About Us
The Leyenda Foundation believes the arts reach their zenith when artists are treated with the respect they deserve, and students are given access to the rooms they belong in.
We are a global home for the elite arts, built on the radical idea that artistic excellence and institutional integrity must coexist. We are an artist-first organization dedicated to building sustainable pathways across education, performance, recording, and legacy preservation. By bridging the gap between legendary masters and the next generation of creators, we ensure that the high-caliber traditions of classical, jazz, flamenco, and contemporary music do not just survive—they flourish.

Our Pillars of Excellence
1. Elite Education
We provide immersive, high-level training for youth, emerging professionals, and educators. Our programs are not merely lessons; they are master-level mentorships that challenge the boundaries of craft.""Transformative EducationThrough world-class concerts, orchestral collaborations, and interdisciplinary productions, we elevate the standard of public performance, creating experiences that resonate far beyond the final note.
2. Transformative Education
Through world-class concerts, orchestral collaborations, and interdisciplinary productions, we elevate the standard of public performance, creating experiences that resonate far beyond the final note.
3. Recording & Publishing
We operate an artist-first infrastructure that prioritizes fairness and transparency. By reimagining the economic model of music media, we ensure that creators retain their agency while building a lasting recorded legacy.
4. Cultural Preservation
We honor the lineages of master artists and traditional repertoires while aggressively investing in the commissioning of new works and the cultivation of future leaders.
The Institutes
At the heart of Leyenda are our discipline-specific institutes—laboratories of excellence led by internationally acclaimed faculty.

Artist First Ventures
Leyenda is more than a foundation; it is a creative engine. We extend our mission through strategic ventures that challenge the industry status quo.
Label & Publishing
A revolutionary platform built on equitable revenue distribution. Unlike traditional models, our proceeds are directly reinvested into student scholarships and community programming, creating a closed-loop system of artistic reinvestment.
Media & Storytelling
Through podcasts like Shameless Pluck, we amplify the authentic voices of global cultural leaders, fostering a transparent dialogue about the reality of a creative life.
On the Horizon:
Leyenda Conservatory
We are currently developing the Leyenda Conservatory—a forward-thinking, hybrid model of elite arts training. This institution will offer both in-person and digital pathways to mastery, ensuring that geography is never a barrier to world-class education.
Our Future Initiatives Include:
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Global Expansion: Establishing European headquarters and international exchange programs.
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Artist Residencies: Creating dedicated spaces for the birth of new masterworks.
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Creative Laboratories: Interdisciplinary hubs where music meets technology and visual art.
Leyenda Foundation Leadership


Matthew Denman
Founder/Executive Director
Brandon Brown
Assistant Director




Erika Vasquez
Director of Dance
Kaleb Benda
Director of Orchestra
Kareem McCullough
Romero Institute Guitar Orchestra Director
Hamed Erfani
Co-coordinator of Artist-First Initiatives

Brayden Stonecipher
Co-Director OK(GO) OKlahoma Guitar Director

Matthew Elder
Co-Director OK(GO) OKlahoma Guitar Director

Chris Unzicker
Leyenda Convention A/V Director

Austin Keller
Celedonio Romero Assistantship

Ken Rosfeld
Leyenda Foundation Label
Head Audio Engineer

Joycie Johnson
Convention Housing Coordinator

Mitch Kusbel
Special Event A/V Director
Hudson Auditorium

Damian Goggans
Leyenda Assistantship
Leyenda Foundation Board

Nicole Berkley

Dr. Jake Johnson

James Branum

Gavin Spence

Robyn Hilger

Jay Shanker