Leo Meng began studying piano with Ms. Inger Langsholt in Rockford, Illinois, as a kindergartener. Three years later, in 2017, he joined the The Music Academy in Rockford, where he attended weekly music theory classes, had weekly rehearsals in orchestras, and began violin studies with Ms. Rachel Handlin.
After moving with his family to San Diego during the COVID-19 pandemic, Leo continued pursuing his musical education at the California Institute of Music under the guidance of Ms. Annelle K. Gregory and Mr. Michael Tseitlin. There, he has deepened his understanding of music theory and is currently working toward the highest level of Certificate of Music in California.
Since 2023, Leo has been a violinist with the San Diego Youth Symphony, performing a diverse repertoire that spans from the Classical to the Romantic eras.
Some of the violin solo repertoire he has studied and performed include:
• P. Rode: Concerto No. 8, Mvt. 1
• J. Massenet: Meditation
• F. Schubert: The Bee
• F. Mendelssohn: Concerto in e-minor, Mvt. 1
• H. Wieniawski: Concerto No. 2, Mvt. 1
• C. Saint-Saens: Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
• S. Barber: Concerto, Mvt. 1
• G. F. Handel: Gebet
Through years of study and performance, Leo continues to explore the expressive depth and technical mastery of the violin, aspiring to grow as both a soloist and ensemble musician.
Watch Leo Meng perform Violin Concerto, Op. 14, Mvt. 1 by Samuel Barber on the violin for the 2025 Global Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.