Building a Sense of Community with Music

Ideally, the point of music is the community, not the player.
Musicians are simply channels to link the audience to the music and to each other.
— Trey Anastasio

Music encourages creative thinking, discipline, leadership, and problem-solving. It is also a medium for individual and group awareness to profoundly communicate and move individuals to raise themselves to a higher level of empathy and social understanding. 
When this awareness happens, it helps to shape how we collectively respond to the world. — Hans Christian Andersen once said, “Where words fail, music speaks.”

Private Lessons vs. Group Lessons

It is one thing to receive personal enjoyment from one-on-one instruction, but our group classes, camps, and workshops have recently become an enormous hit! Why is that?

There is excitement when playing with other musicians. Learning from a teacher is wonderful, but jamming with others is an equally incredible experience - although in a different way. 

What is a Music Community?

A music community is a group of people involved in any given type of music. Typically communities have an informal, supportive structure and meet within a location to share their passion for music.

Here at Leading Notes Studios, our music community is a fundamental part of our experience of music. Our communities unite people and form bonds, and connect different instruments, as well as cultures. Our community connection promotes a variety of expression and growth, not only personally but collectively.  

We have so many ways that our students can come together and play, from Orchestra, Guitar Jam, Ukulele Night, Parent's Night Out, Musical Theatre Workshops, Choirs & Rock Bands, and Recitals.  

We also offer community music jams at local restaurants as a way for our young musicians to play in an environment that has low stress and is fun!!  

Group workshops and playing together is an approach to music-making that stresses active collaboration between individuals who play, create, improvise and perform music.  Community music enables people to enjoy and learn by making music with each other, and it enriches their lives.”

And in the end, it's just super FUN!!

New research suggests that playing music or singing together may be particularly potent in bringing about social closeness through the release of endorphins. ... Coupled with the effects on endorphins, music seems to make us feel good and connect with others, perhaps particularly when we make music ourselves. 

Why is music important to a community?

There is a tremendous amount of evidence of how music adds vibrancy to our lives, helps engage the brain, strengthens our sense of belonging and connecting with others, and also boosts the emotional health of both younger and older students.  

Music also has the potential to change a mood, shift an atmosphere, and encourage a different behavior. ... So in short, music has the power to culturally, morally, and emotionally influence our society. Group classes amplify the importance of our connecting to other musicians, creating life long bonds, excitement and social awareness.  

So, sign up for a group class or workshop with us!  You will love it.

Your First Music Lesson - 4 Must-Read Top Tips!

Sometimes you know its Time
To start something New
and Trust the Magic of New Beginnings.
— Anonymous

Music lessons are an excellent opportunity for anyone to learn a new skill and express their creativity. The joy that comes from playing an instrument or singing is entirely worth it. 

Music lessons will take on a unique flavor for every student.  Music lessons offer numerous ways to help us express how we feel, engage with what we think, and expand what's important to us. Here are four top tips for a successful first lesson.

1. Get to know your teacher

This is a critical step. Some of us are visual learners, some aural, and some tactile.

The first lesson for any teacher is getting to know their student. The first lesson's emphasis will focus on past work, your ability level, and either your or your child's musical interest. 

Sometimes a student or a parent's expectations are different from a teacher's expectations.  It is essential to spend your first lesson making sure your teacher understands you, your learning style, and your goals. It is a necessary first step in building what will become a significant relationship.

This time spent getting to know each other sets the tone for a great working relationship. This is a crucial time to get to know the student, and it also sets the foundation for the instrument's long-term study.

2. Be Prepared and Relax

There are a few key things to be aware of when preparing. No one likes to waste time, but it is very, very important to relax…. This is not a sprint, but rather a marathon! 

Have your instrument ready, and make sure you have paper or pencils handy if you need to write something down. Your teacher will have music or books for you or recommend them at the end of your lesson. 

Be prepared ahead of time.


3. Set Your Music Goals 

Your goals will help your teacher know what you are interested in for a successful lesson. Knowing what you want to get out of the lessons will make the experience much more enjoyable for you or your child. 

Ideas are:

  • What genre of music are you inspired by?

  • Is there a specific song or piece you want to play?

  • Where do you feel you need the support and assistance?

