Our Encinitas Staff
Hand-selected educators who make learning music fun, safe, and inspiring
At Leading Note Studios, our teachers are more than just musicians—they’re mentors. Every instructor is carefully chosen for their experience, professionalism, and ability to connect with students of all ages. With backgrounds that range from performing on national stages to advanced music degrees, they share one goal: making music an exciting and rewarding part of your family’s life.
ANTONIO H. 🎸 Guitar, Bass & Ukelele
ALICIA C. 🎹 Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Toddlers
Chadd B. 🎸 Guitar, Ukulele, Toddlers, Drums, Bass
Chris L. 🎸 Guitar & Bass
ERIC O. 🎸Guitar & Piano
Felipe T. 🥁🎸 Drums, Guitar
FRANC U. 🥁 Drums, Piano
GEORGE V. 🎻 Piano, Voice & Recorder
JADE B. 🎤 Voice, Piano
KAELY Y. 🎤 Piano, Voice, Guitar & Ukulele
Kit N. 🎻 Trumpet, Violin
LINH M. 🎶 Piano, Voice & Ukulele
MARILLA M. 🎹 Piano
MARINA S. 🎹 Piano & Toddlers
MARY C. ⭐️ Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Violin
MIKE R. 🎹 Piano, Voice
NAOMI J. 🎻 Violin, Piano
RUSSELL B. 🥁 Drums
STEPHEN S. 🎷 Guitar, Piano, Saxophone
STEVE B. 🎸 Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, Woodwinds, Violin
SARAH I. 🎹 Piano & Voice
SUSAN S. ⭐️ Toddler, Piano, Ukulele, Voice
TAMARA B. 🎹 Piano, Voice, Accordion, Toddlers
TIANA T. 🎶 Piano, Voice
Our Inner Office Coordinators
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Sydney grew up playing the piano and later graduated with a degree in interior architecture. She joined Leading Note Studios in August of 2023 and has recently returned to weekly lessons, excited to perform in the Adult Recitals. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing beach volleyball, and hiking. Sydney has a dog named Pace and dreams of traveling to Bali and Japan someday.
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Owen has been part of Leading Note Studios since 2009, beginning as a student studying piano, saxophone, voice, and clarinet. He went on to earn his degree in Music Education from Sonoma State University and is now a full-time public school music teacher. At Leading Note, Owen brings his experience and passion for music to the front desk team, continuing to support the studio community he has grown up in.
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Bringing her passion for education, nonprofit work, and a belief in the importance/positive impact of music, Helena joined our team in January 2023. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Integrated Educational Studies with a minor in Ethnomusicology and has a previous musical background in trombone, steel drums, and music composition. She loves Broadway musicals, beach days, spending time with her dog Jersey, going to craft stores and the movies, and has a special love for Christmas! Her diverse interests and warm spirit make her a wonderful and valued member of our community here at Leading Note Studios!
Our Fearless Leaders
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Camille Hastings founded Leading Note Studios in Encinitas in 2009, starting with just five students. She expanded to San Marcos in 2020, and in 2021, the studio was named “National Music School of the Year.”A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Camille has performed with legends like Barry Manilow and Vince Gill. She is also the author of From Passion to Profit: The Part-Time Music Teacher's Guide to a Six-Figure Income, a practical guide for educators looking to build a thriving music career.
Outside of music, Camille enjoys gardening, baking, and riding her Indian Scout motorcycle. Married for 30 years and a mother of three, she continues to share her passion for music and community.
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Marissa has been part of our team since October 2020. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music Business, she brings both passion and professionalism to everything she does. A talented musician, Marissa plays piano, guitar, and loves to sing.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys perfecting her sourdough recipe and savoring a great cup of coffee. She was recently married in July 2024—and somehow managed to attend 15 weddings in the same year!
With her vibrant energy, warm spirit, and musical talent, Marissa is a cherished member of our team. And the excitement continues—she and her husband are expecting their first child in October 2025!