Owner Spotlight: Meet Chase and Carol Ann Loeb
Written by: Elizabeth Chan
Nov. 16, 2021
This month, the author of this blog and Sayla’s staff would like to spotlight the two people who make this school run and make everything possible— Chase and Carol Ann.
Chase and Carol Ann Loeb met in Colorado, where Chase grew up and they both attended college. However, fate would have it that they would visit their family’s home in Lodi and soon move here to start life in California. Chase held the position of director for a few years while the school was still known as “B Sharp School of Music.” Carol Ann managed the courtyard venue while it was still known as “The Middle C.” When the previous owner decided to sell the business, Chase and Carol Ann abruptly took on the mission of fostering music education and culture within Lodi. In 2019 the music school rebranded and had a grand reopening, changing the name to Sayla Music Academy and introducing the second “School Street Building.”
Sayla Music Academy, as we know it today, is the product of the hard work and creativity that Chase and Carol Ann have poured into this community. From decor and design to community events and collaborations, Chase and Carol Ann have made it their mission to create a unique and professional environment for teachers and students. There’s definitely more than meets the eye with this pair of music professionals.
Chase is a pianist and composer. He has worked with musicians all over Lodi and Stockton as a collaborative pianist and often plays gigs and performances as a soloist. Chase also stays busy as a composer, writing for all occasions and instrumentations, from string orchestras to solo piano. As CEO and Director, Chase is responsible for keeping Sayla running at its finest. Chase, in his free time, loves to work with horses. If you know Chase or have seen his studio, you will know that horses are a source of awe and inspiration for him. Additionally, he is currently learning how to play the guitar and viola, under the tutelage of Sayla’s own teachers!
Carol Ann is a cellist and conductor. She plays cello as a soloist and with many groups, including the Stockton Symphony. Her leadership skills have made her a wonderful conductor for Sayla’s own Community Orchestra Program. As Artistic Director, she is responsible for the decoration of the two Victorian houses on Sayla’s campus. Her vision is what makes the halls look quirky, artistic, and vibrant. Additionally, Carol Ann runs an Etsy shop called The Vintage Carol, dedicated to vintage fashion, houseware, and decor! Occasionally, you will also see Carol Ann’s jewelry on display at Sayla’s faire booth. She makes unique, one-of-a-kind music-themed jewelry by hand!
The staff and students at Sayla Music Academy are so thankful to have such a hard-working and dynamic pair of leaders. Without them, music education and the exploration of music culture would be very different in this community. All of us at Sayla look forward to their vision for the future!