Stephan Hume shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Stephan , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Well my kids are little so potty training has made me laugh and feel proud, as well as just watching them grow up so fast. In business, the latest recital we had was such a proud moment. So many students showcasing their passion and progress in music! Never gets old.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Stephan Hume and learning to play music got me through a tough upbringing. It’s one of the cheapest forms of therapy, one of the highest forms of expression. In 2006 we founded our first music school with a passion for teaching kids and teens to play in rock bands. It has been a real joy to learn how to expand our offerings to multiple instruments and across the state of Colorado to multiple locations. I am currently working hard to be sure all of our families and students are delighted with what we do for them. It’s key that we deliver on a promise to provide inspiration with fun and patient music teachers. Outside of that, I want to be sure our staff are hand selected, local leaders who share our core values and come to work ready to deliver on our promise. If I can do that while being sure to remain true to who I am in our community, as a husband, and a father – then I believe that’s something I can feel good about.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This question really hits home for me in our business. I used to have to be the one to do everything. Not because I didn’t trust people. But because I believed so much in what I knew to be the best way to teach music and treat people. But that ship has long since sailed since I have focused on finding more people who believe the same thing. Quite honestly, many of them do it even better than I could. So the one that has to be in front of every situation, problem, or victory has to be released. Instead of looking at our business like something I own (control), I am learning to look at it as something I am a steward over (care for).
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course. Many times. We have been doing this for 19 years. But to save time, let’s just isolate the time in 2020 when the government said some businesses were essential and others were not. During that time we were coerced to stop our music lesson business as we knew it. But I knew that what we do IS essential. So we persevered and did not lose a single employee during those shut downs. I am proud of that and what it taught me about being a leader to our people and still serving and inspiring people in our community.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Tommy Emmanuel. He’s easily one of the best musicians on the planet. But he is kind, humble, and generous. I have met him and he treats me like a friend. And he would do that for everyone. Not all famous or highly skilled musicians act like that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
That I loved God and my family with all of my heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.littletonmusiclessons.com/ https://www.parkermusicacademy.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littletonschoolofmusic/ https://www.instagram.com/parkermusicacademy/
- Twitter: https://x.com/littleton_music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LittletonSchoolofMusic https://www.facebook.com/ParkerMusicAcademy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/littleton-school-of-music-littleton-2 https://www.yelp.com/biz/parker-music-academy-parker
Image Credits
Kimberly Benfield, Jamie Striplin
