Leonardo Teixeira Testoni

Leo Testoni grew up in São Paulo, Brazil, surrounded by the sounds of his musician father, which sparked his passion for music early on. He started with classical guitar but quickly dove into electric and acoustic styles, performing professionally by age 16. His early gigs included playing with Brazilian greats like Seu Jorge, Paula Lima, João Parahyba (Trio Mocotó), and rock legends Casa das Máquinas.

In 2011, Leo made a name for himself playing the Brazilian national anthem at WGP Kickboxing events, which were broadcast live to audiences worldwide from São Paulo’s biggest arenas. A year later, he toured with Casa das Máquinas, leaving his mark on Brazil's rock scene. By 2016, he was performing in the Broadway revival of Godspell in São Paulo, showing off his guitar, acoustic, and ukulele skills.

Leo’s teaching career started in 2005, and he’s been sharing his knowledge ever since. He taught at multiple schools in São Paulo and spent 9 years as the coordinator of Sons, where he mentored countless students. In 2018, he released his solo album, Arranged & Spontaneous Sessions, featuring collaborations with artists like Carl Verheyen (Supertramp).

In 2022, Leo moved to the U.S. on a full scholarship for a master’s in guitar performance at Utah State University. While earning his degree, he taught classes, coached jazz combos, and performed with groups like the USU Jazz Orchestra, a group he toured with in July 2024 at important jazz festivals in Italy, including the prestigious Umbria Jazz Festival. His duo project with his wife, Duet Paty & Leo, has taken him to stages across Europe, South America, and the U.S., including a recording with Danny Gottlieb, founder of the Pat Metheny Group.

Now based in Los Angeles, Leo is passionate about helping students of all levels achieve their musical goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, his lessons are tailored to your needs, focusing on technique, creativity, and developing your unique voice on the guitar. With 20 years of experience as a performer and educator, Leo’s teaching style is engaging, supportive, and designed to inspire confidence and a deeper connection to music.

With over 20 years of experience as a musician and a master’s degree in guitar performance, my teaching style blends expertise with a personal touch. I’ve had the privilege of learning from outstanding teachers and crafting a teaching approach combining their best methods with my insights.

I create personalized lesson experiences tailored to each student’s goals, learning pace, and musical interests. I provide custom PDF materials and detailed lesson notes to support progress, ensuring students have clear guidance at every step. As a lifelong book lover, I’m also happy to recommend great reads on music, technique, and creativity whenever it aligns with a student’s curiosity.

What sets my lessons apart is my focus on practical, real-world applications. Music isn’t just about learning concepts—it’s about making them work for you. I connect every idea to the guitar and the broader world of music so you’ll understand what you’re learning, why it matters, and how to use it creatively.

Whether you’re just starting or already a seasoned player, my goal is to help you grow as a musician in ways that are meaningful, effective, and indeed your own. Together, we’ll unlock your potential and make your musical journey rewarding and enjoyable.