The First-Ever Leyenda Convention Has Concluded!
Thank you to everyone who made this unforgettable event possible.
We’re already receiving rave reviews—and we can’t wait to welcome you back next year.
Come back soon for audio, video, and photos from the event.
See what people are saying below.
What Happened at the Leyenda Convention
From June 30 – July 2, 2025, the inaugural Leyenda Foundation Convention transformed Oklahoma City University into a vibrant, multidisciplinary hub for guitar. The event brought together world-renowned artists, educators, students, and music lovers for three unforgettable days of concerts, classes, professional development, and community.
Highlights included:
• Performances by Los Romeros, John Knowles, C.G.P., Mark Whitfield, and rising young artists
• Orchestral concerto debuts by participants from the Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute
• Ensembles celebrating jazz, fingerstyle, and historically significant American repertoire
• Free professional development workshops for music educators
• A public Vendor Expo showcasing guitars, gear, and innovation
• And a one-of-a-kind sense of warmth, inclusion, and artistic exchange
Designed as a celebration of excellence across all styles and levels of guitar, the Leyenda Convention created a space where teachers were honored, students were elevated, and legacies were brought to life.
We can’t wait to do it again.
The Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute
Convention Dates: June 30–July 2 2025
Full Participation: June 30–July 6 2025
Full participation is currently fully booked. However, there are still exciting ways to be part of the Leyenda Convention — including joining guitar ensembles and attending masterclasses and concerts as an audience member.
The Celedonio Romero Guitar Institute honors the legacy of Celedonio Romero and his family — Celin, Pepe, Celino, and Lito Romero. Students receive world-class instruction, ensemble coaching, and the rare opportunity to perform concerti with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, building their artistry within a tradition of excellence.
The Charlie Christian Guitar Institute
Convention Dates: June 30–July 2
Full Participation Registration live - May 1st
The Charlie Christian Guitar Institute celebrates the groundbreaking legacy of Charlie Christian, a true pioneer of jazz guitar. Led by Grammy Award-winner Mark Whitfield, renowned performer Chip Henderson, and legendary educator Bill Swick, students dive into jazz performance, improvisation, and ensemble playing — building skills and artistry within a vibrant, evolving musical tradition.
The John Knowles Fingerstyle Institute
Convention Dates: June 30–July 2
Full Participation Registration live - May 1st
The John Knowles Fingerstyle Institute is inspired by the artistry and legacy of John Knowles, C.G.P., a master musician and arranger. Students explore the intricate world of fingerstyle guitar, building expressive technique and musical storytelling in the spirit of Knowles’s collaborations with legends like Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel.
Come Together: Professional Development for Guitar Teachers
Convention Dates: June 30–July 2
Come Together is a groundbreaking gathering designed specifically for guitar educators. Participants gain practical teaching tools, fresh pedagogical insights, and new professional connections — all within a supportive, forward-thinking community committed to shaping the future of guitar education.
Leyenda Spark is an exciting new initiative from the Leyenda Foundation, Leyenda Spark is designed to introduce pre-college students to great artists and great art in an inspiring, approachable way. While not as intensive as our full fellowship program, Spark still offers students meaningful musical experiences—at no cost. Participants will receive private lessons, participate in ensemble coaching, and enjoy performance opportunities, all within a supportive and enriching environment.
Leyenda Artist-First Publishing
Leyenda Artist-First Publishing is currently accepting artists by invitation only as we launch this exciting new initiative. Through recording and sheet music publishing, we are creating a platform where artists retain greater financial and creative control over their work.
Leyenda Artist-First Publishing reimagines traditional music industry models to put musicians and composers first. By offering fair contracts, personalized support, professional recordings, and global sheet music distribution, we help artists share their music with the world — on their own terms, and for their own lasting benefit.
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Graduate Assistantships and Partnership Opportunities through the Leyenda Foundation and Oklahoma City University Guitar
The Leyenda Foundation, in partnership with Oklahoma City University Guitar, offers competitive graduate assistantships in Guitar Performance to outstanding students committed to advancing their musical and professional artistry.
Graduate assistants receive financial support, hands-on teaching experience, and leadership opportunities within the Leyenda Foundation. In particular, assistants play a key role in organizing and supporting major events such as the Leyenda Convention, gaining real-world experience in arts leadership, event management, and educational outreach.
We also welcome partnerships with schools, studios, and arts organizations who share our mission to nurture the next generation of guitarists and teaching artists.
If you are interested in applying for a Graduate Assistantship in Guitar Performance—or partnering with the Leyenda Foundation and Oklahoma City University Guitar—please contact:
Matthew Denman
Assistant Professor of Guitar, Oklahoma City University
Executive Director, Leyenda Foundation
The Leyenda Foundation is made possible through substantial support of
Brian and Tamera Hays
Sang Tran
