meet your instructor

Online piano lessons

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.