Music Educator and Business Owner Honored for Teaching Excellence

“Music can change the world because it can change people. Music educators are the catalysts of that change.”

— Unknown

At Leading Note Studios in Encinitas, music isn’t just taught—it’s lived, loved, and shared with the community. This spring, Camille Hastings, the studio’s founder and director, was nationally recognized for that very passion. She received the Award of Excellence in Music Education from Music Academy Success, a global organization dedicated to helping music schools grow and thrive.

The award was presented in April at a vibrant conference in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted by Music Academy Success founder Marty Fort. Camille stood among an elite group of music studio leaders from across the country, celebrated for their innovation, leadership, and lasting impact on music education.

“This recognition is a reflection of the heart and dedication our entire team puts into creating an inspiring space for students to grow, learn, and fall in love with music,” Camille shared.

Leading Note Studios has long been a pillar of creativity and community in Encinitas. Known for its student-centered approach, innovative teaching methods, and deep roots in local outreach, the studio continues to nurture musical talent at every level—from beginners to aspiring professionals.

Music Academy Success works with music schools worldwide, providing resources and coaching on everything from business practices to educational programming. That makes this recognition even more meaningful, reflecting not just excellence in teaching, but excellence in vision and community-building.

Magnolia Madness: The Real Deal Behind Location #3

Six months ago, I set out on what I thought would be a simple journey: open a third Leading Note Studios location in Magnolia, Texas. You know—sign some papers, hang a “Coming Soon” sign, cue the confetti. Turns out, opening a business is more like being on a roller coaster... in the dark... with a septic tank surprise.

Let’s just say the “straightforward process” involved:

• 🏃‍♀️ Walking away from the deal (dramatic exit),

• 🕵️‍♀️ Then coming back (cue movie music),

• 💰 Renegotiating three times—once for the original price, once for surprise repairs, and then again because apparently trying to close early is... complicated?

Then there was the financing. I started with a plan for zero money down—bless—but halfway through, the rules changed and I suddenly needed 10%. Enter stage left: a 2020 IRS refund check I didn’t even know was coming. Divine timing? Absolutely. The Lord provides—and the IRS occasionally delivers.

Oh, and the playground? This was the area I’m thinking will make a great outdoor music venue, stage, tents, and lawn chairs. I looked at the area of land and the charming spot with sprinklers. Yeah... those sprinklers were hooked up to a Aerobic septic tank system. Let that sink in. (No pun intended. Or maybe pun fully intended.) Needless to say, that playground is no more.

Original septic fix estimate: $40,000 😱
Post-fire marshal negotiation: $10,000 😅
Savings: My sanity.

Now, with the keys in hand and no permits needed for signs, I’m headed full-speed into the fun stuff: marketing, community outreach, and finding awesome new teachers. The Chamber has been incredible, and even before the job posting went live, people were already reaching out to join the team. Magnolia is already feeling like home. ❤️

🎶 So here we go—I'll be posting every day on Instagram with the good, the messy, the funny, and everything in between. Because sharing the joy of music is what we do best—even when it starts with septic surprises.

Stay tuned, Magnolia. It’s about to get musical. 🎹🎤🥁