2025 Leyenda Foundation Convention Schedule June 29th-July 2nd
Day 1 - Monday, June 29th 2026
9:00am Keynote Dr. Melissa Plamann
Keynote: UnNerved – The Performer’s Roadmap
Speaker: Dr. Melissa Plamann
The Hook: What if your stage fright isn't a weakness, but a misunderstood survival signal?
In this transformative keynote, Dr. Melissa Plamann—OCU Professor and author of the groundbreaking 2026 release UnNerved—shatters the "just breathe" clichés of performance anxiety.
Using her innovative Enneagram-based framework, Dr. Plamann helps you identify whether your anxiety is driven by Fear, Shame, or Anger. You won’t just learn to "manage" nerves; you’ll learn to interrupt the fight-flight-freeze cycle at its source. This session is a masterclass in psychological armor, offering a data-driven, humorous, and deeply human toolkit to help you reclaim the joy of the stage.
Takeaway: A personalized "lifeline" to move from survival mode to artistic mastery.
10am Stephen Goss Classical Guitar Alive Live interview
LIVE: Stephen Goss on the Torroba Concerto
Special Event: Classical Guitar Alive Live Interview
Guests: Stephen Goss & Host Tony Morris
The Session: Join us for a live taping of Classical Guitar Alive as world-renowned composer Stephen Goss pulls back the curtain on one of the most significant "rescues" in guitar history.
What to Expect:
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The Torroba Mystery: Hear the firsthand account of Goss’s detective work in reconstructing and completing the Moreno Torroba Guitar Concerto—a masterpiece nearly lost to time.
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Mastering the Past: How Goss bridged mid-century Spanish lyricism with the power of the modern symphony orchestra.
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Modern Legends: Goss discusses his "bespoke" collaborations with icons like John Williams and David Russell.
The Live Experience: Witness the conversation that will be broadcast globally, featuring deep insights into the evolution of the guitar concerto from the man rewriting the canon.
This isn’t just a discussion—it’s a legacy unfolding before our eyes. Don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary dialogue between giants.
11am Charlie Christian Jazz Ensemble Rehearsal
🎸 At 1:30 PM, The Workshop of a Legend: Charlie Christian Jazz Rehearsal
Witness the process before the performance. Step inside the "inner sanctum" of the Charlie Christian Jazz Institute as Mark Whitfield and the convention’s elite jazz faculty strip away the polish to reveal the raw mechanics of swing. This is a rare, fly-on-the-wall opportunity to see how a GRAMMY-winning master shapes an ensemble, navigates complex improvisations, and honors the "Oklahoma Sound" in real-time.
This isn’t a concert—it’s a laboratory. Experience the spontaneous dialogue, the high-stakes adjustments, and the electric energy of world-class musicians finding their groove. Whether you’re a player or a fan, come see how the legacy of Charlie Christian is brought to life, one riff at a time.
Lunch Break 12:00-1:30pm
🍽️ Lunch Break: 12:00–1:30 PM
Refuel, recharge, and connect! Take this time to grab a bite and explore some of the incredible eats near Oklahoma City University. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a sit-down experience, you’ve got amazing options just minutes away:
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The Mule – Legendary grilled cheese and gourmet sandwiches in the Plaza District.
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Big Truck Tacos – Fresh, flavorful, and wildly popular—Oklahoma-style street food with flair.
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Stella Modern Italian – Elevated pastas, pizzas, and salads just a few blocks from campus.
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Gorō Ramen – Stylish, cozy spot serving some of the best ramen and Japanese snacks in OKC.
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Cafe Kacao – Vibrant Guatemalan breakfast and brunch all day—get the horchata cold brew!
Enjoy your meal, swap stories with new friends, and get ready for the exciting afternoon sessions ahead. See you at 1:30 PM sharp for our Malagueña rehearsal!
The Torroba Concerto (Guitar Ensemble Rehearsal) 1:00pm
🎶 1:00 PM – Resurrecting the Masterpiece: The Torroba Rehearsal
This is the moment the past becomes the present. At 1:30 PM, you won't just be watching a rehearsal—you’ll be part of a musical restoration. Join the elite faculty of the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute and our festival orchestra, conducted by the brilliant Kareem McCullough, as we bring the Moreno Torroba Guitar Concerto to life.
This isn't just any concerto; it is a vital piece of our history. Federico Moreno Torroba was a close confidant of the Romero family, and this work is a breathtaking celebration of the Spanish "Castizo" spirit—romantic, lyrical, and undeniably powerful.
Why you need to be there:
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The Living Lineage: Hear the secrets of the Romero tradition applied to one of its most cherished collaborative works.
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The "Detective Work": Witness the nuances and phrasing that make this concerto a masterclass in Spanish storytelling.
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Stand in the Sound: Experience the raw, electric energy of the ensemble as they refine the interplay between guitar and orchestra.
Don’t just listen to the legacy. Witness the work that sustains it.
Taiwo Adegoke Music Ed Presentation 2:00pm
At 3:30 PM, The Global Classroom: Music Ed with Taiwo Adegoke
Revolutionize your rhythm. Join the visionary Taiwo Adegoke for a high-impact presentation that redefines what it means to teach music in the 21st century. This isn’t just a pedagogy lecture—it’s a vibrant, hands-on exploration of global traditions and modern engagement.
Taiwo brings a world-class perspective on how to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and the contemporary classroom. Learn how to transform "standard" music education into a dynamic, inclusive experience that resonates with every student’s soul.
