Music Lessons in Encinitas & San Marcos

Fun, flexible lessons for every age and skill level — taught by the largest and most qualified teaching team in North County.

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Circular logo with palm trees and text that reads, 'The Best of North County 2025 Winners,' and 'The Coast News' in the center.
Black plaque with gold accents recognizing Leading Note Studios as Business Rate's Best of 2025 Music School, with text for recent reviews and ranking.
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Parents choose Leading Note Studios for quality and consistency.

Recognized nationally, loved locally — voted Best of North County and National Music School of the Year.

Gold badge with black center, featuring text that reads "The Best of North County 2023," with a silhouette of palm trees.
Award certificate from AI Business Excellence awards, 2023 winner for Best Music School and Recording Studio, and 2022 winner for Best in Business. Also recognizes Best Children's Performance at Encinitas Parade for 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
Gold and black circular badge with a star at the top, laurel leaves surrounding the text, which reads "National Music School of the Year 2021," with four small stars at the bottom.
Award or recognition plaque for winning Readers Poll, Best Place for Music, 2021-2024, and Best Summer Camps, 2023-2024, in North County.
Trophy with a globe on top, inscribed with awards and names, recognizing success at the 2021 Music Academy Success National School of the Year, awarded to Camille Hastings at Leading Note Studios in Encinitas, California.
Logo for Best of Encinitas featuring bold blue text and orange accents.
Award plaque with text recognizing Leading Note Studios, best of business rate 2025, and music school. Black background with gold and white accents.
Gold badge with black border reading "The Best of North County 2024" with palm trees silhouette.
A crystal award with a star shape, engraved with 'Leading Note Studios LLC Continuing Education Best of 2020 Encinitas Presented by' with logos at the bottom.
An award badge with a laurel wreath displaying "Distinguished Teaching," "Best of San Marcos 2024," in blue and navy colors.
Circular badge with palm trees and text that reads 'The Best of North County 2025 Winner' and 'The Coast News'.
Badge with palm trees and text indicating the award for best of North County, 2025, by The Coast News.
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VISIT OUR AWARDS & RECOGNITION PAGE

Discover the Joy of Music!

Our Program Highlights

From toddlers to adults, piano to voice and beyond — we offer lessons for every age and stage.

  • A young boy and a man are sitting together, examining a stringed instrument, possibly a tanpura. In the background, another person is holding a keyboard. The setting appears to be a room with musical instruments.

    Private Lessons

    One-on-one instruction for ages 4 to adult. Piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, winds, percussion, and more. Personalized lessons at your pace.

    Learn More About Private Lessons
  • Three young girls are practicing piano in a music classroom. One with headphones sitting at a keyboard in the foreground, and two others playing on pianos in the background.

    Semi-Private Piano Classes

    A fun and affordable option where 3 students rotate through different stations — private instruction, practice time, computer games, and listening activities. Kids progress at their own pace while staying motivated.

    Learn More About Semi-Private Piano

  • Toddler & Preschool Music (Ages 3–5)

    Through our Animal Adventures in Music program, young children learn rhythm, note reading, and explore real instruments in a fun, play-based setting—building the perfect foundation for private lessons.

    See Toddler & Preschool Music
  • A group of nine people standing together indoors, smiling at the camera, in front of a whiteboard and framed documents on the wall.

    Adult Lessons & Recitals

    It’s never too late to learn! From piano to voice, we welcome adult beginners and returning musicians. Join our private Adult Wine & Cheese Night recital — no kids, just music and community.

    Explore Adult Lessons
  • A group of six young people, five standing and one kneeling, posing with musical instruments and over a drum set on a stage with colorful lights.

    🎸 Rock Band Program

    Take lessons to the stage! Students form real bands, learn teamwork, and perform together in a fun, supportive environment. Perfect for kids and teens who love to play loud.

    Learn More About Rock Band
  • Group of children and adults at a music studio, some wearing cowboy hats and bandanas, with a piano, guitar, and sign in the background.

    Music Camps

    ummer camps and special workshops give students a chance to dive deeper into music, make friends, and perform in a short time frame. A highlight of the year for many families.

    View Upcoming Camps

Whether you’re brand new or ready to take your skills further, there’s a program designed just for you.

What Happy Students & Families are Saying

  • We love our time at Leading Note!  The workshops are amazing. I likethat the kids can participate and be exposed to musical instruments to see if that is where their interests lie.  the kid enjoyed having a variety of teachers too!

