Hi, I’m Leo! I’m the founder of Petal & Chord (P&C) — a music studio rooted in creativity, compassion, and personal connection. I’ve been teaching music since 2014, and I hold three degrees in the field: a Bachelor’s in Guitar Performance, a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and a Master’s in Music Education.

I teach guitar and ukulele lessons, drawing from a background that spans classical, folk, and punk guitar styles. Whether you’re looking to build fingerstyle technique, strum your favorite songs, write originals, or just jam out with confidence, I tailor lessons to your goals and vibe.

While I don’t teach voice lessons yet, I bring a deep understanding of singing, musical phrasing, and expression into the way I guide students — especially when it comes to playing and singing at the same time or interpreting songs emotionally. I’ve sung in choirs ranging from college ensembles to international performances, including the Estonian Song Festival, and I continue to grow as a songwriter and solo performer.

My path as a musician and educator has taken me from public schools in the U.S. to classrooms in Austria, where I taught music in German after immersing myself in the language. I’ve also worked in assisted living communities creating therapeutic musical spaces — from leading song circles to providing one-on-one musical connection for elders with limited mobility.

As a trans artist, I value the deeply personal journey of creativity and expression. I aim to hold space for students to be themselves fully — musically and otherwise — and I know how powerful music can be for connection, healing, and joy.

My musical influences range from Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse to underground electronic artists like Great Dane and Gesaffelstein, and I love helping students explore the sounds and stories that move them.

At Petal & Chord, lessons are never one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re picking up your first chord or refining your songwriting, I’m here to support your musical journey with care, curiosity, and structure that fits you.