The Session Highlights:
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The Global Pulse: Integrating African rhythmic traditions and international folkways into your curriculum.
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Beyond the Page: Strategies for fostering creative improvisation and ear-training that stick.
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Teacher as Catalyst: How to build a classroom culture that celebrates diversity through the universal language of sound.
Be there to sharpen your tools, broaden your horizons, and find the spark that will ignite your students' passion for a lifetime of music.
Class Guitar Resources Ben Lougheed 2:30pm
Ben Lougheed: The Suzuki Secret to Classroom Success
Build the musician, not just the technique. Join Dr. Ben Lougheed—one of the few guitarists in the world to hold both a Doctorate and all nine Suzuki book certifications—for a deep dive into the "Mother Tongue" approach for the modern classroom.
Leveraging his extensive training and his background with the elite FSU guitar program, Ben demonstrates how the principles of early-childhood mastery can be scaled to transform middle and high school ensembles. This session is a masterclass in creating a culture of excellence through the "Every Child Can" philosophy.
The Strategy Session:
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The Talent Education Model: Strategies for developing a "beautiful heart" and a beautiful tone simultaneously in a group setting.
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The Suzuki Triangle in the Classroom: How to foster a high-performance, non-competitive environment where students lead and follow with equal skill.
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Sequential Mastery: A hands-on look at how to break down complex classical techniques into digestible, successful steps for students of all ages.
Whether you’re a Suzuki devotee or a classroom director looking for a more holistic way to engage your students, Ben Lougheed provides the tools to build a foundation of lifelong musicality. Come see why he is a leading force in modernizing the way we teach the guitar.
Teacher Feature Concerts Maya Ana Lončar Michael Nigro 3:00pm-4:30pm
The Masters on Stage: Teacher Feature Concert
The educators become the inspiration. Put down the pens and notebooks as the convention spotlight turns to two of the most compelling performers on the modern stage: Maya Ana Loncar and Michael Nigro.
This isn't just a concert; it’s a living demonstration of the very techniques and philosophies discussed throughout the week. Witness the transformation of "pedagogy" into "pure art" as these masters take the stage to showcase the depth of the classical guitar repertoire.
The Performers:
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Maya Ana Loncar: Known for her "soulful and crystalline" interpretations, Maya brings a vibrant, international perspective to the stage, blending technical precision with a deep, lyrical narrative.
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Michael Nigro: A seasoned virtuoso celebrated for his championing of South American and Spanish masterpieces. His performances are a masterclass in tone, color, and the "singing" quality of the guitar.
The Experience: From the intricate polyphony of the Baroque to the fiery rhythms of Argentina and the deep Spanish tradition, this concert is a testament to the level of excellence the Leyenda Foundation represents.
Be there to experience the raw beauty of the instrument in the hands of the masters who are shaping the next generation of artists.
Guitar Concerto Masterclass Los Romeros Oklahoma Chamber Symphony Conducted by Kaleb Benda 4:30-6:30
🎼 It Begins Now — Guitar Concerto Masterclass with Full Orchestra
A landmark moment in guitar history is unfolding right now.
The first-ever guitar concerto masterclass with full orchestra at the Leyenda Convention is officially underway—conducted by Kaleb Benda and artistically led by the legendary Los Romeros.
This extraordinary session features participants from across the globe who have journeyed to Oklahoma City for the rare honor of studying directly with the Royal Family of the Guitar. Under their guidance and backed by a full orchestra, these emerging artists will refine their interpretations, elevate their artistry, and carry forward the Romero legacy in real time.
🔥 Global talent. Orchestral power. Legendary guidance.
This is not just a masterclass—it’s a musical milestone.
Dinner Break 6:00-7:30pm
🍽️ Dinner Break: 6:00–7:30 PM
You’ve earned this. After a day filled with musical magic, take a moment to treat yourself to a great meal before the night’s grand finale.
Explore some of OKC’s standout dinner spots—perfect for a relaxed bite, a little conversation, and a quick recharge:
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Cheever’s Café – Upscale comfort food with Southwestern flair in a charming historic building.
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The Press – Southern-style dishes with a twist—great for groups and hearty appetites.
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Tucker’s Onion Burgers – An Oklahoma City original, serving juicy, retro-style burgers.
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Vast – Looking for a skyline view? Enjoy fine dining 49 floors above OKC in this elegant downtown gem.
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Pho Lien Hoa – Casual, fast, and delicious Vietnamese classics just a short drive away.
🍷 Whether you're going refined or casual, be sure to head back by 7:30 PM—because Daniel Marx takes the stage in what promises to be a spellbinding evening of guitar brilliance.
🎶 Refuel, reconnect, return. The music continues—don’t miss a note.
David Leisner In Concert 7:30pm
🎶 Daniel Marx in Concert – 7:30 PM | Petree Recital Hall
Close out Day 1 of the Leyenda Convention with an unforgettable performance by Daniel Marx, one of Europe’s most compelling and refined classical guitarists.
An esteemed alumnus of the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute, Daniel brings both poetic sensitivity and fiery virtuosity to the stage. His artistry reflects the very essence of the Romero legacy—elegance, passion, and a deep connection to tradition reimagined for today’s world.
This concert is more than a performance—it’s a homecoming. Witness a rising international star who once stood where you stand now, and who continues to carry forward the spirit of Celedonio with every note he plays.
✨ Let the day end not in silence, but in brilliance. Don’t miss it.