Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Alley.
Hi Stephanie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since I was young, music was always part of my life. I started piano first and added cello by the age of 10. In my family, learning music was highly valued, so it was never really a question of “Do you want to play an instrument?” but more “Which instrument will you play?”
I continued studying music for years through countless hours of practice and eventually pursued it in college because I had developed enough skill to be accepted into a music program, even though I was not truly passionate about it at the time. Thankfully, college changed that for me. Through improvisation, creativity, and teaching, I rediscovered the joy in music and began developing my own philosophy around learning.
After college, I worked in corporate administration while waiting to hear back about teaching opportunities. Once a teaching position finally opened, I had already become established in my administrative career, so I decided to continue teaching on the side through private piano and cello lessons.
While teaching privately, I started noticing a pattern. Many students were technically learning, but they were not excited to be there. Lessons could sometimes feel awkward, stressful, or overly serious. Because of how I was raised musically, I assumed that was simply how music lessons were supposed to feel.
Over time, I started experimenting by adding small competitive games and activities at the end of lessons. Sometimes it was the only part of the lesson where students would fully light up and smile. That realization stuck with me.
A major turning point came when I taught a group piano class through College for Kids in Tarrant County. I had never taught group piano before, but my experience teaching school orchestra prepared me for the “controlled chaos” of teaching students together. What surprised me most was how differently students behaved in a group environment. Students who were shy in private lessons became engaged, expressive, collaborative, and excited to participate.
The energy in the room created endless opportunities for games, movement, creativity, and teamwork, but what shocked me most was how much students learned in such a short amount of time while genuinely enjoying the process.
That experience became the foundation for what would later grow into Soulfull Sounds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Building this business has been both challenging and rewarding. One of the biggest challenges has been unlearning some of my own beliefs about music education. I grew up with very serious and critical music lessons, so creating a group program built around games, movement, creativity, and a relaxed environment sometimes felt unfamiliar to me at first.
At times, I worried other music teachers would think I was not upholding the standards of music education because of the relaxed environment and activities in my classes. I still catch myself asking, “Am I doing this because I’m supposed to, or because it truly fits the program I am trying to build?”
At the same time, I have been balancing the growth of what started as a side business while continuing to work full-time in corporate administration and raise my family. Thankfully, I have an incredibly supportive family that helps with things like school pickup and drop-off so I can continue teaching classes.
Having my own children in class has also shaped how I approach teaching. Growing up, music often felt more expected than optional, so with my own kids I always make sure to ask if they still want to continue lessons. I never want students to feel trapped by music. I want them to enjoy it.
Another challenge for me has been social media and marketing. I am naturally a very private person and honestly prefer to remain a little mysterious. But after reading books like Crush It!, I realized that sharing the process and being visible was necessary for growth.
Ironically, my creative side ended up loving parts of posting on social media. I enjoy editing videos and taking random clips and turning them into a story. I tend to approach business the same way I approach teaching: like a puzzle or a game. Whether it is creating a video transition, learning how to register a business, or building a new class activity, I enjoy figuring things out piece by piece instead of panicking over the final result.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Soulfull Sounds Piano ?
Soulfull Sounds has continued to evolve a little each year while always keeping group piano learning at the center of the program. Since opening in 2019, we have expanded to five locations and added a variety of class levels and learning formats.
As a parent myself, I am always thinking about how to reduce the effort and stress that activities can place on families, especially when it comes to transportation and scheduling. In 2025, we expanded into schools and daycare centers to offer classes during the school day, making piano lessons more accessible and convenient for parents.
Now we are continuing to grow again through a hybrid program that combines online learning with in-person experiences. My goal is to give students access to fun, interactive piano learning at any time while also minimizing travel demands for families. I want to bring together the best parts of both worlds.
Traditional private lessons can be extremely effective because students receive direct feedback and step-by-step instruction, but they can also sometimes cause students to lose excitement about learning music. My goal has always been to create an environment where students enjoy piano, feel successful, and genuinely look forward to class.
Beyond music itself, I believe creativity, problem-solving, and efficient practice are important life skills. We are preparing students for a future that none of us can fully predict. Their future careers may not even exist yet, but they can still develop the confidence, adaptability, and learning habits needed to succeed in whatever comes next.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I enjoy books and content that focus on creativity, business, and personal growth, especially books like 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, that encourage me to better understand myself and gain a holistic approach.
One thing I also enjoy is listening to my husband’s podcast on Sunday afternoons. It has become a fun way for us to relax and unwind while listening to conversations about sports, current events, life ideas, and different perspectives. It feels more like sitting in on a casual conversation with friends than a formal podcast, which makes it easy and enjoyable to listen to. https://www.twitch.tv/late2theparty2025
Outside of work and music, I honestly enjoy a lot of cozy and creative hobbies. I love crafts, decorating, editing videos, and relaxing with cozy video games. I think those interests naturally influence my teaching style because I enjoy creating environments that feel creative, low-pressure, and fun while still encouraging growth and adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.soulfullsounds.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulfullsoundspiano/?e=28e5b8be-c45e-4bdd-8b39-8bd3864d2e25&g=5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063617541759
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoulfullSoundsPiano
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2074876306423816
