About the Leyenda Foundation

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The Leyenda Foundation is dedicated to advancing the art of the guitar while empowering the artists who shape its future. Through a dynamic range of educational, professional, and artistic initiatives, the Foundation seeks to honor the instrument’s rich heritage and foster new creative possibilities.

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At the heart of its mission are several distinguished programs:

• The Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute, celebrating the towering legacy of Celedonio Romero and the generations he inspired — Celin Romero, Pepe Romero, Angel Romero, Celino Romero, and Lito Romero. This institute offers world-class instruction and mentorship, rooted in the artistry, traditions, and spirit of one of the greatest families in classical guitar history. A highlight of the program is its collaboration with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, conducted by Kaleb Benda, providing participants the rare and transformative opportunity to rehearse and perform guitar concerti with a professional orchestra.
   

• The Charlie Christian Guitar Institute, honoring the groundbreaking spirit of one of jazz guitar’s earliest and most influential innovators. Led by master artists such as Grammy Award-winner Mark Whitfield and renowned educator and performer Chip Henderson, the Institute focuses on jazz, improvisation, and contemporary guitar artistry — connecting the legacy of Charlie Christian with the evolving language of modern guitar. Legendary educator and arranger Bill Swick also leads the Charlie Christian Guitar Ensemble, offering students the invaluable experience of performing in a jazz guitar orchestra under expert direction.
   

• The John Knowles Fingerstyle Institute, inspired by the artistry and legacy of John Knowles, C.G.P. (Certified Guitar Player). A frequent collaborator with Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, Knowles’s influence runs deep in the world of fingerstyle guitar. Although he did not win a Grammy himself, Chet Atkins famously handed Knowles one of his own Grammy Awards in recognition of his contributions to several Grammy-winning albums. The Institute carries forward Knowles’s spirit of craftsmanship, generosity, and musical storytelling, offering students the opportunity to explore the intricate and expressive world of fingerstyle guitar.
   

• Come Together: Professional Development for Guitar Teachers, a first-of-its-kind gathering that equips guitar educators with practical tools, pedagogical insights, and a supportive network to strengthen their impact in schools, studios, and communities.
   

• Leyenda Spark, an innovative mentorship program designed to inspire and support emerging pre-college and early college guitarists. Leyenda Spark provides free educational and performance opportunities to young artists, helping nurture the next generation of creative leaders in the guitar world.
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The Foundation also collaborates with Tony Morris and the nationally syndicated radio program Classical Guitar Alive, offering live, on-stage interviews with many of the world-renowned artists participating in Leyenda Foundation events. These interviews bring audiences closer to the performers, offering personal insight into their artistry and careers.

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Beyond education, the Foundation is committed to sustaining artists’ careers through its innovative ventures:

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• The Leyenda Label and Music Publishing was created with a clear mission — to provide artists with a fair, transparent platform for recording, distributing, and publishing their work. Designed specifically to maximize financial benefits for musicians and composers, Leyenda’s approach reimagines how artists can thrive in today’s music industry.
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Looking Ahead, the Leyenda Foundation is actively developing plans to launch the Leyenda Music Conservatory — a low-cost, highest-quality institution offering in-person and online instruction with certificate and degree programs. The Conservatory will make elite musical education more accessible than ever before, blending tradition with innovation.
 

In addition, the Foundation is preparing to expand beyond the guitar, seeking to honor and support the legacies of great artists across all disciplines and cultures worldwide, continuing its mission of education, preservation, and inspiration.

The Leyenda Foundation stands as a bridge between tradition and innovation — preserving the spirit of the guitar’s legends while boldly investing in the artists and educators of today and tomorrow.