Making of a Maestro at Lynn University

For many aspiring musicians, finding the right conservatory can make all the difference in their careers. For Brazilian violinist and alumnus Edgar Leite, Lynn University wasn't just a school—it was a transformative experience that shaped his artistry, career and passion for teaching.

"Lynn changed my life," said Leite. "If I could do it all again, I would, exactly the same way, at Lynn."

Leite began studying the violin at the age of eight. He went on to pursue this passion later in life, obtaining his bachelor's degree in music from the São Paulo State University in 2003. During this time, Leite attended a summer music festival where he met Claudio Jaffe, former dean of the Lynn University Conservatory of Music. That meeting set him on a path that would change his future.

Leite would go on to spend the next five years at Lynn. He obtained both a Professional Performance Certificate in 2006, and a Master's in Music in 2009, studying under Associate Professor Carol Cole, as well as former Professors Sergiu Shwartz and Elmar Oliveira. Thanks to a full tuition and housing scholarship granted by Lynn, Leite was free to immerse himself in the Conservatory’s rigorous training, which included lessons, studio classes, masterclasses, weekly performance seminars, and orchestra and small ensemble music. 

"I was truly breathing music at Lynn," said Leite. "Because the school gives so much support, you can really focus on practicing, and that opportunity is very special."

Leite particularly enjoyed delving into small ensemble work—he was notably a winner of the Lynn Conservatory Lyric Chamber Competition. In addition, Leite was personally invited by Conservatory of Music Dean Jon Robertson to travel to Haiti, spending several days with the dean, teaching and performing works from German composer Robert Schumann.

Leite recognizes the care and involvement of his professors as the main reason for his musical diversity and growth of professional skills. "The teachers were very nurturing," said Leite. "For any musical question I had, they would always listen and guide me."

Outside of Lynn, Leite gained practical experience as a musician by performing and teaching in Florida. Among the most notable opportunities, Leite worked at the Miami City Ballet, the Atlantic Classical Orchestra, the Palm Beach Opera, the Stringendo Music Festival, Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Lynn Preparatory School of Music to name a few.

After graduation, Leite taught in Chicago, where he studied privately with Robert Hanford, concertmaster of the Chicago Lyric Opera Orchestra. In 2010, he returned to Brazil and accepted a position as first violin in the São Paulo Municipal Symphony Orchestra. Leite currently resides in Brazil, also serving as the concertmaster of Jundiaí Municipal Orquestra from 2011 to 2016. Additionally, he teaches at the Santa Marcelinas University and the acclaimed Baccarelli Institute. 

Leite aims to give his students a learning experience similar to his own at Lynn. He uses the same structural model of lessons, masterclasses, chamber music and performance seminars, and he aims to foster a nurturing environment for his pupils. "Everything I learned at Lynn, I try to give back to my country."

He recently recorded and released his first album, Autre temps, which translates to "other times." The album features music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Claude Debussy, and Lili Boulanger, performed by Duo Arcos—Leite and Italian harpist Paola Baron. The album is a musical homage to how much the world changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Leite’s advice for current conservatory students? Simple: “Just be grateful, and practice hard."