Musician + Modern Mentor
Creative Coaching for Musicians, Performers & Authentic Expression Explorers
The Slow Miracle & Kaizen Philosophy:
To practice "good change" or "change for the better," focused on incremental improvements
I believe there is a creative voice in every single person. Not some of us. All of us. And our greatest contribution to the world, our self-actualization, is at the center of expressing that creative “voice”.
I help artists and presenters at all levels build a strong and expressive “voice” no matter their chosen outlet for expression. We achieve slow miracles by applying a Kaizen philosophy to the daily practice - usually as it relates to music.
Students use incremental steps to build skills, define their path and ultimately build up something about themselves.
Career Moments
Throughout my career, I’ve built a creative life that bridges performance, education, and leadership. I’ve toured nationally as a musician, performing as part of an opening duo for Grammy-winning artists, and had the incredible experience of recording with multi–Grammy Award–winning producer Jay Joyce at Neon Cross Studios in Nashville. For several years, I performed as a dueling pianist across multiple states, which taught me how to connect with audiences in the most dynamic, joyful way.
Beyond performing, I co-founded a music-based tech start-up that was used in public schools across Kentucky, and I was honored to be named one of Louisville’s “Top 10 Most Promising Young Professionals” by the Advertising Federation. I also had the privilege of participating in the Ignite Louisville Leadership Program — a transformative experience that shaped my approach to creativity and collaboration.
Outside of music, I’m a two-time qualifier for both the Boston and New York City Marathons and recently ran the 2025 Boston Marathon. I graduated Cum Laude from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising, and I continue to bring that same mix of discipline, creativity, and heart to everything I do.
Gig Glimpses
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On tour with The White Buffalo
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On tour with Caitlyn Smith
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World Cafe, Philadelphia, PA
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Barbara Mandrell's Mansion, Laid Back Fest
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Recording with Matt Chamberlain, Shadow Painter Album
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Recording with Jay Joyce at Neon Cross Studios, Nashville, TN
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Showcase at William Morris Entertainment, Nashville, TN
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Tony & The Tanlines, Yacht Rock Tribute Band
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Mercury Lounge, NYC
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Coaching The Roux
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"Thank You, F#@$ You" with Andrea Davidson + Annie Clements
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The Basement, Nashville, TN
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Barbara Mandrell's Mansion with Andrea Davidson + Annie Clements
Helping artists define, develop + strengthen their creative + performance pillars
Music Performance
Vocal Technique
Keyboard Technique
Authentic Expression
Songwriting
Public Communication
Presentation
Creative Skillsets for Artists
A Word From Others
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Beginning at 11 years old, I worked with Leora for many years. I'm now a songwriting major at Belmont University. Leora taught me how to play keyboard, and how to use my voice in a healthy way. She also coached me in production, stage presence + performance. All of these things directly relate to the position I'm in now. Leora does an excellent job of using her broad knowledge base to teach in an in-depth way.
Ella Unruh, Singer+Songwriter, Belmont University
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Before working with Leora, I did not know if I would ever be able to sing. Over many years, concept-by-concept, practice-by-practice, she built up in me the physical and emotional understandings necessary to sing in a way that actually moves. Leora has a polymathic curiosity about the world and vigorously incorporates experiences from her own active practice into her teaching. She is a master who walks the walk.
Ryan Lane, IT Developer, Singer+Songwriter, Hungary
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I have this incredible new confidence and trust in my voice and in the process of improving. I am blown away at the new relaxation and much better tone that I'm experiencing in practice and in public performance. It just makes me want to practice more.
Elise Brown, Attorney, Founder of HERA (Housing and Economic Rights Advocates), Oakland, California
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Working with Leora helped me build my voice with stability. She helped me train during early years of performance, and later work my way up to lead roles. Those experiences, along with her coaching, gained me acceptance into several competitive programs when applying as a musical theater major. Leora has been a mentor to me both as a performer and as a human being. Spending so much time with her in lessons during my youth has had a profound impact on the man I am today.
Nolan Daugherty, Musical Theater Major, Marymount Manhattan, NYC
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Leora is more than my vocal coach, she is my guru. I've learned that finding my voice is about much more than just singing mechanics (which are important), but it's also about cultivating a mindset that empowers me to feel whole and enough. She has truly helped me tap into a version of myself that I'm proud of and feel excited to share with the world.
Sean Martin, Engineer, Los Angelas, California
Coaching
VOICE
On staff as a certified instructor with Eric Arceneaux and his Aapproach.com team, my personal world-wide roster of clients includes artists from all walks of life with widely varying aspirations. I share Eric’s “build your voice” approach, and also pull from a variety of coaches I’ve learned from through the years. We focus on breath and body work, and learn to sing and speak using healthy, sustainable technique.
KEYS
With an emphasis on sustainable physical technique and an empowering mindset, I coach a variety of skillsets: classical, jazz +/or improvisational skills, dueling pianos, player+singer development for all skill levels, writing synth / keyboard parts, performing, touring & studio recording.
MENTORSHIP
Success in art, music, presentation or any creative discipline requires a lot more than talent. I help students get organized and develop plans. We break down goals and the activities necessary to achieve those goals into step by step processes. That work can involve developing a practice schedule, building a “training” period, planning a tour or filming a video, organizing finances, sorting creative ideas and just basic life planning.
Vintage Footage
Videos + rehearsal shorts from previous musical projects.
Athletics + Artistry
My experience in athletics informs me as a music performance coach and the way that I work with my clients. After placing 20th out of 295 runners in my division at the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon 2019, and then qualifying for the Boston and NYC Marathons in the very first (and second) marathon I ever ran, I developed skillsets that I now use to help students learn to…
Follow a training schedule
Plan specific goals + daily work
Learn to go hard + also to recover
Grow discipline
Deal with injuries, setbacks + losses
Race Rundown
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Bourbon Chase 200 Mile Relay Race, 1st Place Mixed Master's Champions 2022
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Baby Strong at The Track 2020
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Iroquois Hill Thanksgiving 5K 2018, Division 1st Place, Age 40-44
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Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon 2022
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Boston Qualification Training
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Paying Dues
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1st Boston & NYC Marathon Qualifications at Mesa, AZ 2020
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Mesa, Arizona Marathon 2020
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Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon 2019
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Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon Finish Line 2019, Division place 20 of 295
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Boston Marathon 2025
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Girl Power
What’s a coaching session like?
The way I coach each student is built around their needs and specific challenges.
We get clear on goals, identify inefficiencies, develop a plan, review observations from previous practices, and work to clarify and master understanding of the concepts we’re practicing.
Depending on the situation, there may be more discussion or more real-time training. Maybe we’re work-shopping a song, or organizing a practice schedule.
Many of my students have been with me for years, while some come in for short-term assessment or audition preparation. Some see me weekly, others schedule monthly or as needed.
Sessions are conducted in-person or online using Zoom. If you’re a local student, I host semi-regular recitals to showcase student accomplishments and provide live performance experience. Sometimes my online students are even able to participate by creating their own videos to share.
Happenings
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Aapproach Masterclass
Coaching with Eric Arceneaux at the Washington DC Vocal Masterclass and hanging with our team.
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Upcoming Show
Opening for Back to Mac Tribute Band with Andrea Davidson. December 12, 2025 at Our Lady of Perpetual Hops, New Albany, Indiana.
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Podcast Release
New podcast interview with NYC’s acclaimed keyboardist John Deley broadcasting on my YouTube channel (leoranosko) January 2026.