meet your instructor


Hey there! Thanks so much for visiting my site. Let me tell you a little about myself.
First off, a little about my family. I currently have 2 kids, Lanova (age 10) & Miles (5). They are amazing in every way and the love of my life!
From an early age, I have always been extremely drawn to the sounds of piano & music. I studied classical piano and music theory from the age of 5 through college. I studied jazz, rock, & pop styles starting at the age of 12. My collegiate musical studies were in piano performance & music theory, in conjunction with the University of North Texas music program. During this time, I studied with Brad Beckman, who is a world-renowned piano performer and lecturer of piano pedagogy. I also studied jazz piano with Jerry Samuels, a well-recognized teacher in jazz piano performance.
I’m an accomplished performer & teacher in all areas of performance: classical, rock, blues, funk, gospel & various pop piano styles. I’ve performed with some of the top cover/corporate/variety bands in the Southwest, including Emerald City, Studio 54, Daughter Judy, & Zuzu Pedals.
I’ve had many great performing experiences: Touring with jazz ensembles, performing at the Meyerson Symphony in Dallas, hundreds of classical/jazz recitals, along with countless club gigs with bands I’ve helped formed & manage.
Since 2004, I’ve dedicated most of my musical efforts towards teaching. I’m also an experienced band/ensemble instructor, masterclass instructor, and lecturer. As a lecturer, I’ve conducted and taught over 20 seminars on various music topics.
The NCTM designation (Nationally Certified Teacher of Music) is the highest honor a private music instructor can receive in teaching. It means that I have the highest professional standards in every aspect of my teaching. Continuing to educate myself in the art of piano pedagogy and music education is always a constant and humbling experience.
Feel free to email me with any questions regarding piano lessons.
Musically Yours,
Stephen Hughes, NCTM
Teacher Credentials
- Nationally Certified Teacher of Music – Piano Teaching
- 15+ years Teaching Experience – Full Time
- University Training in Piano Performance & Piano Pedagogy
- Published Articles in International Piano Teaching Magazines
- Published in Music Business magazine & books
- Featured Speaker at TMTA – Texas Music Teachers Conference 2015
Recent Student Accomplishments:
1st Place – Original Composition Contest – TMTA 2019
1st Place – Jazz Piano All-State – TMEA 2018
1st Place – Original Composition Contest – TMTA 2018
2nd Place – Jazz Piano All-State – TMEA 2015
Numerous 1st & 2nd place winners in local piano competitions in Mesquite & Rockwall MTA.