Raised in São Paulo, Brazil, Leandro began exploring guitar and percussion as a teenager and was soon drawn into a lifelong pursuit of rhythm, creativity, and learning. By 2000, he was teaching professionally, and in 2006 he completed a degree in music education. Since then, his focus has been on guiding students to find their own musical path, one rooted not just in technical skill, but in confidence, presence, and self-expression.

In 2010, Leandro formed a band called Oba Oba Samba House. For more than a decade, the group toured across Brazil and beyond, performing on national television and radio, and releasing four albums through Sony Music and Universal. Their music even appeared in Brazilian soap operas. During the pandemic, live performance came to a halt, and Leandro used the time to become a therapist. That shift added a new layer to his teaching, grounding his lessons in presence, self-awareness, and connection.

Today, Leandro focuses fully on teaching and plans to perform again in the United States in the future. His approach to lessons is rooted in rhythm, both musical and personal. He sees music as a tool for building confidence and consistency, and he works to make every lesson a meaningful experience. “I try to be fully present in every session,” he says. “Each student has their own way to learn, and it is my job to see and support that.”

One of his favorite parts of teaching is the connection he builds with students and their families. He pays close attention to personality and learning style, crafting each lesson to reflect the student’s unique rhythm. “Respecting their personality and structure is key,” he explains. “That is how the real growth begins.”

When it comes to goal setting, Leandro starts with the fundamentals. Learning simple songs with natural notes, timing, and hand coordination. As students build those core skills, he begins to introduce the music they love, adapting familiar songs in ways that help them apply what they have learned. He believes this is where the learning truly comes to life.

Although Leandro once focused on performing and delivering something special from the stage, his passion now lives in helping others find their voice. “As a teacher, it is the opposite. I am here to serve. I want to guide and make a real difference in people’s lives.”

He believes many families begin lessons without realizing the full impact music can have. For Leandro, music is a tool for personal development. It builds consistency, presence, and confidence, qualities that carry over into every part of life.

One of his proudest moments came during his first recital in the United States. After years of performing and teaching in Brazil, this was a new challenge. Watching his students perform for the first time, many of them overcoming nerves, they stepped onto the stage with confidence and reminded him exactly why he teaches.

Leandro brings warmth, care, and intentionality to every lesson. Whether it is the first note or the first recital, he is committed to making each student’s journey meaningful, one connection at a time.