Melissa Leece

Melissa Leece began teaching Suzuki Violin lessons in 2003 after receiving a year apprenticeship with her Suzuki teacher Kayda Magruder. Since then, she has become certified through the Suzuki Association of America for books 1-8 with teacher trainer Cathryn Lee. In 2010 she graduated from Thomas Edison State University with her BA in Music. 


She has experience with many aspects of music performance and teaching, such as being a member of the San Luis Obispo Symphony, a conductor for the SLO Youth Symphony, a Preschool music teacher, a Music Together® teacher and a member of various other musical groups. She loves working with students of all ages. Music is her passion - especially the training of young musicians in our community. Her goal is to teach and inspire young people to have a passion, training, and ability in music.

Leanna Newby

Leanna is an award-winning violinist who began her violin career with her first Suzuki violin lessons at age four. She completed the Suzuki program under Kayda Magruder and went on to further her advanced studies with Sharon Holland. Leanna is a certified Suzuki teacher and a member of the Suzuki Association of the Americas. 


Leanna is a past member of the San Luis Obispo Youth Symphony and toured with the symphony as part of a featured quartet in 2010. She was also accepted into the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s Summer Stings Workshop in 2011. In addition to classical violin, she enjoys playing in a local band as well as singing with the Vocal Arts Ensemble. Leanna has been involved in various youth programs and enjoys working and interacting with musicians of all ages.