Leah Kruszewski

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Flamenco Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Loog Certified Guitar
5.0
(738 reviews)
5800+ lessons booked on Lessonface

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from $35.00 / 30 Minutes

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About

Multi-year Teacher of the Year for Flamenco and Classical Guitar, Leah loves introducing flamenco guitarists to the rhythms and melodies of southern Spain and guiding classical players as they develop their technique and repertoire.  She also enjoys guiding beginners in Loog, fingerstyle, and acoustic guitar (ages 6 & up, please).

Upcoming Group Classes in Flamenco Guitar: Exploring Flamenco - Rondeña and Zapateado starts May 5th, 2024 and Exploring Flamenco - Zambra and Bulerias por Medio starts September 15th, 2024

Based in Seville Spain, Leah is a native of Richmond Virginia, where she studied classical guitar at Virginia Commonwealth University.   In Richmond, Leah performed extensively as a soloist and in classical and world music ensembles.  She co-directed VCU's Flamenco Festival during its nine-year run, founded a flamenco-inspired ensemble, and played with Portuguese fado group Fado Nosso and the Richmond Guitar Quartet (classical guitar).  Leah moved to Seville, Spain in 2013, where she studied flamenco guitar at the Fundación Cristina Heeren.  She has since made flamenco guitar and teaching at Lessonface her two primary pursuits.  She accompanies dance classes at Juan Polvillo's Estudio Flamenco and plays with flamenco singers and dancers in Seville.

Lessons with Leah are positive and productive, and she adapts her teaching to give each individual the kind of instruction they need to enjoy the guitar and develop musically.  She has been teaching for over ten years and gives careful thought and attention to her students' needs and interests when planning their curriculums. 

Leah specializes in flamenco and classical guitar and loves working with students of all levels, absolute beginner to advanced, in these genres.   Flamenco guitar lessons concentrate on learning the basics of flamenco technique, understanding flamenco rhythm, and exploring repertoire in a variety of flamenco 'palos' (musical styles).  Classical guitar lessons center around learning and refining classical guitar technique, approaches to interpretation, and building a well-rounded and interesting repertoire that includes pieces from many styles and eras.  

Leah also enjoys teaching acoustic guitar to beginning and intermediate players of all genres - folk, fingerstyle, etc.  For adult students, Leah arranges a flexible curriculum that follows the student's interests.  She typically dedicates half the lesson to topics of technique and theory that apply to student's interests, and the other half to learning songs of their choice.  Leah works well with children ages 8 and up and adapts her teaching to give students what they need to learn best.  She moves patiently through the fundamentals and lays out clear goals for practice time between lessons.


Reviews from Group Classes


Eric F. on November 22, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Tientos and Sevillanas

Wonderful as always! Leah is an amazing instructor and I learn so much from each week’s lesson, which in turn gives me plenty to practice during the week between lessons. I really feel that I’ve improved significantly over these past couple of years and really look forward to the next sessions in January!


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Paul C. on November 13, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Tientos and Sevillanas

Extremely enjoyable. A great formula. Leah is a very good and very nice teacher



Randy W. on November 13, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Tientos and Sevillanas

The class was amazing. Llea is such a great guitar instructor. She and her notes are very clear. Studying with her has been exciting and amazing. Can’t wait till the next class starts.



Verified Student on November 13, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero



Kim C. on November 13, 2023
Class: Open Mic



Arun J. on October 31, 2023
Class: Open Mic

Inspiring! I hope to participate as a performer one day.



Kim A. on October 30, 2023
Class: Open Mic

It was awesome I loved it I wish that they’d do vocal warm ups too before open mic that would be awesome



Emerson W. on October 29, 2023
Class: Open Mic

I had such a blast I've been practicing all month for this day although I almost missed it due to technical difficulties I'm glad I was able to perform it was such a fun time



Verified Student on September 27, 2023
Class: Build Your Flamenco Technique Routine

Very useful for a beginner like me. Provided ways to start and keep practicing for months(years) to come. Thank you Leah



Ami S. on September 26, 2023
Class: Build Your Flamenco Technique Routine

Excellent! Leah does such a great job with both her teaching and extensive handouts. Really helpful and got a lot of questions answered for me.



Randy W. on September 26, 2023
Class: Build Your Flamenco Technique Routine

The class was excellent. Leah is an amazing teacher for all levels of Flamenco guitar technique learning. Her handouts and the video recording are excellent and will keep me busy for a while. Where is the best!



John G. on September 10, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero

He likes it!



Eric F. on August 10, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Malagueña and Colombiana



Paul C. on August 8, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Malagueña and Colombiana

Brilliant, lovely Flamenco pitched at the right level for me, challenging yet encouraging. Taught in a friendly efficient style.