    -Jessica S.

  • Having fun and being silly in the recording studio! I love that my daughter has a safe place she LOVES going to in a positive environment where these kids lift each other up, not tear each other down....and would pick this over going to parties and day of the week!!! So grateful for all of the wonderful role models my daughter has! Thanks Amber and Camille, you guys are the BOMB!

    -Lisa P.

  • There are not enough good things that I can say about Leading Notes Studios. My daughter has been a student for the last six years and the continued strides in advance and said she makes is a musician have been fantastic. The variety of instruments musical genres and instructors has been such a vital part of her success.

    - Laura B.

  • Ryan is an excellent voice teacher. He is a wealth in knowledge and a true asset to the studio. A+ Review !

    - Ruthy R.

  • This is the nicest studio I have sent my children to; the instructors are knowledgable, and love the students. The scheduling is easy to do and I can check it easily from my phone.

    —Elaine T.

  • My son came home for the summer looking to learn some jazz piano, and got great instruction at Leading Note Studios. It's wonderful to have a place that can have so many teachers that can teach a variety of instruments and styles.

    - Min K.

  • My daughter has been taking piano and voice lessons for over four years at Leading Note and she has LOVED every minute of it. I have never had to nag her to practice, her teachers motivate her to work on her own. She has performed at fundraisers, the Del Mar Fair, and at beautiful recitals.

    -Rebecca W.

  • Music is more fun than playing soccer!

    - Griffen C. (Learning Guitar & Drums)

  • This is WHERE you want your littles to be! I have been an educator for almost 20 years and trust no one more. You will LOVE your experience here - how the staff loves on your kids, motivates them and fosters a LOVE for music.

    - Heather D.

  • This has been a wonderful place to learn music! I have taken lessons there as an adult and they make me feel so welcomed and teach the music that I have always wanted to learn. They have never made me feel foolish or uncomfortable. The place is always clean and professional. They've worked around my busy schedule every time I've had to travel for work. I look forward to bringing my grandchildren here someday for their music camps. I can only imagine how wonderful they are from how great my private lessons have been.

    - John T

  • Absolutely love Leading Note Studios and all the staff! My son has taken lessons here for several years and has always enjoyed his experience. The twice a year performances at Horizon are very well done. The kids so enjoy the opportunity to showcase what they have learned and how they have developed.

    - Lori N.

  • Leading Note Studios has been amazing for my son who has special needs. They have great teachers, a wonderful and encouraging atmosphere, and have been so very accommodating! He learned how to play so many songs here! 5 stars!

    - Penelope R.

  • Love being part of the Leading Note Studios, love the recitals, and feel we are getting the best of the best in instructors.

    -Johnny H.

  • The best music teachers! They are so patient with our 5 year old drummer. We love Sameer and are grateful for him. He clearly loves teaching music.

    - Alicia B.

  • I love taking piano lessons at Leading Notes Studios. Camille is a wonderful teacher--very creative and fun. We often sing along as we play music :) Would recommend to anyone looking to learn or improve their piano.

    - Mary L

  • Wonderful studio and great teachers. My daughter has been talking piano lessons from Gina for almost three years and loves it!

    - Suma R

  • Excellent job teaching my son , who has been going there for almost 5 years!!! Very professional and always friendly. We highly recommend Leading Notes Studios!

    - KG

  • Great teachers and location. Excellent equipment. People that are truly interested in getting kids and adults playing instruments!

    - Al G

  • My daughter took piano lessons at Leading Note Studios for about 6 years and unfortunately we had to say good bye last December because we moved to another State. For all those years, I couldn't wish for a better place! Camille, the owner, was extremely professional and a good human being; my daughter's piano teacher, Ms. Mary, was outstanding! I highly recommend Leading Note Studio!

    - Neide S.

  • Gabby had a great first engineering class! She can't wait to do the rest of her three classes. My daughter felt an immediate connection with Amber since their phone conversation. Meeting her today for the first time had truly made Gabby look forward to her remaining classes. The studio feels like home not only for my daughter but for me as well. It is such a welcoming and comfortable environment. We are so happy we found you guys!!

    Mary S.