4. Ask Questions

Every teacher I know gets excited when their student asks questions. Every question you ask will also help YOU to feel a part of your music journey. You may have many questions like, what's my plan? How do I reach my goal? What am I going to learn? Why am I going to learn those things?  

Bring ALL those questions to your lessons and more!

It is important to spend that first lesson making sure your teacher understands you, your learning style, and your goals. It is a vital first step in building what will become a long-term and meaningful relationship.

What Are You Waiting For? Learn to play the song "Best Day Of My Life" - Today!

Music Is… A higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.
— Ludwig Van Beethoven

What if you could learn to play a song today? Learning to play a piece of music can seem complicated, but in the following five easy steps, you will be able to play today!

These five steps, along with our sheet music and video link on our website, you can learn to play the song "Best Day of My Life" today! 

Whether you play the piano, the guitar, or another instrument, this song has only two chords and is a great way to begin to learn the five essential tools that are the foundation of music. 

In this interactive music lesson article, we will focus on these five steps.

Step 1. Download and print the Sheet Music from our website here: www.leadingnotestudios.com/sheet-music

Step 2. Listen to the Song "Best Day Of My Life" on Spotify, iTunes, or YouTube. 

Step 3. Count the Beats and the Rhythm while listening.

Step 4. Learn the two chords, D & G.

Step 5. Sing and Play with our interactive instructional video on our website here: www.leadingnotestudios.com/bestdayofmylifeinstructionalvideo

Steps 1- 3

Once you have downloaded the sheet music from our website, listen to the song and count the rhythm. Clap your hands or/or tap your foot. You will notice each line of the song is four counts. (4/4) Count one, two, three, four, and start over again, one, two, three, four. 

The entire song is counted this way; this is your rhythm.

Step 4. Learn the two chords, D & G.

Once you achieve a sense of rhythm with the song, you will need to learn two chords, D & G.  

In music, a chord is any harmonic set of pitches/frequencies consisting of multiple notes that are heard when playing a sound simultaneously. 

For the D chord, you will play three notes, D, F sharp, and A. It looks like this on the piano - see diagram below:

Your F sharp note is the black key colored purple. Put your thumb on D, your pinkie on A, and your "tall man" middle finger on the black key or F sharp. 

For the G chord, you will play three notes, G, B, and D. It looks like this on the piano - see diagram below:

Put your thumb on D, your middle finger on G, and your pinkie on B.

Those two chords are played throughout the song, back and forth. Look at the sheet music. You will see where and when the chords are played throughout the entire song. It's that simple.

Step 5. Sing and Play with our Interactive Video!

We have the entire song on video on our website which you can watch for free. That video is here: www.leadingnotestudios.com/bestdayofmylifeinstructionalvideo

That's it. Make today the "Best Day of Your Life," and learn how to play this song today!

What Are You Waiting For? Learn to play the song "Best Day Of My Life" - Today!

Music Is... A higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy.
— Ludwig Van Beethoven

What if you could learn to play a song today? Learning to play a piece of music can seem complicated, but in the following five easy steps, you will be able to play today!

These five steps, along with our sheet music and video link on our website, you can learn to play the song "Best Day of My Life" today! 

Whether you play the piano, the guitar, or another instrument, this song has only two chords and is a great way to begin to learn the five essential tools that are the foundation of music. 

In this interactive music lesson article, we will focus on these five steps.

Step 1. Download and print the Sheet Music from our website here: www.leadingnotestudios.com/sheet-music

Step 2. Listen to the Song "Best Day Of My Life" on Spotify, iTunes, or YouTube. 

Step 3. Count the Beats and the Rhythm while listening.

Step 4. Learn the two chords, D & G.

Step 5. Sing and Play with our interactive instructional video on our website here: www.leadingnotestudios.com/bestdayofmylifeinstructionalvideo

Steps 1- 3

Once you have downloaded the sheet music from our website, listen to the song and count the rhythm. Clap your hands or/or tap your foot. You will notice each line of the song is four counts. (4/4) Count one, two, three, four, and start over again, one, two, three, four. 

The entire song is counted this way; this is your rhythm.

Step 4. Learn the two chords, D & G.

Once you achieve a sense of rhythm with the song, you will need to learn two chords, D & G.  

