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.

Man with glasses wearing a traditional Mexican sombrero, playing a guitar against a black background.

Adam has been passionate about music since he first picked up a drumstick and guitar at the age of 13. He recently graduated with a music associate degree and specializes in Mariachi and Jazz styles. He looks forward to enhancing his own musical knowledge with all his students and sharing his expertise. When he's not teaching drums and guitar, you can find him immersed in video games, blending his love for rhythm and interactive entertainment. "Let’s jam, have fun, and make music!"

🎥 MEET ADAM!

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With over 25 years of musical experience, I specialize in both guitar and drums. My own journey began with guitar lessons at age 10, and I quickly fell in love with music through the percussion section in middle and high school—proudly calling myself a “band geek.” Inspired by legendary songwriters like Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Thom Yorke, and Jonny Greenwood, I bring those influences into my teaching to spark creativity in students. What I love most about teaching is watching students get excited about learning something new. Every lesson becomes a chance for us to grow together, exploring rhythms, songs, and even songwriting in a way that keeps music fun and inspiring.

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Franc is our musical maestro at Leading Note Studios! With a Bachelor's degree in music from the University of California San Diego and experience teaching at Nativity School, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for nurturing young musicians. When not teaching, you might find them jamming on drums and piano, inspiring our students to rock their musical journey enthusiastically and skillfully.

🎥 Meet Mr. Frank!

Speaks Spanish
Meet Antonio! A Jazz Guitar grad from Sac State, he rocked the stage as the guitarist for the school’s top big band Jazz Ensemble. He’s gigged all over Sacramento with a variety of jazz groups and brings that real-world experience to every lesson. Antonio is known for his chill, encouraging vibe and loves helping students discover their own passion for music.

🎥 SAY HI TO ANTONIO

Doug brings over 28 years of experience as a professional musician and music educator, and he has a true gift for helping students of all ages feel confident and excited about learning. He has toured internationally, recorded on more than 50 albums, and directed music programs with hundreds of students, but what he loves most is seeing each child discover their own musical voice. As a teacher, Doug is patient, encouraging, and goal-oriented. Parents love how he blends real-world expertise with a personalized approach, whether a student is just picking up an instrument for the first time or preparing for advanced performances. He has taught guitar, bass, and drums to beginners through seasoned players, and his leadership has built programs with outstanding student retention and family satisfaction. Outside the classroom, Doug has managed and performed with several bands, led large-scale shows and events, and written music that has reached audiences worldwide. At Leading Note Studios, he’s excited to bring that same passion and dedication to every lesson, creating an environment where students can grow, thrive, and fall in love with music.

Alicia holds a Bachelor of Music from Arizona State University. She has been involved in music her whole life and began her formal music education at age five, after that being involved in choirs and orchestras, playing piano and guitar in churches and in different bands. Alicia is a classically trained vocalist as well as a singer/songwriter. She demonstrates a patient, supportive, and student-centered approach to teaching while emphasizing the importance of understanding musical foundations such as theory, rhythm, note reading, and ear training to lead students to understand the "big picture."

🎥 Meet Ms. Alicia

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Eric is a passionate music instructor with a degree in Music Composition and a focus in vocal performance, songwriting, and studio production. With years of experience teaching music theory through songwriting and hands-on instrument playing, he makes learning engaging, creative, and immediately applicable. Eric teaches Piano and Guitar and is committed to helping students of all ages connect emotionally to music while building strong musical foundations.

Ribbon Cutting November 13, 2025

A young man in a black tuxedo holding a violin and bow, standing against a white background.

Speaks Russian
Russian composer and principal violist, George has been playing since the age of six. He has played in several Philharmonic Orchestras, including St. Petersburg, and Cairo, and is currently the principal violist with Mira Costa College Symphony Orchestra. He holds both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Music. Inspired by the great musicians of all times, George believes in encouraging advancement in his students. He expects his students to overlap so they inspire and support each other. Teaching is an opportunity for patience and creativity for him. George previously built an orchestra here at Leading Note Studios where students of all instruments were invited to join.

🎥 MEET MR. GEORGE!

Jade is a dynamic music educator and performer passionate about empowering students through music. A recent graduate of San Diego State University with degrees in Communications and Music Business, she combines creativity, leadership, and technical skill to create engaging lessons.
With extensive experience performing in musicals like RENT and Mamma Mia! and serving as a section leader in SDSU’s Treble Choir, Jade brings real-world expertise to her lessons. She also served as Music Director of SDSU SoundWave, the university’s premier co-ed a cappella group, competing in the ICCAs three times and earning awards for Best Arrangement and Best Soloist.
Jade’s teaching philosophy centers on meeting students where they are and providing the tools and support needed to help them achieve their musical goals. She fosters a supportive environment where students build confidence and embrace their creativity. She has guided young musicians at Rock n’ Roll Camp for Girls San Diego and now teaches voice and beginner piano.
She has also been recognized for her solo work, winning first place in the Musical Theatre category of San Diego NATS in Spring 2024. Jade is dedicated to helping students discover their unique talents and grow as musicians and individuals.

