A Bit About Me
Hi! I’m Holly Leader, a music educator and trumpet player originally from the beautiful town of Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Growing up on the South Shore, was where I fell in love with music while singing, playing piano and trumpet. While in on the South Shore, I was active in many different music festivals and organizations. These early experiences sparked a lifelong passion for music and a deep appreciation for the connections it builds.
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I began playing trumpet in my church community at the age of twelve and have since performed for services and events in Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, Bridgewater, Halifax, Kentville, and Wolfville. I’ve always believed in giving back to my community, regularly volunteering to coach youth in track and field, volleyball, basketball, soccer, curling and mentoring young musicians.
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My love for music led me to Acadia University, where I earned both a Bachelor of Music (with a minor in Math) in 2017 and a Bachelor of Education in 2019. Being at Acadia helped shape me into a more skilled musician and thoughtful educator. I’ve studied with inspiring mentors, performed with groups like the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, the Denis Wick Canadian Orchestra in Toronto, Chester Brass Band, Scotia Brass, and Glass Winds, and developed strong skills in conducting and arranging.
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Currently, I am the Music Director of the Kings Community Concert Band in Wolfville and serve as the 2nd Vice President of the Nova Scotia Band Association. I’m committed to creating inclusive, learner-centered music classrooms where every learner is valued. I strive to be a patient, organized, and compassionate teacher—someone who builds strong relationships and nurtures individual strengths. My goal is to share the joy I feel when performing, to help students discover their own musical voices, and to give them something to look forward to every day.