Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Hedges.
Hi Karen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been a big part of my life. I started playing piano at age 7 or 8. In junior high, I started playing guitar and I am also a singer. I can’t imagine my life without music. I sang in high school chorus and music programs in school. In 1974, I met George Hedges at Shiloh Music Center, his family had just opened the store in Mt. Juliet. We got married a few months later. I started teaching piano at the store with just a few students and fell in love with teaching. Watching my students learn to play and to love piano was such a joy!!! I can’t believe I have been teaching for 50 years!!! I love teaching students of all ages. I also mentor young teachers to help them get started in teaching piano. I have students who have been with me for 10+ years and I am now teaching the children of former students!! My goal is for my students is to have a life long love of music. It has been a great journey.. As I teach, I meet each student where they are and help them nurture their love of music.
In September 2021, I was inducted into the Steinway Music Teachers Hall of Fame in NY. This was such a HUGE honor and I am humbled to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. For several years, I have been selected as one of the Steinway Piano Teacher of the Year from Steinway Piano Gallery in Nashville.
I am an active member of several local piano teacher groups:
Nashville Area Music Teachers Association, Tennessee Music Teachers Association, National Music Teachers Association,
National Piano Teachers Guild,
National Federation of Music Clubs
Nashville Area Piano Guild Teachers. I have held leadership offices in several of these groups.
I play piano for The Barn church in Mt. Juliet.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a smooth road for teaching. I attend workshops/conferences to learn more and keep up to date on new teaching methods and ideas.
A big challenge was in 2020 when Covid shut down teaching. Like so many other people, I was able to learn to teach piano online. It was a challenge to me and my students, but we made it through!!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Shiloh Music Center ?
Our family owns and operates Shiloh Music Center in Mt. Juliet, TN We are a full line, retail music store. George, my husband, and his family opened the doors in 1974. George works in the store repairing guitars, selling instruments. We sell guitars and anything music related!–Martin, Fender, PRS, amps. We have a full on-site repair service. Our youngest son, James is Martin and Fender Authorized Warranty Repair. He is 3rd generation Luthier. Our oldest son, Paul is the manager of our store. It is great seeing them continue the legacy of Shiloh Music. What sets us apart from other stores is our customer service. Everyone who works in our store is ‘family’. Our customers always say they love the ‘vibe’ of Shiloh! We are so proud to be able to serve the Mt. Juliet community and surrounding areas for all their musical needs. Our customers range from beginners to professionals….young students to older adult students.
In our Education Center, we have 9 teaching studios and 13 full/part-time teachers. We teach lessons on guitar, piano, violin, fiddle, banjo, drums, bass and ukulele. We teach around 500 students every week. I over-see our Education Center. Since we have been in business for 51 years, the Mt. Juliet Community knows we offer quality lessons with our professional teachers.
What makes you happy?
Of course, I love my job teaching piano…it is my passion. Watching my students learn music and love to play piano is such a rewarding job! I also love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy reading and traveling.
I love playing piano, singing and playing guitar.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shilohmusiccenter.com
- Facebook: Shiloh Music Center
