Holly Leader grew up near Mahone Bay, where she developed her deep love of music through singing, playing piano and trumpet—both independently and within her vibrant local community and schools. Holly is a graduate of Acadia University, holding a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Education, and a Masters in Music Education. While at Acadia, she studied conducting with Dr. Mark Hopkins and served as a student conductor with the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble under his mentorship.
An accomplished trumpet player, Holly has performed with ensembles across Nova Scotia and Canada, including the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, the Denis Wick Canadian Orchestra in Toronto, Chester Brass Band, Scotia Brass, Big Valley Swing Orchestra, and Glass Winds.
Holly currently teaches Music and Band in Halifax Regional Municipality. She remains active in the music community through her work at various summer music camps at Acadia University and on the South Shore. From 2017 to 2025, Holly led the Kings Community Concert Band, and she now serves as the Second Vice President of the Nova Scotia Band Association.