Our San Marcos 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.
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Adam U. is a multi-instrumentalist. He is originally from the east coast, but he grew up here in Encinitas. Ever since the age of 5 he has been interested in listening to and playing a wide array of different genres of music, from classic rock to electronic music and everything in between. Adam currently runs a vinyl/digital record label, where he has written and recorded several albums entirely on his own, and has produced other artists' records. He toured the country with various bands and recording projects, and toured as a solo artist. After living in Portland for two years while working as a preschool teacher, he decided it was time to bring his love of teaching and music together and headed back home to San Diego. Adam now aims to inspire and spark that creative energy in others.
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Director of Music - Church: Organist/Handbell and Chime
Blane is a member of the American Guild of Organists and Association of Anglican Musicians I began piano lessons in 1959 at the age of 5 years, which continued through a BME Degree (1976-music educ - Drake U) and MM Degree (1983 - Conducting - UNC). Vocal study began in 1969 (sophomore in H.S.) Margaret Stoltz and continued through 1983 with Margaret Hauptmann and Marian Hall. BME Degree: piano performance with duo-pianists, Willian and Patricia Medley, George Katz, Guy Wuellner and piano pedagogy with James Bastien. I also studied organ with Tom Barker (H.S) an Carl Staplin (BME). Graduating conducting study with Larry Cook, Frederick Renz, and Brock McElheren (MM) My short philosophy of teaching: Listen to your student talk, play and or sing. Always ask them how they are doing. Let them know how much they mean to you. Encourage them through kindness, laughter and sincerity. Demonstrate what you teach. Critical areas of focus: curved fingers, note memory, counting, fingering, dynamics.Teri holds an Associate of Arts degree with an emphasis in Music from Weber State University and has directed children’s choirs, coordinated after-school programs, and served as a camp director for over a decade. She is known for her positive energy, effective communication, and ability to connect deeply with students, helping them grow musically and personally. Whether teaching a young beginner or guiding a developing vocalist, Teri creates a fun, structured environment where students feel supported and inspired.
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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.
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A current CSUSM student, Ellia has been playing piano since she was 6 years old. She has experience accompanying, competing, and playing in ensembles. She also played in the Knight Regiment marching band and competed with them and their percussion program for four years. She loves helping students fall in love with music, and aims to help them find music and genres that keep them wanting to learn more and to learn how to express their own creativity in music!
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Finn is one of our kindest and most encouraging instructors and what truly stands out about Finn is his gentle personality, patient teaching style, and genuine love for helping students grow.
When he’s not making music, Finn enjoys spending time with his family and their cat, exploring local hiking trails, and relaxing with a good movie.
In his lessons, Finn creates a customized learning plan tailored to each student’s needs. He focuses on building excitement and curiosity for music, helping learners feel confident as they take on new challenges. Whether you’re starting fresh or supporting your child’s musical journey, Finn is dedicated to making the experience positive, supportive, and fun.
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She is a dedicated music educator with over eight years of experience teaching violin, viola, and cello. Beginning her teaching journey at just 16, she has since worked with several organizations including Fortissimo, Hollywood Music, and City Heights Music School. In addition to her strong musical background, Charity has held leadership roles directing student ensembles and training fellow music coaches. She’s also known for her team-building skills, organization, and friendly, customer-focused attitude. Charity has performed at prestigious venues like Walt Disney Concert Hall and was selected for an elite music camp in Aspen. Her passion for teaching and music continues to inspire students of all ages.
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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.
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Greg has taught Bass Guitar, Drums, Percussion, and Ukulele since 2021. Besides teaching music, he likes to train in Martial Arts and Hike. He loves when the light bulb "goes off!" after struggling with a phrase or musical theory idea - that is his favorite moment! "Music is not just about playing the right part; it's another way to relax!" ~Greg
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Meet Janet, a vibrant guitar and singing instructor with a passion for 60s and 70s music. Her turquoise hair and smooth guitar licks add a unique flair to her lessons, making each one a fun and engaging experience. When she’s not teaching, you might find her cruising in her convertible. If you’re looking for music lessons with style and a touch of fun, Janet is the perfect choice!
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Born in San Diego and raised in Temecula, Jonah C. developed his interest in music at a young age and began learning guitar to fulfill his dream of playing in a Rock band. After composing his own Rock songs on guitar for a couple years, he began writing lyrics and learning how to play the bass and drums, which enabled him to record all the parts of his songs. Later on in high school, Jonah started a band with his friends and together they released multiple albums and toured up the coast of California. During college, Jonah discovered the world of classical music and undertook advanced piano lessons, receiving multiple scholarships for his playing. Jonah has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Composition and is currently very passionate about music theory, songwriting and learning the art of recording and mixing music.
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Kirra is a dynamic music educator and performer, currently enrolled at Palomar College as a full-time music composition student. With a passion for pop, classic rock, and country music, she infuses her teaching with vibrant energy and modern flair. Kirra also directs musical theater productions at Leading Note Studios, bringing her artistic vision to life on stage. As a member of the Palomar choir, she contributes her voice to harmonious ensemble performances. Kirra's dedication to music shines through in her teaching, directing, and collaborative endeavors, inspiring students and audiences alike.
