About the Author

Jon Hughes is a musician, teacher, composer and choir director based in York, England.

He has spent many years teaching music to children and adults, helping beginners discover the joy of singing, playing and creating music. He has taught piano, singing, classroom music and community choirs, and has worked with thousands of learners of all ages.

Jon studied music at the University of York, where he completed a PhD in composition. Alongside teaching, he has composed music for theatre, dance, museums and heritage sites, including the permanent exhibition at Newgrange, one of Europe's most important prehistoric monuments. Jon also runs two busy community choirs, writes songs, and plays and sings jazz at the piano.

Piano Steps grew out of many years of teaching. Jon wanted to create a method that develops not only the ability to read music, but also listening, creativity, improvisation, musical understanding and confidence. Rather than rushing from one idea to the next, Piano Steps returns to musical ideas again and again, helping children build deep and lasting musical understanding.

Jon believes that every child can become musical through curiosity, imagination and enjoyable musical experiences.