BIO

Leandro Nonato Martins’ musical journey is one of passion, persistence, and versatility. Born into a musical household in São Paulo, he was captivated early on not only by the games he watched his siblings play, but by their soundtracks. This unique focus nurtured an uncanny melodic memory that would drive his future artistry. By age seven, he was sneaking his uncle’s guitar to experiment with chords, unknowingly laying the foundation for a lifelong vocation.

A pivotal moment came at age fifteen when he and his father were working a maintenance job at a well known guitar factory. After some time, his father surprise-gifted him his first electric guitar. Without access to formal lessons, Nonato became a self-taught powerhouse practicing tirelessly and absorbing techniques from magazines, peers, and custom-made exercises. His discipline paid off when he earned one of only a very few openings at EMESP (Escola de Música do Estado de São Paulo) amid hundreds of applicants. There, he discovered his perfect pitch and studied theory, harmony, ensemble performance, and ear training.

After EMESP, Nonato was accepted into the Alcântara Machado Faculty of Arts for the Music Composition course, eager to learn and develop soundtracking skills for 3 years and Electric Guitar for more 4 years, acquiring his title of Bachelor of Music. During the college times he began teaching guitar privately and soon joined the Symphony School of Arts as a music teacher where he gained recognition as "Teacher of the Year". His keen auditory skills also led to over 500 music transcriptions for the website Portal Partituras. These years sharpened both his technical and pedagogical expertise, while his YouTube channel became a platform for ambitious guitar covers that showcased his evolving artistry and drew students from around the world.

In 2017, he joined School of Rock São Caetano do Sul and School of Rock Anália Franco, initially as a guitar instructor for technically advanced students. His dedication and leadership quickly elevated him to Strings Department Coordinator, where he oversaw band formations, studio rehearsals, and student development. The immersive, ensemble-based approach resonated with his own journey, allowing him to mentor the next generation while refining his own production and arrangement skills.

Meanwhile, Nonato embraced online private lessons, offering customized instruction via platforms like Skype and Zoom. His adaptable teaching style, bolstered by years of pedagogical refinement, reached students globally, especially during the pandemic. He implemented intuitive methods for beginners and professionals alike, tailoring material to individual goals while maintaining musical rigor and creative engagement. These virtual classes have become a cornerstone of his practice, connecting cultures through music education.

Nonato's musical theater portfolio is equally impressive, bridging performance and orchestration. As a multi-instrumentalist, he played guitar, 7-string acoustic, and cavaquinho in Carrossel, o Musical, collaborating with the prestigious Núcleo Experimental. He contributed to acclaimed productions like As Cangaceiras Guerreiras do Sertão (Prêmio Bibi Ferreira award winner) and Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, where he performed center-stage alongside Brazilian celebrities and even the show’s original author, Dave Malloy. He also composed scores for web series (Ai! Que Exagero) and served as maestro and arranger for Silvio Santos Vem Aí, leading rehearsals, preparing vocal warmups, and overseeing band and score development in its second season—a true culmination of his musical theater expertise.

In 2023, Nonato expanded his reach aboard Virgin Voyages, joining the cast of It’s a Ship Show as lead guitarist. His stage energy and musical precision entertaining the audiences with live random song requests earned him an early extension aboard the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady ships, traveling the Mediterranean and Caribbean. These performances fused entertainment with musicianship, sharpening his skills in live production and international collaboration.

Now based in the United States, Nonato continues to evolve as a performer, educator, composer, and orchestrator. His dynamic career—spanning symphonic arrangements, theater scores, private instruction, game soundtracks, and cruise line entertainment—demonstrates that with dedication and resourcefulness, music can take you anywhere. His story invites collaborators, students, and creators to explore the possibilities of musical expression.