In music, a chord is any harmonic set of pitches/frequencies consisting of multiple notes that are heard when playing a sound simultaneously. 

For the D chord, you will play three notes, D, F sharp, and A. It looks like this on the piano - see diagram below:

Your F sharp note is the black key colored purple. Put your thumb on D, your pinkie on A, and your "tall man" middle finger on the black key or F sharp. 

For the G chord, you will play three notes, G, B, and D. It looks like this on the piano - see diagram below:

Put your thumb on D, your middle finger on G, and your pinkie on B.

Those two chords are played throughout the song, back and forth. Look at the sheet music. You will see where and when the chords are played throughout the entire song. It's that simple.

Step 5. Sing and Play with our Interactive Video!

We have the entire song on video on our website which you can watch for free. That video is here: www.leadingnotestudios.com/bestdayofmylifeinstructionalvideo

That's it. Make today the "Best Day of Your Life," and learn how to play this song today!

Stop! In the Name Of Love!

We didn't buy Flowers, 

we bought Music Lessons!

~By Amber Flynn

Valentines Day and Love Song Facts

Music and Love have always been "best friends." If we feel clumsy at expressing how much we love and care for that special person in our life, fortunately, there are plenty of love songs that will say it perfectly. 

In 1965 the song "Stop in the Name of Love" was sung by Diana Ross of the Supremes. It was written by the famous Motown team (Holland/Dozier/Holland). Dozier got the idea for the song after an argument with his girlfriend (she caught him cheating). 

In the heat of battle, he said, "Baby, please stop. In the name of Love - before you break my heart." He was trying to diffuse the situation, but it didn't help - she was still going to break up with him. So, he asked her to "think it over."

Dozier knew these lines were a bit corny but also thought they would work well in the song. He was right: "Stop! In the Name of Love" became a huge hit, and when it did, guess what? The girl came back to him.

Learn How to Play or Sing A Love Song
No matter how you plan to spend Valentine's Day,  love songs create a wonderful dreamy backdrop to your celebration. You can bet there will be many people around the world pulling out their guitar or sitting down to a piano to serenade that special someone with their favorite love song. 

What better way to express your feelings to your significant other than by playing a song?

If you are looking to take Valentine's day to the next level, below are three easy love songs you could learn to play in just a few lessons! 

We have also have the sheet music for you and many other love songs you can download and print from our website here for FREE: https://www.leadingnotestudios.com/sheet-music

"Love is complicated, but there are plenty of EASY love songs you can learn."

These songs are great choices to start with because they are beautiful, simple to learn, and even as a beginner, you'll be able to play them quickly and easily.

1. Count on Me by Bruno Mars

2. What A Man Gotta Do by Jonas Brothers

3. Can't Buy Me, Love by The Beatles

All three songs are classic for sure, easy to play, and the lyrics are the best.

Besides, the self-confidence and self-mastery skills that come from learning how to sing or play a musical instrument are phenomenal. Daily practice builds self-discipline, internal focus, listening skills, and a lifetime connection to emotional well-being. 

Valentines Day has always been about Love and a song! So, “Stop!  In the Name of Love” and sign up to learn how to play a love song! 

And since you can play Music throughout your lifetime, gifting music lessons is an excellent gift for Valentine's day too, for anyone, at any age! 

This Holiday Season- Give the Gift of Music, By Amber Flynn

Music is sunshine.  
Like sunshine, music is a powerful force 
that can instantly and almost chemically 
change your entire mood!
— Michael Franti

Are you looking for the perfect gift to give this Holiday Season?  

Sometimes it is the presents that don't require wrapping that become the most life-changing and meaningful.

Music Lessons are Enjoyable and Fun!

Music lessons are an enjoyable and constructive way for an individual of any age to spend their time. With its variety of instruments, range of sounds, and compelling elements, it's virtually impossible for someone not to like Music or want to learn how to play. 

Music Builds Character and Originality

As the Holidays approach and our schedules become busy, we start to look for that perfect, as well as a unique and different gift that will be beneficial for years to come.  

Instead of purchasing something that will be put on the shelf and forgotten, please give them the gift of Music!  Something they will enjoy for months, even years to come. This gift is so unique that it can and will benefit someone for years.