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A young virtuoso, Jared has been playing since the age of 4, bringing 15 years of experience to the table. Born and raised in a family abundant with musical passion, Jared’s musical roots run deep. While he was raised on a repertoire of classical, romantic, and contemporary music, his delving into ragtime and improvisation is what truly sparked his passion for music and performance His prowess as a pianist is what originally grabbed attention, but his infectious enthusiasm is what cemented him as a performer in various places in his hometown, Fallbrook. Jared has played at book signings, backyard concerts, street fairs, and in his high school days, worked as an accompanist for the choir he sang in. Jared is currently enrolled at CSUSM, majoring in software engineering and minoring in cognitive science and music, looking to marry his passions for technology and music to broaden his compositional horizons. Both in the world of composition and performance, Jared has a flair for the unorthodox and dramatic, having composed for his colleagues’ video game soundtracks, musicals, and tabletop campaigns. Above all, Jared’s mission is to make music accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He believes music is a universal language that should be celebrated and shared by all, regardless of age or experience. As he delves into the new world of teaching, Jared hopes to learn just as much from his students as they learn from him.
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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.
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Kim is a composer, pianist, and organist based in the San Diego area. She has had over 19 years of musical performance experience in piano, flute, violin, voice and organ. Kim has a strong background in classical music and specializes in music composition, improvisation, and music theory. She has also had experience performing in a plethora of orchestral, wind, vocal and chamber ensembles.
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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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Speaks Spanish
Mario is currently a student at Palomar College in San Marcos, majoring in Music Education, where he has studied voice under Dr. Katina Mitchell. Mario has been studying music for over 8 years as an instrumentalist/vocal performer, and has been part of multiple choral ensembles. Mario has been a part of the Palomar Chorale, Palomar Choral Academy, CSP (Center Stage Productions) musical choir, and at the Mission Hills Choir. Mario is currently an active member of the Palomar Chamber Singers, and is a vocal coach at Mission Hills High School. Mario has many aspirations with Leading Note Studios and Leading Note Theatre!
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Matt is a musician and theatre specialist in Oceanside, California. He studied music and theatre at Palomar College and the University of Redlands. Matt enjoys teaching, performing music, and watching live theatre productions.
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Mitchell has been performing since he was seven years old and has grown to see music, theatre, and the stage as a second home. Mitchell has performed in almost every type of musical ensemble, winning awards for acting, composition, and both instrumental and vocal performance. Mitchell holds 5 AA degrees in various aspects of music from Palomar College as well as Bachelor’s of Music: Vocal Performance (cum laude) from San Diego State University. Mitchell is so excited to share his knowledge along with his love of the performing arts with his students.
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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.
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Sydney is a dedicated music student with several years of experience in both solo and ensemble performance. With a growing foundation in classical, contemporary, and musical theatre repertoire, she tailors her teaching style to reflect each student's unique interests and goals. She is currently a member of the Chamber Singers and the Performance Studies program at Palomar College, and also serves as a vocal coach at Mission Hills High School. Passionate about helping others grow, Sydney is excited to guide students as they discover the role music can play in their lives.
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A 1986 graduate of the Musician’s Institute, Tim embarked on a career in Los Angeles that included both live and studio work. A bass player by trade, he performed with many bands and artists including King Charles and Thee Royal Gents, and The McRae Adams Band. Tim also sang in a vocal group that performed for former President Ronald Reagan. He has arranged well over 30 hymns for bands, choirs, and orchestras, and has also written several songs for the church. Tim has taught students of all levels from beginner to professional.
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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.
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Speaks Russian
Victoria is a proficient pianist with a sincere love for Romantic classical music. She's currently studying piano performance at Palomar College while also sharing her passion as a voice teacher. Her performances are characterized by deep emotional resonance, captivating audiences with the expressive nuances of the Romantic era.
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Vaughn, a passionate musician and dedicated educator, holds a degree in Music and Recording Technology from SDSU. He has been teaching guitar, bass, and piano since 2022; his favorite style is rock, with Guns N' Roses holding a special place in his heart. When not playing music, he delves into the pages of a good book, enriching his mind and soul.
Our Inner Office Coordinators
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Mo is one of the event planners behind Leading Note Studios and she owns her own independent record label! With a background in preschool teaching, she brings a unique perspective to music education, making learning fun and engaging. When she’s not busy running the studio, you can find her cooking up delicious meals or diving into her latest scrapbook project. Excitingly, she’s also taking her first music lessons, connecting even deeper with her passion for music. With a degree in psychology, Mo combines her artistic endeavors with valuable insights into people and creativity. We're thrilled to have her vibrant energy and expertise at Leading Note Studios!
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Since joining Leading Note Studios in March 2023, Miranda has brought her creativity and passion for music to our team. As a proud new mom to her daughter born in September 2023, she balances her roles with grace and enthusiasm. Miranda enjoys drawing and scrapbooking, making time for her artistic pursuits amidst the joys of motherhood. Currently pursuing a degree in business administration, she also holds an AA in social communication and behavioral science, adding a unique perspective to our studio. We're excited to have her on board, contributing her talents and insights to the vibrant community 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!
Not sure which teacher or program is the right fit?
And we’ll help you find the perfect class for your goals.