  • I cannot put into words how grateful I am that we found Camille and Leading Note Studios! My daughters have been taking piano lessons there for almost 3 years now, and Camille has taught them so much, not only technically and musically (I am a violinist myself), but she has also been such an important influence on their character.

    —Amy A.

Why Choose Us?

Here are 16 reasons families across North County choose Leading Note Studios — benefits you won’t find anywhere else.

A young girl with light brown hair in a bun, smiling, holding a small blackboard with the text "My First Day of Piano Lessons" written on it, standing against a beige wall.

  • From early in the morning to late at night, LNS can accommodate your busy schedule. NO set class times - YOU pick your best days and times:

    Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.         

    Fridays: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.                     

    Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

    Sundays - closed

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  • As the largest music school in North County San Diego, we’re proud to be a true full-service studio. This means we can offer lesson times as early as 8 a.m., with many students scheduling between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. These flexible spots are ideal for homeschool families, retirees, college students, or working professionals with daytime availability.

    We’re also partnered with nearly every Charter School in San Diego County, making it easy for families to integrate music lessons into their educational plans.

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  • We’re proud to serve families at our Encinitas studio—near Olivenhain and Rancho Santa Fe—and at our San Marcos studio, located across from San Marcos High School on San Marcos Blvd. Both locations are centrally positioned, making them easily accessible from Encinitas, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, Escondido, and surrounding communities.

    With nearby shopping, dining, and grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, CVS, and Albertsons, our studios are convenient for busy families. We welcome students from Rancho Santa Fe, San Dieguito Union, Carlsbad, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, and San Marcos school districts.

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  • Our rooms are stocked with everything you need for music lessons, including amps, full drum kits with pads, keyboards, acoustic pianos, and more. All you need to bring is your instrument.

    Technology is also a big part of lessons at Leading Note Studios, and we have iPads and speakers in every room. The speakers have cables that can attach to iPods, iPads, or laptops. This allows students to have a modern and engaging lesson using music teaching apps, music software and more. Feel free to "Bring Your Own Device" to your lesson in addition to your instrument! No other school in North County offers this technology.‍

    One of the things that has really set us apart is our focus on providing lessons that are fresh, new, and engaging. That way our students never run the risk of being bored by their lessons.  By integrating technology such as teaching apps from the iTunes store, GarageBand, Piano Adventures, you name it, we're providing a cutting-edge lesson experience for music students in the San Diego area.

Take a peek inside our Encinitas and San Marcos studios.

STUDIO TOURS
A woman and young girl sitting next to a piano, holding sheet music and a trophy, smiling excitedly after a music performance or competition.

  • We have 50 experienced music teachers, each with college training or professional performance backgrounds. Our instructors are dedicated to understanding your personal musical goals and guiding you to achieve them. With at least two teachers available for every instrument, you can feel confident we’ll match you with the right fit. Beyond their credentials, our teachers are warm, friendly, and committed to helping you learn the style of music you love.

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  • Our studios are fully equipped with everything you need for lessons, including amps, stereos, full drum kits with pads, keyboards, and pianos—just bring your instrument. We’ve invested thousands into creating professional spaces with soundproofing, observation windows, and security cameras for a safe, high-quality learning environment.

    Technology is at the heart of our approach. Every room includes iPads and teaching apps like GarageBand and ProTools, ensuring lessons are fresh, interactive, and engaging for every student. You’re welcome to “Bring Your Own Device” and personalize your experience. No other school in San Diego offers this level of innovation

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  • We offer private and group music lessons in Piano, Guitar, Drums, Voice, Bass, Mandolin, Ukulele, Trumpet, Saxophone, Flute, Cello, Violin, and more! You’ll also find specialized programs in music theory, rock band, and songwriting.

  • We offer 30, 45, and 60-minute lessons. Adults with variable schedules can also take advantage of our flex passes, making it easy to fit music into your life—on your terms.

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Visit our Testimonial Page to see what our clients are saying.

A white building with a red tile roof, palm trees, and musical notes decorations near the entrance. A sign reads 'Leading Note Studio Music Lessons.' There is a parking lot in front of the building.
Empty stage with multi-colored lights and black curtains, surrounded by black chairs and a few musical instruments in a dimly lit room.
A young boy with a hat and a big smile, holding a guitar, sitting next to an older man with glasses and a beard, playing an acoustic guitar, in a room with plain gray walls.