Al I. on August 7, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Malagueña and Colombiana

Leah was wonderfully exhaustive of her presentation every week. Not only is she a skilled teacher, but she helped take the mystery of out Flamenco and make it understandable for all involved, Her notes were impeccable and her observations truly important to grasping all the inner workings. thank you!



Robert M. on August 6, 2023
Class: Open Mic

Such a fun time. Thanks for Hosting, Leah. Can't wait, to listen to more, talent.



Emerson W. on July 31, 2023
Class: Open Mic

I had a phenomenal experience. The teacher was patient. and knowledgeable, but not overbearing for the kind of event. Each performer was kind, respectful and professional. Overall, the experience was very uplifting, encouraging, inspiring and Creatively nourishing.



Verified Student on July 4, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero

The class both challenged and supported my granddaughter's introduction to guitar. She came away confident and excited that she could play notes, chords, and songs. Highly recommend this class!



ADELAIDE 9. on June 25, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero

I had a hard time at the first, but I got used to it. she is really nice the teacher. more kids should join.



Dan P. on June 8, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Malagueña and Colombiana

It was wonderful. I see the benefit of just jumping into the deep end of the pool of Flamenco. Not extended periods of time learning very simple and mediocre things but challenging our hands and minds to learn more complex techniques which is very exciting. I see that this approach is what has turned a number of "prodigies" in this artform over the years. Flamenco has a boundlessness about it and how it is learned. It will be a worldwide passion for sure. Thank you Leah K.



Al I. on June 4, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Malagueña and Colombiana

excellent, a lot to grasp if unfamiliar with flamenco mechanics of right hand etc. thank you!!



Liam on May 29, 2023
Class: Beginner Guitar for Kids



Hung (. on May 20, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Petenera and Tangos

Excellent! Learned the different ways to arrange solos.



Dan P. on April 18, 2023
Class: Flamenco for Beginning Guitarists

Wonderful class. Leah is the best guitar teacher I have ever had. Thank you Leah. Looking forward to taking more with her.



Lilo M. on April 18, 2023
Class: Flamenco for Beginning Guitarists

I loved the class. Leah‘s teaching is very clear and I appreciate the handouts and the class recording that came with the class. They gave me a good introduction to Flamenco Guitar and her teaching style which will help me decide where I want to go with my musical journey next. Thank you, Leah!



Verified Student on April 18, 2023
Class: Flamenco for Beginning Guitarists



Verified Student on March 21, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero

Great class! Our daughter learned a lot and is ready for loog level one. Easy class format for her to follow along (mostly on her own) and Leah did a great job at providing feedback to each student.



Randy W. on March 20, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Petenera and Tangos

The class was fantastic. I learned flamenco compositions that I never would’ve dreamed of learning. Leah is a wonderful kind and supportive teacher. Can’t wait for more!



Liam on March 20, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero



Maggie B. on March 5, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Petenera and Tangos

Bestest. Thank you so much, Leah



Issy C. on January 17, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero



Eric F. on January 15, 2023
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Petenera and Tangos

Fantastic class, as always! I was unable to attend live, but was able to watch the full class recording, which was fun and so helpful!



Mario C. on January 9, 2023
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero

It was great experience. There were minor microphone issues on our end, but overall, it went well



Verified Student on December 19, 2022
Class: Loog Two

My kids have learned so much from Leah! We were very impressed with this class and perfect for anyone with a Loog looking to dive in after learning the basics.


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David S. on September 5, 2022
Class: Loog One

Very interactive class. Leah is a great teacher, always motivating kids to give their best. My son, Maxime, is looking forward to his next loog class with Leah.



Eric F. on September 4, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Granaína and Solea por Bulerias

Today's lesson was the perfect first class for learning Granaina and Solea por Bulerias. Nothing looks too difficult to learn, and at the same time, nothing looks too easy either. A great balance of technique explanations and compas. I'm really looking forward to next week's lesson!



Jarek on July 6, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Seguiriyas and Alegrias

Great, challenging, sometimes, but fun. highly recommended!



Paul M. on July 6, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Seguiriyas and Alegrias

Really good with a lot of new and challenging pieces to learn. All were explained and taught thoroughly and access to the videos is very helpful



Verified Student on July 5, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Seguiriyas and Alegrias

Interesting with new palos, which will require more work to incorporate into my learning



Verified Student on June 24, 2022
Class: Loog One

Leah does such a great job organizing the class and teaching the fundamentals. Our daughter has learned SO much and really enjoys herself each class.



