We were lucky to catch up with Leo Testoni recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Leo, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Yes.
I decided to become a musician early in life after watching a duo perform Brazilian jazz — just upright bass and piano. That moment changed everything for me. More than 20 years have passed, and I’m still in love with music.

Throughout all these years, I’ve always made a living from music. There have been turbulent times and others with less worry, but never an easy path. I believe my generation — the one that experienced the shift from analog to digital — really felt the challenges of adapting to a new reality, like music being available for free everywhere (on websites, TV, and streaming platforms). At the same time, artists receive little to nothing for their work.

On the other hand, we also witnessed a transformation that made access to knowledge more democratic. As a musician living in Brazil until the age of 25 or 30, it was challenging to find books, DVDs, and CDs. With the digitization of all that material, everything became much more accessible.

I believe education is one of the most beautiful things in life. In music, though, it isn’t a straightforward topic — we can find musicians with advanced academic degrees who don’t have 1% of the experience of artists who never stepped into a classroom. I advocate for balance in that sense. I’m a strong supporter of quality education led by those who truly know what they’re talking about, while also making knowledge more accessible to those genuinely interested.

After more than 20 years of teaching and touring the world, I know I could have saved a lot of time and energy by focusing earlier on certain skills — repertoire, ear training, practical theory and technique, as well as things every working musician today needs to know: marketing, audio engineering, and even speaking a second (or third) language.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Leo Testoni, a Brazilian guitarist, educator, and music producer based in California. Music has been part of my life from the very beginning — I was born in São Paulo into a musical family, and started playing classical guitar as a child. After four years of classical training, I transitioned to electric and popular acoustic guitar, which led to early opportunities performing with some of Brazil’s most respected artists like Seu Jorge, Paula Lima, João Parahyba (Trio Mocotó), and Casa das Máquinas.

Since then, I’ve built a career that spans performance, education, and production. In 2011, I had the honor of performing the Brazilian national anthem at WGP Kickboxing events, which were broadcast live around the world. A year later, I toured with Casa das Máquinas and left my footprint — literally — on the “Brazilian rock fame sidewalk.” In 2016, I joined the Broadway revival of Godspell in São Paulo, expanding my involvement in musical theater.

Beyond the stage, I’ve been teaching guitar since 2005, and producing music, creating albums, soundtracks, and jingles. From 2017 to 2020, I was featured at the NAMM Show in California for four consecutive years, performing. My debut solo album, Arranged & Spontaneous Sessions, recorded in Los Angeles with incredible guest artists like Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), showcases a blend of improvisation and arrangement that reflects my musical voice.

In 2022, I moved to the U.S. after receiving a full scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in guitar performance at Utah State University. That opened new doors in both academic and performance settings — from jazz orchestras and musical theater productions to chamber concerts and private instruction.

One of my proudest accomplishments is Duet Paty & Leo, a project I co-founded with my wife and musical partner, Paty Fernandes. We released an album called Da Nossa Terra in 2021, and since then, we’ve performed across Brazil, Europe, and the U.S. In 2023, we recorded with legendary drummer Danny Gottlieb (Pat Metheny Group) and performed a major concert in Paris with over 40 musicians on stage. In July 2024, I played with the big band “USU Jazz Orchestra” at some major jazz festivals in Europe, including the renowned Umbria Jazz Festival.

Whether on stage or in the studio, I’m always chasing authenticity and emotional impact. I want people to feel something — to walk away inspired, moved, or even just a little more connected.

I believe music is not just about performance — it’s about sharing, teaching, and creating something that resonates beyond the moment. That’s the spirit behind everything I do.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe it’s essential to be mindful of how often we enjoy music for free. Music is everywhere, creating a beautiful atmosphere in countless moments and spaces. Because of that, when there’s an opportunity to support musicians — by hiring live music, tipping, or simply recognizing their work — it’s worth remembering the balance between freely accessible music and the value of the artists behind it.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

All of Amyr Klink’s books have deeply inspired me. As a seasoned navigator and pioneer in many expeditions, he often shares reflections that go far beyond sailing — they speak to life, responsibility, and entrepreneurship. One that has always stayed with me is his observation that “on a sinking boat, there are no passengers — everyone has to act to keep it afloat, regardless of their rank.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.leotestoni.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo.testoni/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leo.testonigtr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/leotestoni
• Other: https://www.duetpatyleo.com