Meet Leon
Leon grew up in Riga, Latvia (then part of the former USSR). At the age of five, his stepfather, Gregory Fomin—a popular orchestra leader and violinist—discovered that Leon had perfect pitch. Excited by this discovery, Gregory brought home a small violin for him to try. However, Leon accidentally broke the bow, bringing his brief violin career to an end. Fortunately, his brother, Arkady Fomin, took up the instrument instead and went on to become an internationally renowned violinist and educator.
At the age of six, Leon was introduced to the piano and began formal lessons at a music school for gifted children. He studied classical piano, music literature, and solfeggio, which provided a strong foundation for exploring all types of music. By age fourteen, he discovered American jazz and was instantly captivated. He credits his stepfather for introducing him to popular music—an influence that ultimately inspired his path as a professional musician.
At the age of 16, Leon began supporting himself by performing at local restaurants and clubs. He went on to play at jazz festivals in Tartu and Tallinn, Estonia. Two years later, he joined the Rigas Estrades Orchestra, becoming its youngest member. For the next three years, he toured across the Soviet Union. While on the road, Leon noticed how many pianos were out of tune. This sparked his interest in piano tuning and repair, leading him to study available literature and seek guidance from experienced technicians. After acquiring his first set of tuning tools, he began carrying them with him everywhere—a habit that continues to this day.
After serving three years in the military, Leon moved to Moscow and joined the renowned Eddie Rozner Orchestra. It was there he met his future wife, Valentina, who was one of the vocalists. The two traveled and performed together for about five years before moving to America in 1973. They settled in Dallas, Texas, where they have built a life together and raised three children.