🎥 Click here to meet Ms. Jade!

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Kaely is a singer/songwriter with over a decade of experience in music and education and over 27 years of performing in public herself. She has a strong background in working with diverse student populations and is passionate about fostering social/emotional growth through music. Kaely has successfully produced after-school programs and guided students in performing arts, creating safe and engaging environments for learning. Kaely’s journey has taken her to places as a vocal teacher, songwriter, and, producer where she collaborated with talents from shows like Netflix's “Love on the Spectrum.” She was a studio assistant in Nashville and then a Clearance Producer for MTV's, Ridiculousness. A graduate of the Los Angeles College of Music, Kaely is skilled in various musical instruments and creative software, bringing a multifaceted approach to education and the arts. She continues to inspire the next generation by emphasizing creativity and collaboration.

🎥 30 SEC WITH MISS KAELY!

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Wisconsin native Marilla brings 18 years of piano experience to the San Diego. Her passion for music began early and has only flourished through the years of her classical piano and theater study. She holds a degree in Piano Pedagogy from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. She had the opportunity to study and work with professors on piano literature, technique, jazz history and analysis, music theory and history, and accompany musical works within the theater department. Equipped to work with all ages from years spent serving in camp ministry, she has a strong passion for helping students connect with their musicality on a deep level while simultaneously sharing in the joy of learning music. She's accompanied various high school and college musical productions throughout her career, one of which earned her a Jerry Award nomination. She also has a passion for accompanying a variety of competitive music festivals, providing music for weddings or other occasions, and watching students’ passion for music unfold as they grow in their knowledge and skill. She's excited to teach full-time and continue learning just as much as the student in every lesson!

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A dedicated music teacher specializing in Beginner/Intermediate Piano and Beginner Voice lessons for young students. With a passion for toddler music, she has developed a comprehensive curriculum for engaging Mommy and Me music classes.

🎥 MEET MS. MARINA!

A young woman smiling, wearing headphones, sitting in front of a piano with sheet music, next to a decorated wall with string lights.

My-Linh has been teaching piano, voice and ukulele for over 10 years and has a gift for connecting with students of all ages. With her warm and encouraging teaching style, she helps children build confidence, develop their creativity, and discover the joy of making music.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from California State University, Fullerton, where she graduated cum laude, and an Associate of Arts from MiraCosta College. In addition to teaching, My-Linh has extensive experience directing choirs, accompanying ensembles, and serving as a church music director, giving her a rich background in both performance and leadership.
At Leading Note Studios, My-Linh loves creating lessons that are fun, engaging, and tailored to each child’s personality and learning style. Parents appreciate her caring nature and dedication to helping students grow not only as musicians but also in confidence and self-expression.

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Mary is a soulful singer and songwriter originally from Massachusetts and has been teaching music for 10 years. Mary studied at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz in Hartford Connecticut and received her BA in jazz performance. Mary has performed and toured with Grammy winning artists throughout her career while also continuing her love for teaching in the classroom.

🎥 MISS MARY SINGS HELLO!

A smiling man with a beard and short hair, wearing a plaid shirt, sitting at a table with a microphone in front of him, in a black-and-white photo.

Mike is a passionate, engaging, outside-of-the-box private instructor, performer, and songwriter. His focus lies in empowering others through music education and discovering their creative center. Mike attended Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, for keyboard instruments, recording arts, and music business. For almost a decade, he threw himself into the hustle and bustle of the music industry. He worked for various record labels (major and independent), gigged with a slew of bands, recorded with original artists, actively wrote for entertainment publications, and composing original music for performance, film, and videogames. Mike is like a walking record store! He's hooped his headphones over his ears to immerse himself in an onslaught of records for years. Those usually are then set aside in the shelves of his mind. Obsessed with all things music, this music man appreciates an array of genres ranging from folk, Americana, all rock genres, singer-songwriters, soul, blues, jazz, hip hop, classical, electronic, avant-garde, experimental, film compositions, and more. He interweaves this knowledge to create unique approaches to learning music. A local native to San Diego, he has returned to the area to continue teaching music and inspire others. With his 20+ years of music experience, he continues to teach, write, and compose music for his original projects. You may see him out on the club, winery, and brewery entertainment circuit. The art of music, music creation, and performance awaits your discovery! He's ready to help you on your musical journey. Just say when.

🎥 MR. MIKE SAYS HI!

A man with long, curly white hair playing a violin inside a cozy, warmly lit room.

Marty is a versatile musician and educator with a deep love for violin and guitar, which began with violin lessons at age 8. In high school, he played in the orchestra pit for Bye Bye Birdie. Influenced by the rock of the 1960s and 1970s and bluegrass, Marty studied under Julian Arron and performed with the Northeastern Illinois University Orchestra. He later honed his skills at the Old Town School of Folk Music, mastering mandolin, bluegrass fiddle, and folk guitar. Since 2008, Marty has been teaching and performing in San Diego, sharing his passion for music across genres.

