Adam R.

Drums, Guitar

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!"

Allison B.

Voice, Piano, Toddlers

Allison started playing piano by ear at age five and lessons followed in-home and in college. She majored in Music Theatre at Illinois Wesleyan University specializing in voice. She currently sings and plays keys in the San Diego band “Blue Suede Crew.” With 7+ years’ teaching experience, she remains inspired by the delight she sees in students’ eyes when they achieve their musical and performance goals!

Alicia C.

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele, Toddlers

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."

Angelica H.

Voice, Piano

Angelica is a music enthusiast currently pursuing a major at Southwestern College. With a passion for teaching, she specializes in imparting the joy of music through engaging lessons focused on pop, classical, and Disney genres. Join me on a musical journey where learning is not only educational but also filled with fun and enthusiasm.

Franc U.

Drums, Piano

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.

George V.

Violin, Piano, Cello, Viola

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.

Jacob H.

Piano, Jazz Theory

Patient and understanding, Jacob has gone from a student of the studio, to assisting in semi-private piano lessons and camps, to becoming a teacher here at LNS while he pursues his Bachelors at UCSD, double majoring in Music and Aerospace Engineering. While Jacob was a student at LNS, he took in as much music as possible, learning drums, guitar, bass, piano, theory, and composition. Jacob has taken lessons from many of the teachers here at the studio and has even taken on some of their methods. He often focuses on the theory and technique as a way to instill a foundation into his students and to help them understand why they love music. He has performed in many local charity venues and volunteers his time at his church as both a musician and a sound engineer. It’s always great to see our students give back to the community by paying forward what they’ve learned. It’s even better to see it happen within our context.

Kai T.

Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Flute, Bass

Kai is a composer / multi-instrumentalist who offers Piano, Guitar, Synthesizer, Bass, Ukulele, Flute, Recorder, and Band Lessons. He recently completed his degree in Music composition from San Diego State University. He has played in rock bands, jazz bands, wedding bands and churches professionally for over a decade.

Kaely Y.

Piano, Voice, Guitar

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.

Marilla M.

Piano

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!

Marina S.

Voice, Piano, Toddlers

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.

Marty S.

Violin, Piano, Ukulele

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.

Mary C.

Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Violin

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.

Maya G.

Voice, Piano, Toddlers

Maya G. is a Bay Area native and lifelong lover of all things music! She began her operatic training at the San Francisco School of the Arts where she studied voice with Rhoslyn Jones. There, she became a National Youngarts Foundation winner and California State Art Scholar. She had since studied at the University of British Columbia and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Past roles include Yvette in Mieczysław Weinberg’s Pasażerka, La Contessa di Folleville in Rossini’s Il Viaggio a Reims, Maria Rushworth in Jonathan Dove’s Mansfield Park, and Le Feu in L’enfant et les Sortilèges. She was most recently seen making her professional operatic debut in Opera Paralléle’s The Shining.

Limited Spots

Mike R.

Piano, Voice

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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Monica L.

Guitar, Piano, Voice, Toddlers

Monica is a piano, guitar & voice teacher with an empathetic, comprehensive approach to her sessions. Graduating from the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music, one of the top music schools in the US, Monica is passionate about her growth as a musician and a music teacher. Monica has sung in choral ensembles & groups since a very young age, excelling in music theory and technique. As a musician, Monica is versatile and dynamic. Her skills include improvisation, songwriting, and singing and playing in multiple genres such as R&B, Pop and Classical. She has performed throughout the U.S. at various local venues and has released 3 original songs. Monica enjoys sharing her knowledge in a way that is practical and easy to understand. She loves to create warm and meaningful lessons for her students! Monica is a Board Certified Music Therapist, Registered Yoga Teacher, and a piano/guitar/voice teacher with an individualized, empathic approach to her sessions. Graduating from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s in Music Therapy and Psychology, Monica understands the therapeutic uses of music. She loves to use her knowledge to create fun, warm and meaningful lessons for her students! As a musician, Monica is versatile and dynamic. Her skills include improvisation, songwriting, R&B, Pop, Jazz and Classical and more. Monica has sung in choral ensembles & groups since a very young age. She has performed throughout the U.S. at various local venues and has released 3 original songs. Currently, she is most passionate about her growth as a musician, music therapist and teacher!

Owen S.

Saxophone, Voice, Piano, Clarinet

Owen is a recent graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in Music Education. He started his music journey as a student at Leading Note Studios, learning piano, saxophone, and voice. He was part of the San Marcos Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble. He enjoys sharing his love for music with all his students.

Russell B.

Drums

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.

Ryan F.

Piano, Saxophone, Guitar, Drums, Bass

Ryan is a passionate music enthusiast and teacher. His musical journey started back in 2007 when he picked up the saxophone in third grade. Since then, he has delved into guitar, piano, bass, and drums, viewing music as an incredible form of human expression. Ryan is dedicated to sharing the beauty of music with others and would love to help you or your loved ones explore its world. Let's embark on this musical adventure together!

Limited Spots

Ryan W.

Drums, Guitar, Upright and Electric Bass, Ukulele, Piano, Drums, Cajon, Cello

After spending his high school days playing bass guitar in experimental jam-bands, Ryan decided to pursue music professionally. Taking up the string bass in the Summer of 2011, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s in Music from Humboldt State University and a Master’s from Sacramento State. Ryan has an extensive recording career and has been featured on numerous rock and Jazz albums. He has performed with a smattering of professional jazz, indie-rock and classical ensembles, and was a founding member of the Symphonia Phonotone Swing Orchestra.

Steve B.

Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Trumpet, Woodwinds, Violin

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.

Susan S.

Toddler, Piano, Ukulele, Voice

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.

Tamara B.

Piano, Voice, Accordion, Toddlers

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

Troy Y.

Guitar, Drums

Troy has been surrounded by music all his life in various forms and specializes in teaching guitar and drums here at Leading Note Studios. Troy loves to encourage his students to create their own original work and strives to help guide them along the way by exploring their creativity in the process. His goal as a teacher is to be positive in every lesson to help support his students become the best musicians and individuals they can be.

Wayne B.

Piano, Trumpet, Jazz Theory

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.

Zach L.

Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Mandolin, Banjo

Zach is a versatile musician with a rich background in various instruments. He began his musical journey with piano at age 9, and by 13, he was already mastering the guitar. Over the years, he has expanded his repertoire to include banjo, bass, ukulele, mandolin, and slide guitar. On weekends, you can catch him captivating audiences as a street performer on Oceanside Pier, where his eclectic blend of sounds brings joy to passersby.

Helena S.

Front Office Coordinator

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!

Sydney N.

Front Office Coordinator

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.