Mr. Soto finished his Bachelor Degree at the University of Chile and his Master and Artist diploma from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He was the Principal Timpanist of the Antofagasta Symphony Orchestra in the North of Chile, as well as the instructor of the percussion section of the Santiago Youth Symphony and the Antofagasta School of Music Orchestra. He was trained as a Latin Percussionist by his own father, Mr. Leonardo Soto Sr., who is one of Chile's most famous musicians in the field.

After relocating to the United States, Mr. Soto has worked as Timpani Substitue with the Canton Symphony (OH), Westmoreland Symphony (PA), Charleston Symphony (SC), New World Symphony (FL), and Pittsburgh Symphony touring internationally. He was also Principal Percussion with the Westmoreland Symphony. With the Carnegie Mellon Phillharmonic he performed as a soloist, playing at Carnegie Hall in New York City. In 2003, Mr. Soto was appointed Principal Timpani of the Michigan Opera Theatre, Detroit Opera House, and is an endorser of the Mike Balter Company.
Mr. Soto often travels back to Chile to perform recitals, master classes, and clinics at the National University. He also keeps a private studio in Michigan where he actively teaches both classical and Latin percussion along with clinics and master classes.