March 6, 2025
10-year-old trumpet student Leonardo Dominguez Morales has a radiant smile and an irresistible exuberance that makes you want to pick up an instrument and play along. He loves the trumpet so much that he sometimes wakes up at 6 am eager to practice, but his mom, mindful of the neighbors, makes him wait until 9. His favorite thing about the instrument is that it’s LOUD. “I can express myself and my emotions,” he explains. “The trumpet makes many different sounds, and you can play many songs.”
This is the fifth grader’s first year in Kaufman Music Center’s Pathways program, which levels the playing field by equipping and empowering highly motivated, talented young people from backgrounds that are under-resourced in classical music. “It’s an amazing program,” says Leonardo’s mom Elena, who notes that without Pathways, their family would not be able to afford his lessons.
His trumpet teacher Connor is wonderful, she says. “The lessons have been going very well. He really connects with Leonardo.” Connor arranges his student’s favorite songs for trumpet so they can play them together. “He helps me with all the music that I have and makes it more fun for me,” says Leonardo. “I’m learning about different songs, like ‘Tokyo Drift,’ ‘Hot Cross Buns’ and ‘Seven Nation Army’.”
Studying music has helped Leonardo develop discipline and concentration, Elena notes. “To really focus when he plays his music improves many skills. It’s helped his academics, reading and math.” Looking ahead, he’s keeping his options open: “When I grow up, I’m going to be an engineer or a trumpet player. Maybe both because it’s not limited.”
When he’s not practicing, Leonardo loves playing soccer and tennis, and listening to jazz and reggaeton. “Jazz is soft and relaxing, and you can fall asleep,” he explains. “And with reggaeton, you can express your feelings and have a lot of happiness in your heart when you dance.”
Elena feels fortunate to be part of Pathways and would like other parents to know about this extraordinary opportunity for young musicians. “My son has grown a lot and really enjoys the program,” she says. “It’s wonderful for the kids. They’re making a better world.”
