“I’m wishing he could see that music lives. Forever.
That it’s stronger than death. Stronger than time.
And that its strength holds you together when nothing else can.”
Nestled on Encinitas Boulevard, in the quiet heart of Encinitas, two blocks from Rancho Santa Fe and four miles from Moonlight Beach, is a wonderful little Music School called Leading Note Studios. For the past 15 years, children and adults of all ages have attended this school for music lessons.
When I became a piano and theory student twelve years ago, I remember asking the owner, Camille Hastings, my teacher, why she started the school. She responded passionately: "I walked into the building, and I could hear music playing!"
This passion for Music is at the heart of Leading Note Studios.
That is exactly what happens there now. With more than 700 students attending weekly, her vision and love for Music continue to inspire and guide the school and the entire community.
With the addition of a second location in San Marcos in February 2020, now averaging 500 students weekly, Music is thriving in North County San Diego as a result of the owner's passion for Music. San Marcos also has a theatre with musical theatre classes, and it hosts music shows, comedy nights, and recitals. It is also open for the community to rent for shows and events.
Throughout its 15-year history, Leading Note Studios has been a critical music supplier to the community. Music floats into the spacious lobby, and smiling faces enter and exit the building. This is because music lessons at Leading Note Studios are wonderful and enriching.
Regardless of the numerous awards the school has won, throughout its 15-year history, Leading Note has also provided Music to the community. Students play and sing at retirement homes and local events, such as street fairs, art institutes, and local restaurants and venues.
With its longstanding commitment to supporting Music, Leading Note has also offered numerous scholarships and instruments to students who needed more time to afford instruments or lessons.
With yearly summer camps, two to three Recitals a year, and an upcoming destination recital, the school offers many opportunities for its students to touch their community with the benefit and beauty of live Music.
Leading Note also faced the challenge of the global pandemic and continued to pivot to Zoom for lessons, helping teachers keep the jobs they love and helping the students maintain a weekly lesson. The commitment and love of Music from its patrons have also been unwavering. Many students graduate high school, attend college, and return with their music degrees to teach at Leading Note.
On August 17th at 2 p.m., Leading Note in Encinitas will host a Rock Block Party and event celebrating its 15th Anniversary. Food and Music, a Bounce House, Raffle Baskets, and Face Painting will be available!
Students will play throughout the event, and studio tours will be available. Join us to celebrate the timelessness of Music and community fun!