Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Hedges.
Hi Karen, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been teaching private piano lessons at Shiloh Music since 1974. I met my husband George at Shiloh soon after his family opened the music store in Mt. Juliet. I have always played the piano, guitar and sing. I have loved teaching piano … it’s been 51 years now!! As we raised our family … 2 sons, Paul and James, I was able to devote my time to being a mom a teaching piano. I always like to say I had the best of both worlds…I was able to balance my home life and my teaching schedule. I have been named “Piano Teacher of the Year” several years from Steinway Piano Gallery in Nashville. In 2021, I was inducted into the “Steinway Music Teacher Hall of Fame” in New York.
I am a member of the Music Teachers National Association, TN Music Teachers Association and Nashville Music Teachers Association. Also I am a member of National Guild of Piano Teachers and my students participate yearly in Guild Auditions. I am a Member of National Federation of Music Clubs and several of my students participate in Federation testing. I have several recitals each year including going to Senior Living Homes to play music for the residents.
I am currently the pianist at The Barn Church in Mt. Juliet.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Yes it’s been pretty smooth. Teaching has been my passion. I always knew I wanted to be a teacher and teaching piano has been great!!! The only real struggle was in 2020 during covid. As so many of us had to do, we learned to teach virtually. My students and I were SO glad to get back in person for our lessons.
I teach 45 students each week.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Shiloh Music Center opened in 1974 by the Hedges Family: Fred, Harriette, George and his brother Richard and family friend Russ Henson. We are a full line retail music store selling guitars, Martin, Breedlove, Taylor, Fender, PRS, and more. We also sell amps, accessories and anything a musician needs. We have a full instrument repair center, run by our son James Hedges. He is 3rd generation Luthier. He is Martin, Fender authorized warranty repair. Our other son, Paul Hedges, runs the day to day business the store. My husband George is ‘semi-retired” but does go into the store every day. He is 2nd generation Luthier. He learned the skill from his father, Fred, who moved to Nashville in the 1960’s to work with Billy Grammer building the Grammer Guitars.
We are truly a family business…sinice 1974! W have been recognized by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) 3 years in a row, as one of the Top 100 Music Store Dealers in the world. In January of 2026, we were awarded the inaugural Best Music Lesson Program through NAMM.
I think what sets us apart from many stores is our customer service. We have a great staff of employees who are very knowledgeable about all the musical instruments we sell.
Our music education center is the BEST! We have 18 full/part time teachers and proud 350-400 students each week. We teach Guitar, Piano, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin, Fiddle, Violin, Drums, Voice and Cello.
Our teachers, employees, students and customers are like family!!! We love what we do and I think that is what has made us successful in the Middle Tennessee area.
Other than teaching piano, I am the administrator of our Education Center. I am responsible for helping our teachers get students. Also too keep our 9 studios busy with lots of students
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
My husband George and I have traveled to many states on our Harley!! Three trips out west, Niagara Falls and Canada, Florida, North Carolina.
I have served as a church musician for many years…either as a music minister, pianist, choir director, handbell choir director and choir member. Currently serving at The Barn Church in Mt Juliet as pianist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shilohmusiccenter.com
- Facebook: Shiloh Music Center