The self-confidence and self-mastery skills that come from learning how to sing or play a musical instrument are phenomenal. Daily practice builds self-discipline, internal focus, listening skills, and a lifetime connection to emotional well-being.

Music Lessons Help With So Many Things!

Recently it has been shown that music education has affected high school students' SAT scores! A study of 500 highs school students revealed that those engaged in some music lesson or training scored 57 points higher in verbal comprehension and 41 points higher in math in their exams. Those stats may have you thinking more seriously about giving music lessons.

Research shows that our life experiences provide more happiness than our possessions do. Playing an instrument stimulates the brain, improves coordination, and studies have shown that those engaged in some form of music education are happier in so many different ways.

You Can Play Music All Your Life!
Other studies have shown that adults who took music lessons as a child have been shown to have faster response times and increased emotional awareness throughout their lives.  
Many adult students who are now signing up to take lessons see the value of what Music brings to their lives daily. Many say "they wished they had continued lessons into their teen and adult years." or they "wish they had simply started lessons as a child."

And since you can play Music throughout your lifetime, gifting music lessons is an excellent gift for anyone, at any age. 

Which gift on your list has shown to provide all of that?

The gift of Music can prepare the way for anyone on your gift list to become proficient in a brand new skill for the rest of their life. So, go ahead and cross that gift off your Christmas list and purchase music lessons for that special person in your life!!

Should I “Rent” or “Buy” a Musical Instrument

Truly successful decision-making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.
— Malcom Gladwell

One of the most exciting challenges about starting music lessons is deciding whether to rent or buy an instrument for you or your child.  What should I do?

If you or your child have never played an instrument, your music teacher will be the best person to ask. The goal will be to find the best instrument for either you or your child. Because there are so many different sizes, models, and skill level to understand with any instrument, it will be essential to hear what your teacher suggests for you. It may also be beneficial to wait until after your first lesson.

While a child can learn to start playing the Piano and the Violin effectively as early as four years old, we suggest that drum lessons begin at seven years old, and guitar at eight years old.

And, if you love an instrument and feel that you will be playing, go online, or to your nearest music store and buy it. But what about your child? And what if you are NOT sure?

The Advantages of Renting - Flexibility

The main advantage of renting an instrument is that it offers a quick and easy solution for starting to learn now. Another advantage is that generally, repairs and maintenance are usually covered. The most significant benefit is that if they want to change instruments, they can either return it or exchange it. The result will be that you arrive at an instrument you love before investing.

The Advantages of Buying - Stability

There are many advantages to buying. The first is that owning an instrument can bring a sense of commitment and stability. This translates into a student being further encouraged to keep playing and working hard to study that instrument.  It also motivates the parent to encourage daily practice, a necessary ingredient for playing that instrument.  

Also, consider the alternative could be finding a used instrument; this could be extremely cost-effective. Make sure to have your teacher check it out before you buy it. It is often very frustrating to learn that an instrument needs to be repaired or has a major mechanical issue. Many music teachers can tell just by looking at the instrument or playing it, whether it is worth the money they are asking.

Maintenance and Repair

Every instrument will need to be correctly taken care of. Guitars will need new strings, pianos will need to be tuned, drums will need to be tuned, and most brass or wind instruments need specific care.  Keep that in mind when you are searching to rent or buy an instrument.

Who can help me with this process?
We offer music rentals in both of our locations San Marcos and Encinitas. Give us a call, and we will walk you through the process. We also have a teacher for every instrument, and they, too, can help you with buying your instrument. 

We will be excited to help you with your incredible Musical Journey!

A Recording Studio for Every Level of Musicianship

Sometimes, the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step.”
— Naeem Callaway

What if you had a professional recording of your child’s polished songs they’d learned in their weekly music lessons?

In October of 2015, we built a recording studio in our music school. We wanted our students and parents to have a tool that could help them observe their musical progress over the years. Our vision was to help students grow by having this service available.

The results… astounding!

The Value of our Recording Studio

To introduce our concept, we had teachers nominate a student each month who had excelled in their lessons. Then a name was picked from a drum, and a student is selected to receive a FREE recording session. As a budding musician, it is exciting to polish a song, and we found it is equally exhilarating to win a professional recording session.