  • Our students perform in a variety of professional venues—from the grandeur of a 475-seat auditorium to the intimate charm of our 75-seat theatre. We also host destination recitals, lively street festivals, and private events, ensuring each performance is unique, memorable, and a true celebration of musical growth.

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  • In our San Marcos location, we have a new 60-seat theatre to host small events, and group classes like guitar, ukulele, voice, and musicals productions.

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  • We’re one of the only music schools in North County that offers students a chance to earn colorful wristbands, trophies, buttons, and certificates as they progress. Kids and teens love showing off their Musical Ladder® awards, and parents appreciate the motivation it brings. This unique program—available only at Leading Note Studios—encourages students to practice more, feel proud of their progress, and celebrate every milestone along the way.

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  • At Leading Note Studios, we’re proud to be the only music school in Encinitas that offers free picture days for our students. Every Summer and Winter, during recitals, we host a professional photo session at no cost.

    Parents love this special perk—it’s a chance to capture high-quality photos of their children doing what they love most. Adults are welcome too! Students can bring their instruments, dress up (or down), and enjoy a keepsake that celebrates their musical journey.

A young boy with brown hair and blue eyes playing a violin, smiling at the camera.
A young girl with blonde hair, wearing a black headband, black shirt, and a white skirt with black polka dots, sitting on a bench in front of a grand piano, smiling up at the camera.

  • At our Encinitas location, you’ll always find full-time, professional customer service—not just an answering machine or part-time desk help. Our team of office staff is here six days a week to assist students and families promptly and efficiently.

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  • With over 2,700 square feet at each location, our studios feature the most spacious and welcoming waiting areas in North County. Parents enjoy a professional lounge with ample seating, a kids’ homework station stocked with supplies, free Wi-Fi, and filtered water. Every teaching room includes a viewing window so you can observe your child’s lesson—or join in anytime.

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  • While many music studios come and go, Leading Note Studios has been a trusted part of the Encinitas community for over 15 years. Since 2009, more than 5,000 families have chosen us for quality music instruction in a fun, safe, and educational environment designed to spark and nurture a lifelong love of music.

  • Need an instrument? We’ve got you covered! Leading Note Studios offers rentals for all instruments—whether or not you’re currently enrolled in lessons with us. Of course, we’d love to welcome you into our musical family, but either way, our rentals make it simple to start playing right away..

A young boy wearing a blue patterned baseball cap and a matching blue long-sleeve shirt playing a black upright piano.

Ready to start your musical journey?

Whether you’re 5 or 75, we’ll match you with the perfect teacher and program. At Leading Note Studios, we keep things simple—no long-term contracts, just lessons designed for students who are excited to learn.

It’s easy to take the next step: lessons are first-come, first-served, so contact us today to reserve your spot!

CALL SAN MARCOS
CALL ENCINITAS

Recently in the news…

Two smiling people, a woman and a man, holding an award plaque that reads 'Leader of Note Studios' and 'Award of Excellence 2025'. The woman wears glasses and a shirt with a horse pattern, and the man wears a dark suit with a white shirt. They are standing in front of a patterned wall.

We were honored

in Nashville, Tennessee, among a select group of studio owners from across the country, and we were recognized for Leadership Excellence in Music Education. Presented by Marty Fort of Music Academy Success, this national award celebrates studios demonstrating outstanding leadership, growth, and impact in their communities.

Offering quality online and in studio guitar, voice, ukulele, mandolin, electric bass, trumpet, trombone, cello, harmonica, saxophone, violin, flute, clarinet, drum and piano lessons and more!  

Adult Flute Lessons

Serving students of all ages in

🎶 Leucadia
🎶 Fairbanks Ranch
🎶 La Costa
🎶 La Costa Valley
🎶 Encinitas
🎶 Carlsbad
🎶 Del Mar
🎶 Solana Beach

🎶 San Elijo Hills
🎶 San Marcos
🎶 Escondido
🎶 Vista
🎶 Bressi Ranch
🎶 Olivenhain
🎶 Rancho Santa Fe
🎶 Carmel Valley
… and more!

Online lessons available! Call for more information!  

Online lessons available! Call for more information!  

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San Marcos Chamber of Commerce logo with colorful interconnected figures and the text 'We're Connected, San Marcos Chamber of Commerce, On Every Main Street!'
Logo of Encinitas Chamber of Commerce featuring a stylized sun, palm tree, and waves with text.