Verified Student on June 14, 2022
Class: Flamenco for Beginning Guitarists



Jarek L. on May 8, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Fandangos de Huelva and Tarantos



Verified Student on April 13, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Seguiriyas and Alegrias

Challenging



Ami S. on March 21, 2022
Class: Music Theory for Everyday Guitarists 1

This class was worth every moment! Leah is so knowledgeable and covers an impressive amount of material in this course. My musicianship was taken up several levels by the material in her course. I highly recommend any interested guitar player to roll up your sleeves and check out this value-packed class.



Lou D. on March 20, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Farruca and Guajira

As always, lessons with Leah are great, well explained and technically challenging. Since I've been taking lessons with Leah, my guitar playing has improved greatly.



Eric F. on March 20, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Farruca and Guajira

As always, it was a real privilege to be in this group! Leah's teaching style is perfect--so much is covered in each lesson, but never at a pace that's too overwhelming. She has a wonderful sense of where we are, which must be very difficult, as everyone's at a different playing level. We are encouraged to ask questions and to share answers as well as play something if we so choose. Besides all these points, I'd just like to mention how incredibly helpful it is to review the recordings from each week's lesson. I'm really looking forward to the next class, beginning May 1--meanwhile, I've got plenty of material to practice!



Jack B. on March 20, 2022
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Farruca and Guajira

Very informative and a challenge for me



Verified Student on March 20, 2022
Class: Loog Guitar for New Musicians - Loog Level Zero

Leah was AMAZING!!!



Eric F. on September 26, 2021
Class: Exploring Flamenco: Fandangos de Huelva and Tarantos

This was a fantastic lesson today! Leah's pace was just right for my playing ability--she want slowly enough so that I could keep up and yet not too slowly, thus keeping things challenging. I like the way she always demonstrates how to play things in a basic way and then shows us a "fancier" more musically interesting way to play it. Very much looking forward to next class!



Hayes D. on July 27, 2021
Class: Spanish Fingerstyle Guitar with Leah Kruszewski

Leah is very attentive. She gives you multiple chances to understand what she`s talking about. She gives examples at the beginning of the class, explains how to do what she is teaching, takes questions, excepts different interpretations and points of view, and gives students a chance to play. She also gives examples at the end, first playing slowly, and then faster, so that we really get to hear the piece and appreciate its potential. Thanks Leah!



Neil G. on May 11, 2021
Class: Rhythm and Rasgueos for All Guitarists

exciting and challenging new tools. Looking forward to the next class.



Liga V. on March 20, 2021
Class: Spanish Fingerstyle Guitar with Leah Kruszewski

My son has been taking group lesson since January and is having a lot of fun learning a new song every week. Thanks so much for this opportunity!



Liga V. on February 17, 2021
Class: Spanish Fingerstyle Guitar with Leah Kruszewski

Wonderful class. Teacher slowly explains the song and my son is able to learn it. Thanks so much!

Flamenco Guitar

(1) Flamenco Guitar Curriculum: what to expect from beginning and intermediate flamenco guitar lessons

(2) Flamenco Guitar Essentials: basic vocabulary, flamenco history, and listening guide

Classical Guitar

My curriculum for classical guitar students varies considerably depending on a student's musical background and objectives.  While I do have my favorite method books and repertoire sources, I need a couple of lessons to assess the most appropriate course of study.  Beginners need not worry about having books and music on hand for your first lesson, we will get to it soon.

Practice Tips for All Students

Perfecting Your Repertoire: How to Practice Until You Can't Get It Wrong - tips for perfecting your music and getting ready to perform

Practice Like a Pro (even if you're not!) - tips on making the most of your practice time for students of all ages, levels, and styles

Music Learning Styles - make the most of the way you think about music

Resources for Adult Students

Advice for Adult Beginners of Guitar - you don't have to start young to become an excellent musician and to really enjoy your instrument

Managing Your Music Lesson Nerves - why you get nervous, and how to let go of those nerves in order to enjoy and get the most out of your lessons

Resources for Young Students and their Parents

Giving Your Child a Strong Start on the Guitar - how to give your kid a guitar and get them to keep playing it 

Guitar 101 for Parents of New Guitarists - advice on very young learners (ages five to eight)

Encouraging Your Young Professional Part One (ages 9 to 13) - nurture your child's interest in music as you encourage their independence and self-discipline in their musical study

Encouraging Your Young Professional Part Two (high schoolers) - tools and tips to help your high schooler continue advancing on their instrument and prepare for university music study. 

Twenty Composition Prompts for Young Guitarists - fun ideas to inspire young composers

Miscellaneous Articles and Resources

Tips for Music Teachers - how to cultivate a fun and successful lesson environment for your students

To Read or Not To Read - when to embrace written music and when to get away from the page

Why Does Our Musical Alphabet Have 12 Tones? - a beginner's guide to the physics and culture behind musical language

Reviews of lessons with Leah Kruszewski

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