Watching the student and parent listen to their finalized song has become a unique moment of profound joy and accomplishment for both of them. And it happens quite often.

Many parents eyes well up with “tears of joy” listening to their child’s performance. And students always listen to their recording very intently. As a result, they begin to learn and understand what they sound like, and where more work and effort is needed to get to where they want/need to be.

Many students inevitably book additional recording sessions, and some have completed their entire albums in our studio.

Recording allows you to celebrate where you are, and recognize where you can still improve.

Having a professional recording of their song, students and parents can look back and understand their unique progress as a musician. This process is extremely valuable for supporting their continued interest in music.

Music & Audio Engineering in the Digital Era

What was once a costly and unattainable service has now become economically manageable as well as a wonderful support and learning tool for our music students. With the ease and availability of technology, we now can complete numerous recording projects in the recording studio.

Most of the things music producers have done in recording studios in the past, we are now doing in our music school.

In addition to recording, we also offer audio engineering lessons. You can now have access to learning microphone placement, recording in Pro Tools, mixing, editing, and mastering. We demystify the whole recording process and work hard to bring you the quality product that you are looking for.

As a result, here, at Leading Note Studios, we take you from weekly music lessons with incredible teachers and all instruments, to recording your songs, to learning how to set up an entire recording session.

We seamlessly help you understand the entire music process from start to finish.

And that just ROCKS!

“Play Me a Song!” The Importance of Music Recitals

Recitals are a very long tradition of sharing music in a group environment.  Family and friends gather together in celebration of musical performances and help encourage musicians of all ages.


At Leading Note Studios we hold numerous recitals throughout the year for both children as well as for adults. Many benefits are a result of participating in these events.  


In my 25 years of teaching music, the benefits certainly outweigh the avoidance of these well-established gatherings. Here are the top 5 reasons music recitals are so crucial to every musician.

1. Recitals provide the opportunity to share what a student has learned in their music lessons and to receive recognition for all of their hard work.  Learning a song on any instrument requires hours of hard work and solo practice.  Performing and playing at a recital gives the musician a chance to show a piece that is polished and perfected. 

2. Recitals help build self-confidence and self-esteem.  Performing in front of an audience plays a significant role in self-confidence in all areas of life.  Receiving genuine and heartfelt praise from family and friends has been shown to boost a sense of self-worth and confidence.  After students have performed their piece, I often see big flushed-face smiles after the audience claps enthusiastically.  The pride and feeling of accomplishment of playing in front of a supportive crowd just cannot be beaten.

3.  Recitals are very motivating. Watching other performers play their songs increases a renewed excitement and shared love for music within the school or community.  They are also a time when our students come together.  Younger students are always inspired by the performances of the more seasoned students and come away with a renewed excitement for music. Experienced students get a chance to remember starting their instrument and reflecting on how far they have come.

4.  Recitals provide a chance for you to experience and overcome nervousness, and to realize those feelings are okay.  In “real-life” these feelings are part-and-parcel of being human. Experiences with successfully conquering nerves give a unique type of confidence when learning anything new! 

5.  Recitals create a respectful and supportive environment making sure that the love of art and the musical journey does not become overly competitive.  A musicians passion for music can grow healthily and organically with support and encouragement. 

I have seen children grow from shy and introverted to outgoing, confident young adults. The ones who underwent this change stuck with their lessons and took every recital opportunity they could. Inspired by music and able to perform in front of a crowd, this boosted their confidence as well as their love for music. The progress didn’t happen after just four lessons, but from years of positive reinforcement by teachers and parents.

Your Brain on Music

“Music boosts dopamine, lowers cortisone And it makes you feel great.
Your brain is better on music.”
— Alex Doman

Music can move us, shake us, change our moods, help bring us up, or gently put us to sleep. We all know music affects us, but what about the more profound significance, the science of it, and the health aspects?

Scientists are researching what happens when we listen to music and how it produces such an enormous effect on our brains.

Daniel Levitin, a prominent psychologist who studies "the neuroscience of music," says. "We're using music to better understand brain function in general."

He wrote the #1 best-selling book, "This Is Your Brain on Music." As a cognitive neuroscientist specializing in music perception and cognition, he has fundamentally helped change the way scientists think about auditory memory. He is also known for helping us understand the role of the cerebellum in music listening.

