Leo Nava

Leo Nava is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and educator born and raised in San Diego’s City Heights neighborhood, a culturally rich environment that profoundly shaped his musical identity. Inspired by the mariachi music he first encountered in his tía’s backyard, Leo began playing guitar at age 8, eventually mastering blues and rock before expanding into jazz. He studied at the California Jazz Conservatory, where he earned a degree in Jazz Studies, exploring the connections between jazz and hip-hop in his senior thesis and recital. In 2017, he co-founded Louda y Los Bad Hombres, a band that blends Chicano roots with jazz, Latin, and soul, creating a unique sound that has earned them three EPs and performances across California.

An enthusiastic educator since 2016, Leo teaches guitar, piano, bass, ukulele, and drums, fostering a love of music in students of all levels. His dedication to music and education led him to pursue a Master’s degree at San Francisco State University in 2022, where he deepened his expertise in guitar and Afro-Cuban music under the tutelage of Dr. John Calloway. Graduating from SFSU in 2024, Leo continues to grow as a musician, composer, and educator.