Congratulations to our 2025 Teacher of the Year, Debra Hughes, NCTM!  Debra has served GCMTA in many roles, including Advisor from 2015-2017, President from 2013-2015, President-Elect from 2011-2013, Auditions Chair, Jr./Sr. Chair, Performance Day Chair, and currently the Membership Chair.  Deb’s voice, flute and piano students always perform very well at the many events that they enter.  She has frequent winners at Music Day and West Federated Festival as well as some in Jr./Sr. Scholarship and Auditions.   

She is a committed advocate for her students, encouraging them to participate in various events and compete for scholarships.  Likewise, one sees her commitment to the general student population when she announces performance and competition opportunities at our GCMTA meetings and encourages us to enter our own students.

In addition to her involvement in GCMTA, Deb has held leadership positions in the Atlanta Music Club, Georgia Federation of Music Clubs, and in Georgia Music Teachers Association.  She has also presented programs at our meetings and at GMTA State Conferences. 

Deb’s commitment to GCMTA is evident in her many efforts to enrich our organization.  Deb initially suggested that GCMTA begin a Teacher of the Year Award.  She also led the cause to start our MED/PED Scholarship for deserving high school seniors planning to major in music education or pedagogy.  Currently, she is working diligently to submit GCMTA’s name as a contender for an NFMC cash award for preserving American music.  In her position as Membership Chair, one which in recent history has been a rather minor role, Deb regularly keeps up with new members, asks us to promote MTNA membership to other colleagues, and rewards members who bring visitors to meetings.

A colleague highly recommended Deb for this honor:  “Deb is one of the most creative teachers that I know.  She uses amazing imagery for teaching new concepts to her students.  I often consult with her on issues that come up with my own piano and flute students, and she always has an original take on how to communicate or how to address these issues.”

A former student said, “If it wasn’t for her [Mrs. Hughes’] encouragement and firm push, I wouldn’t have realized the potential I had to be the student music therapist I am today, as I prepare to graduate from college in May.  If it wasn’t for her enthusiasm, I wouldn’t have auditioned and sung with the Honors Performance Series at Carnegie Hall six times, and once at the Sydney Opera House.”  Another former student commented on the encouragement Deb gave him throughout his thirteen years of study with her.

A parent added this praise: “Debra’s musical talents are extraordinary, but what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect with her students and inspire them to achieve their fullest potential.  Her kindness, patience, and sense of humor make learning enjoyable and effective, creating an environment where students feel both challenged and supported.”

We appreciate Deb Hughes’ involvement in GCMTA, and we congratulate her as our 2025 Teacher of the Year!