In his book, he shares observations related to all sorts of music listeners. For instance, today, teenagers listen to more music in one month than their peers living during the 1700s listening to during their entire existence.

The journey, and his journey, to discover what chemical processes occur when we put on music is far from over, but scientists have clues.

How Music Benefits Your Health

Listening to music feels good, and we enjoy it. But how can it translate into physiological benefits?

Patients undergoing surgery were randomly selected in a study to either listen to music or take anti-anxiety drugs before surgery. Scientists tracked patients by measuring their levels of the stress hormone — cortisol.

The results? The patients who had listened to music had less anxiety and lower cortisol levels than those who took drugs. Levitin says, "Music is less expensive, easier on the body, and does not have side effects."

Seventeen participants who had little or no music training also took part in a study where they listened to four symphonies by composer William Boyce of the late Baroque period. The researchers found synchronization in many key brain areas suggesting that the participants perceive the music the same way. And regardless of their differences, they shared a similar neurological experience.

The Next Frontier in the Science of Music

Using music as a way to understand the function of a healthy brain, researchers can now receive insights into health problems associated with neurological or psychological functioning.

Levitin also comments, "Knowing better how the brain is organized, how it functions, and what chemical messengers are working and how they're working -- this will allow us to formulate treatments for people with brain injury, or to combat diseases or disorders or even psychiatric problems.

Music is fundamental to our world, to our health, to our well being. Perhaps even more so than learning any other thing. Music is the wonderful bridge to our brain, our health and our well-being. It is no wonder so many people love to learn how to play music!


The Power of Giving Music

From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.
— -- Arthur Ashe

The power of giving is one of the most transformative things you can do to change a person's life, as well as change your own. There are plenty of people in the world with dreams, ideas, passions, and creativity that are unrealized, because they may not be able to do something they love.

"Helping and giving them the opportunity to do the thing they love will change that forever.

What does it feel like to give music? When you share music, it connects all of us and brings us all together. You are giving something that will last a lifetime and help them feel connected to themselves and others. When you give music... it actually feels .... fantastic.

This summer, we had a business owner at our music school, award five music scholarships to five different children.

Laura Beulke owns "Vertical Printing & Graphics" here in Encinitas. When her daughter chose to discontinue her lessons, she gave her daughter Abby's tuition as scholarships to Kayla (8 1/2 years), Alea (15 1/2 years), Micah (18 years), Victor, (18 years), and Kyle, (12 years). 


Each of these children were unable to continue with their lessons financially, and Laura stepped in and helped provide scholarships for their families. Laura is a touchstone in our community of bridging hard work with selfless giving within our community. She is consistently one of those people who steps in and gives to others. Those families that received the scholarships appreciate her generosity in helping those children continue with their music studies.

The Power of Community

When the community bands together to help one another, it helps create, sustain, and keep us all connected. It is magical and unique. All five children were ecstatic when they found out that they were going to have their lessons this summer. And all because of Laura.


What does Music Provide?

Studies show that listening to music can benefit overall well-being, regulate emotions, and create happiness and relaxation in everyday life. It also reduces stress, and who does not need that right now?


Researchers have also found that learning to play a musical instrument can enhance verbal memory, increase spatial reasoning, and literacy
skills. Playing an instrument requires that you use both sides of your brain, strengthening memory power and brain development.

And when you share music, it has the unique ability to connect all of us and bring us together.

Music Builds Character

As children and adults learn new skills, including reading music or playing a new instrument, they'll gain a boost in self-confidence. Plus, adding music lessons to a busy schedule of school and other activities helps individuals set plans and manage their time.

So the next time you are looking for a unique gift, give the gift of music, change a person's life, and the community.

Amber Flynn

The Invaluable Life Benefits of Music Auditions By Amber Flynn

If you do not go after what you want, you will never get it.
If you do not ask, the answer will always be no.
If you do not step forward, you will always be in the same place
— Nora Roberts

For a musician, an audition can be one of the most valuable and exciting experiences in their music studies. They can also be challenging and nerve-wracking moments, but in the end, an audition experience can bring many life benefits. It is a known fact that many experienced virtuosos can also get stage fright, fumble, or experience extreme nervousness. No artist is immune to the possibility of this happening, and sometimes no amount of preparation can keep it from happening.  

