Hailed as “an excellent guitarist” (David Brandon) and “very talented” (John Sutherland), Leon Christian is celebrated for charismatically and virtuosically bringing to life a broad repertoire of musical styles. Whether playing the earliest scores transcribed for the classical guitar or even the most contemporary progressive rock compositions on electric, his engaging performances entertain and de
light audiences of all sizes and ages. An accomplished classical guitarist, Leon regularly performs concerti with Northwest orchestras and in solo recitals. He was selected to be the first guitar soloist to perform with the Federal Way Symphony under Maestro A. Brian Davenport, performing Joaquín Rodrigo’s "Concierto de Aranjuez" in 2013. Leon also enjoys performing in jazz, blues, and rock styles. His original rock bands have headlined tours across the West Coast and the Pacific Northwest and he has recorded and performed with Rock-and-Roll-Hall-of-Fame artists such as Sam Andrew of “Big Brother and the Holding Company” (Janis Joplin), Roger Fisher and Mike Derosier of “Heart”, and blues legend Jerry Miller. As a studio recording session guitarist, his playing can be heard on independent films, TV commercials, and studio albums. Leon’s musical studies started at age four on classical piano. Inspired by the Beatles, he switched to the guitar at age twelve and continued on to attend the University of Puget Sound as a classical guitar performance major. He studied with many international masters of the instrument, including Douglas Rice Jr., David Russell, David Brandon, and William Kanengiser. Leon was also among 24 guitarists selected from around the world to study in the prestigious international Christopher Parkening Master Class. Recognized by his peers, Leon was voted to be one of six guitarists to perform in the annual public recital, representing the Master Class with Mr. This honor was bestowed upon Leon for three consecutive years and he remains a close friend of Mr. Leon holds the position of Director of the Federal Way School of Music and has taught guitar for over 25 years, maintaining a successful private guitar studio in the Puget Sound area. A strong supporter of music education, he is actively involved in local school music programs, music outreach programs for underprivileged children, and regularly leads masterclasses and music education clinics in the Seattle-Tacoma area. Currently, Leon performs regularly in classical concerts and is guitarist, lead songwriter, and producer in his original progressive rock project. In his spare time Leon enjoys body building, riding motorcycles, psychology, horror films, literature, and chess. www.leonchristianguitar.com
