium recital at Carnegie Hall in 1976. In addition to his performing career, Bowman has been an active advocate for euphonium repertory and pedagogy. He taught at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh from 1992 until 1999, and taught at the University of North Texas College of Music from August 1999 until 2018, when he retired as a Regents Professor. Numerous students of Bowman's have followed in his footsteps to serve in high-level military bands.