That does not mean that you should avoid them. In fact, auditions help artists to grow in their performances as well as strengthen and deepen their love of music and their artistic expression. The most important result of an audition is that it can reveal to the musician both their innate strengths as well as their weaknesses. It can also be incredibly liberating and life-changing.

We encourage and teach our students how to participate in auditions. They are an excellent opportunity for students to learn invaluable life skills - not just for students who want to pursue a music career, but for ALL students' real-life situations moving into adulthood.

Here are the many life benefits that are the result of participating in an audition.

Time Management. Audition preparation is a process and must be paced and understood up-to-the time leading to the audition date. A deadline means that a song must be learned, memorized, and polished within a particular time frame. Time management teaches the student the importance of meeting deadlines, which is a beneficial life skill.

Handling Pressure & Nerves. Coping with fear, nerves, anxiety, racing heartbeats, and learning to do their best under pressure is one of the essential life skills any student can learn.  Having many experiences to draw upon will help in many life situations.

Receiving and Accepting Feedback. Students learn how to handle pressure and nerves in our music school recitals, where they play in front of a more relaxed audience such as friends and family. Playing in front of a judge in an audition can help teach them to accept comments and feedback. Critiques and feedback are invaluable life skills that can be utilized later in life, whether the student becomes a professional musician or not.

The Value of Hard Work. When students are successful in an audition, they learn that it was all worth it. The time and effort they spent practicing and polishing their performance will show that their hard work was recognized. This success will motivate them to continue working hard and do well again next time. Excellence comes with hard work and is not just a result of "talent."  

Coping with Unfavorable Results. Dealing with adversity is a tremendous life skill. Being unsuccessful in an audition can help them learn even more from experience.. Learning to deal with less than desired results teaches a student to be mentally and psychologically healthy, musicians, and human beings. - not everyone who auditions is accepted - even if the performance is excellent.

The Lost Value of Music in Public Education And How to Find a Music Community by Amber Flynn

I can not imagine my life
if I didn’t have a music program in my school.
— Beyonce

Over the past several years, Music education programs have deteriorated in the public school systems.  
 With the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) program initiated in 2001, this law became the primary standard for K–12 general education in the United States. It held public schools accountable for how children learned and achieved in the classroom. It was extremely controversial partly because it penalized schools that did not show academic improvement.

The "Every Student Succeeds Act" (ESSA) replaced the NCLB in 2015. It kept some parts of NCLB and repealed others. It modified but did not eliminate provisions relating to the standardized tests given to students.

How Could This Happen, and what has been the Loss?

The educational system continues to value and promote academic achievement over creative thinking. The result? The increased focus on the improvement of student's scores within aptitude tests. Resulting in music and art programs not being given the time, value, or funding for music education.  


Testing in subjects like English and Math are quantifiable over creative development testing, which is mostly the reason they have taken a hit. While well-intentioned, the program did not take into account the significant loss that would ultimately be the result. Music programs have diminished greatly within schools.

The Value of Music and How to Find a Music Community!

Music education increases language ability, long-term health, emotional resilience, increased brain capacity, and empathy, as well as social and neurological development. 

At Leading Note Studios, we are committed to music education and firmly agree on the intellectual and cultural importance of music. Music joins languages, mathematics, science, the humanities, and many other art disciplines. It works as both an essential mode of thought and work, as well as an avenue for achievement. Music is a unique form of communication with its own body of knowledge and skills, and music literacy is fundamental to every education. 

Music literacy is the ability to read and write musical notation, to communicate through performance or composition, to work with artistic elements and structures, and to be conversant with a body of music history and literature. Through a comprehensive, sequential program of music study, literacy is formulated, and this approach increases knowledge and enjoyment of music. Music enables the student to gain fuller access to the world and also expands individual potential.

There are many Music Schools all over the San Diego area. Be diligent in finding a school that will provide you or your child the foundational skills necessary for lifelong learning. A school that has a proven track record offers lessons for all instruments, and has a strong online and website presence will be a great place to start.

We recently opened a second location in San Marcos on January 30, 2020 due to the numerous calls for Music Lessons. Tour the school, ask questions, but by all means, don't miss out on the gift that music will bring to you and your family.