Leo began playing piano at the age of six after begging their parents to sign them up for lessons. Over the next 11 years, they took private lessons, performed in recitals, and competed in competitions. They are classically trained with main focus areas in Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Impressionist repertoire. Outside of their classical training, Leo enjoys playing movie soundtracks and scores. After passing OMTA’s Level X Syllabus exam in 2021, they continued their musical education at the University of Oregon. Leo graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in music. They are now a graduate student at Lewis and Clark College, pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling. Ever since middle school, Leo has been interested in teaching. They have volunteered in elementary classrooms, assisted teaching art workshops for children and adolescents, and have formally tutored fellow undergraduate students in the psychology department at UO. Leo believes that teaching is best done collaboratively. From choosing pieces to understanding theory, they like to center what matters to students while also integrating essential skills. Leo has a deep love and appreciation for piano, and they feel that part of teaching is helping students find and nurture what they love about piano too. When Leo is not playing or studying, you will find them reading sci-fi, rewatching Lord of the Rings, or knitting another pair of socks. Outside of piano, Leo likes to try out new instruments, though none of them have really stuck like piano has (but if anyone has an accordion, they would love to try it out!).
