About
In a town whose heart beats for music, our main drive is to target student's goals in the way that they learn best, while keeping lessons enjoyable. We believe there is joy to be discovered in pursuing music, and we hope to help you find this!
Over 40 years ago, celebrated musician and educator, Thad Bonduris founded Bonduris School of Music, as a one-man operation which would grow to become a reputable private music school in Denton, Texas. Mr. Bonduris passed on the business to violinist and educator, Leoncarlo Canlas at the beginning of 2020. The shift of ownership has come with a refreshed energy and rebranding as Soundbox Musicworks to reflect Mr. Canlas’ tireless work to expand the school’s passion for music to students all over the metroplex.
Hearing from grateful parents and adult students, how much they enjoy coming to lessons, practicing.
Specialties
Do you own a violin?
Years experience
Able to read music
Lesson length
Student's age
Instrument interested in
Reviews
John O.
Brent M.
Steve H.
Mitch Y.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
1. Assess musical background and playing experince.
2. Help student learn how to handle instrument, find notes, produce sound.
3. Create a customized lesson plan that keeps student actively playing and discovering.
4. Check in often, encouraging dialogue about student's progress, and reinforcing that with practice techniques.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
https://www.leoncarlo.com/about
Studied at University of North Texas (Violin Performance, Minor in Theory, 2007 - 2012)
Teacher & Assistant Manager at Bonduris Music since 2016
Various teaching positions around DFW including: Lewisville ISD, Music and Arts, Grand Prairie School of Music, etc.
Versatile performer and session musician with various national/international acts since 2007
Guest Speaker and Performer at various festivals and conferences
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
We offer both solo, and group lessons.
In a 4-month period (Sept-Dec, Jan-Apr, May-Aug), there are a total of 14 weekly half-hour lessons. Some people prefer to have an hour every other week. In either case, that totals out to 7 hours in each session.
We have open enrollment through out the year, and can pro-rate the lesson price based on how far along we are in a term.
Also, if you're a bit tepid, or unsure about all this, we do offer a couple of
Please ask us about our Seasonal Discounts for new students!
How did you get started teaching?
A good friend passed along his entire music studio to me early in 2010s so he could pursue a different career path. I inherited 30 students to start out, and discovered a love for teaching music.
What types of students have you worked with?
All age groups, from 5-85.
Now that I have other teachers, I delegate certain age groups to certain teachers, based upon the teacher's strengths.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The most recent (May 6, 2017):
Two of our students made the finals in the Dallas International Guitar Festival's Ten Under Twenty contest, did excellent performances, and made quite a splash.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Look for experience, education, testimonials, and word-of-mouth.
This is not something you want to "price-hunt", as the differences in people's rates are small, and really small compared to learning right vs wrong.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why do they want to learn a musical instrument?
Do they want to make the necessary investment of purchasing the instrument?
Are they willing to take the time to practice?
How long does the teacher feel is an average amount of time before the student feels a substantial, satisfying sense of accomplishment?