We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erika DeCarlo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Looking back on your career, have you ever worked with a great leader or boss? We’d love to hear about the experience and what you think made them such a great leader.
I had the privilege of working under a chief engineer at a highly renowned studio, a rare opportunity I was fortunate to seize. My mentor there was exceptionally fair yet uncompromisingly strict, often reminding me and my colleagues that a line of eager individuals stood ready to take our places. He set clear expectations and held firm without wavering, emphasizing that if we wanted to thrive in that environment, we needed to demonstrate our commitment through hard work and maximum effort. His guidance instilled in me the habit of giving 110% to every task, pushing me to complete every project with excellence that surpassed all expectations.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I entered the music industry at a young age, driven by a passion I held when faced with discouragement from my parents—both accomplished musicians themselves. They urged me toward a more stable career outside entertainment, believing it offered a safer, better life with easier hours and higher pay. They often reminded me I could leave my studio job, especially during tough times, suggesting a different path would be less challenging. Yet, those trials solidified my resolve, teaching me that perseverance through adversity—knowing how to work hard when life is easy or difficult—empowered me to pursue anything I set my mind to.
At Music Freqs, we pride ourselves on being the ultimate hub for all things music—a versatile space where creativity thrives. We serve 600 private lesson students, boast a recording studio recognized as Ventura County’s Best of for 10 consecutive years, we feature an all-ages immersive music venue with a top-notch PA system and backline, accommodating up to 300 standing guests. Our new music store offers premium guitars, amps, strings, drums, pedals, and more, complete with an on-site luthier to repair any instrument. We also provide PA rentals, backline, and band bookings for major events like the California Strawberry Festival and Concerts in the Park, Last but not least we provide group programs like Band Aid, which elevates bands’ skills, and our thriving Musical Theatre program which is one of our newest additions that has just taken off.
What truly sets us apart is our extraordinary team. Every employee is deeply passionate about their work, and it shines through in their dedication, positive attitudes, and eagerness to exceed client expectations. When hiring, I ensure each person’s passion aligns with our mission—I’d never place someone in a role they don’t love. Passion fuels effort, leaving a lasting impression that inspires others and creates an infectious energy within our community.
What fills me with the most pride is Music Freqs’ profound impact on our local community in Camarillo. We receive heartfelt emails and calls from families about how we’ve transformed students’ lives for the better. We play a vital role by donating time, equipment, and staff to keep our town vibrant, while offering scholarships to students who can’t afford lessons or other services. Our accolades reflect this commitment: 2020 Business of the Year from the City of Camarillo, 2022 California Association of Recreational Parks District Outstanding Community Partner (one business honored statewide), 10-year streak as Ventura County’s Best Recording Studio, First Place for Best Music Instructor in Ventura County for the past two years, and the 2019 Ventura County Music Awards’ “True Dedication to the Music Scene” Award.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Absolutely the books that have helped shaped me are.
The Art of War written by Sun Tzu
The Prince written by Niccolo Machiavelli
Atlas Shrugged written by Ayn Rand
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Yes I wish I knew how much networking and just becoming friends with good people with the same drive, passion and morals can help you succeed in life. When you find these people its almost like you have found a team to help you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.musicfreqs.com
- Instagram: @musicfreqs
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/musicfreqs
- Youtube: @musicfreqs
- Yelp: Music Freqs
Image Credits
Photographer Erika DeCarlo
Personal Photo includes both Brett DeCarlo and Ann DeMartini (owners of Music Freqs)
Drum Teacher Justin
Recording Studio Max