San Marcos Staff

Updated Sept. 23, 2024


Adam U.

Guitar, Drums, Toddlers, Piano, Bass, Ukulele

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.

Limited Spots


Blane A.

Piano

Director or Music - Church: Organist/Handbell and Chime Director/Vocal Music Teacher: Grades k - 8 I am 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.

5 Spots Available


Ellia E.

Piano

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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Janet R.

Guitar, Voice, Piano

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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Jared C.

Piano

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.

2 Spots and Saturday Openings


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.

5 spots Available


Greg B.

Guitar, Drums, Clarinet, Ukulele, Bass Guitar

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

Limited Available


Kim T.

Flute, Voice, Piano, Violin

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.

Two Spots Available


Kirra I.

Piano, Voice, Guitar, Musical Theatre

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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Loc-Ha L.

Piano

I have been a member of the Music Teachers Association of California for more than two decades and always have been encouraging students to earn Piano Certificate of Merit annually. I have experience of dancing and singing with young kids. I used to teach music in Montessori Schools for a couple years I defended my Master of Art in Science and Music Education and proved that music education greatly impacted many human elements to a child in terms of intelligence, discipline and emotional health.

4 spots Monday


Olivia E.

Guitar, Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Voice, Musical Theatre

Olivia is a versatile musician skilled in flute, piano, guitar, clarinet, and voice. She is passionate about musical theatre and has a love for classical music. Growing up in Redlands, she developed a love for classical music, which remains her favorite genre. Olivia believes in a personalized teaching approach, tailoring lessons to each student’s unique interests and learning styles. Outside of music, she enjoys beach trips and hiking.

Limited Spots


Mario L.

Voice, Piano, Musical Theatre

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!

3 spots Available


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


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


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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Susan S.

Voice, Piano, Ukulele, Toddler

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.

One Spot Available


Tim A.

Guitar, Bass, Drums, Piano, Ukulele, Banjo

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.

5 Spots Available


Vaughn R.

Guitar, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Bass

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.

3 Spots Available


Victoria N.

Piano, Drums, Voice, Guitar

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.

5 Spots Available


Inner Office Coordinators

 

Miranda G.

Front Office Coordinator

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!

Mo F.

Front Office Coordinator

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!

 

Eowyn F.

Front Desk Coordinator

Alessie O.

Special Projects, Musical Theatre


Owner and Director

Camille H.
Founder, CEO

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 Berklee College of Music graduate, Camille has performed with legends like Barry Manilow and Vince Gill.

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.

Marissa S.
Director

Meet Marissa Stone! Employed since October 2020, she graduated from USC with a degree in Music Business. A passionate musician, she plays piano and guitar and loves to sing.

When she’s not strumming away, she’s perfecting her sourdough recipe and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

Recently married in July 2024, Marissa has already attended 15 weddings in just one year! Her vibrant energy and musical talents make her a delightful addition to our team!