A man smiling and holding a drumstick near a drum.

Russell was born in Sioux City, Iowa. He moved to New York City, attending jazz workshops and studying with drummer Roy Haynes. Russell spent eight years playing and recording in Colorado and rock guitar legend Tommy Bolin's band and guitarist Robben Ford. Russell spent 20 plus years in Los Angeles, Ca, touring with Jose Feliciano and Billy Preston, as well as doing many studio dates, working on the "Laverne & Shirley" Show, "Merv Griffen Show," & "Northern Exposure TV Show," the independent film "Stanleys Gig." He played with many Los Angeles jazz artists, including Jimmy Smith, Freddie Hubbard, Tom Scott, Eric Reed, and Ravi Coltrane. He has released 2 CDs as an artist, Tommy Bolin Tribute and Russell B Trio, Dreamstreet, a third soon to be released. Russell has spent the last five years playing as the house drummer in the Anthology House Band in San Diego.

🎥 MEET MR. RUSSELL

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Stephen is a passionate musician who loves sharing his love of music with others. His musical journey began at age six with piano lessons, followed by saxophone in middle school, and later guitar and bass in high school. Throughout college, he gigged with various bands and still jumps at any chance for a fun jam session. While he appreciates all genres, his favorites are melodic rock and alternative. As a teacher, Stephen enjoys helping students build their skills and confidence, making music both exciting and accessible. When he’s not playing or teaching, you’ll likely find him on the pickleball court or at the gym.

🎥 MEET MR. STEPHEN!

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A voice and harpsichord major at UCSC and LA Music Award winner, Sarah has been teaching voice and piano to all ages for 29 years. She teaches a variety of genres from Classical, Rock, Pop, Jazz to Musical Theatre. An experienced performer and recording artist, she is a highly effective and dynamic performance coach. She empowers students of all levels to experience the joy of playing as they pursue their musical studies.

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Susan an enthusiastic educator with an associate's degree in musical theatre from AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts. Fueled by my passion for music, and theatre, and a genuine love for working with kids, she strives to create an engaging and inspiring learning environment for my students. Let’s explore the creativity and magic that music can bring.

🎥 MEET MS. SUSAN!

A man with a beard wearing a green cowboy hat and a checkered shirt, standing in front of a wood-paneled wall.

An accomplished musician, and a staple in the Encinitas community, Stephen (Steve) has been teaching music for over 30 years. Steve, an Encinitas native, started playing in rock and jazz bands in high school. From there, he attended Berkley School of Music in Boston, and has taught in the public school arena as a coach for instrumentalists all over San Diego County. He has received several awards since high school and has even performed public concerts including Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Steve is creative, multi-faceted, and encouraging when he teaches. He believes students should be inspired and will use groups and even a combination of instruments to encourage students to pursue music as a passion. His knowledge and application of music theory is a benefit to any student. Steve has not only been active in different worship teams over the years, he was also once a part of The Brown Family Band, which his family formed.

An elderly man wearing glasses, a black beret, and a light-colored shirt, sitting indoors, holding a trumpet and resting his chin on his hand.

Wayne is a singer, multi-Instrumentalist. Piano, all Keyboards, Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Drums. He has arranged and produced many recordings for famously known artist and top television shows. He has worked with entertainers such as Jose Feliciano, Charo, Debbie Reynolds, Frankie Avalon, Jimmy Smith, and Diane Schuur. Wayne also has extensive experience as a private and group clinician music teacher of voice and on all instruments.

🎥 WATCH THE HELLO FROM MR. WAYNE!

An elderly woman with gray hair playing a piano, wearing a blue top, a blue and purple scarf, and a white skirt, sitting on a black piano bench.

Tamara believes that every child has a talent from God and love is the key to unlocking this talent. She loves teaching music and getting the opportunity to work with any child that comes her way. Tamara is an incredible piano and voice teacher who integrates encouragement and kindness in her lessons to share the joy of music with students. Most importantly, she strives to give every student a safe space to learn and feel at ease every week during their lessons. Tamara strongly believes that we are all a big family where everyone deserves respect which is exemplified in her lessons. She loved her work very much and her students love her too. During her childhood, she had a lot of stage performances so she could not stop loving it. Recently she was hired at the State Academic Song and Dance Ensemble of Don Cossacks as a singer. Since then she has worked on the professional stage for over 20 years. She toured all over the world and visited the United States many times. Her artistic director wanted her to continue her education so she could take the position of choir director. And in 1995 she graduated from the St. Petersburg Academy of Music with the diploma of a choral conductor. In 1999 she immigrated to the United States and in 2005 she became a citizen. She began to attend a church and to work as a musician in the worship.

🎥 MEET MRS. TAMARA!

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

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.

More about our Founder

A woman smiling and holding a large bouquet of flowers that includes white roses, pink and purple chrysanthemums, and greenery.

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!