CENTER STAGE
Excellence at The Dallas School of Music is earned through discipline, consistency, and a genuine commitment to growth. Each month, our faculty recognizes one student whose dedication to the craft of music reflects the highest standards of our school. To be featured Center Stage at The Dallas School of Music is a distinct honor — a formal acknowledgment from our educators that this student has demonstrated focus, perseverance, and a meaningful pursuit of musical excellence.
Brad Hawbaker
Center Stage Honoree
PIANO
Richardson, Texas
April 2026
“Recognized for discipline, growth, and musical excellence”
FOUNDATION
TIme at The Dallas School of Music
6 Years
Musical Beginning
My mother gave me a grand piano simply because she thought I should have one. I owned a keyboard that I hadn't played in many years, and had given up on the idea of playing. That was the reason I began taking lessons (again), because she believed in me. After my initial consultation and first lesson with Dr. Bob, I felt that the school’s approach aligned with what I hoped to accomplish.
PRACTICE
A Weekly Practice Approach
“Consistency creates clarity in my practice.”
Six days are dedicated to regular practice sessions. On Saturdays, I play through a list of songs. I aim for about an hour of practice each day, writing notes beforehand to define what I want to accomplish. I maintain a balance between skill development and repertoire.
DEVELOPMENT
On Challenge
“Progress requires constant evaluation.”
Knowing when to be consistent versus when to change my approach. Have I plateaued? Is this the right approach? Am I working on the right things? Am I exerting the right amount of effort? Is what I've worked on showed up in my playing?
On Achievements
“Understanding music changed everything.”
I initially took classical lessons (not at DSM) and was frustrated playing music I couldn't understand or explain. I could spend a lot of time on a passage of composed music and come no closer to understanding how it worked, or how I might come up with something of my own. My (naive) goal when I started was to be able to sit down and play without having memorized a bunch of sheet music, and I wanted to understand how music works. I believe I've achieved those goals.
Growth Beyond Lessons
“Consistency compounds beyond music.”
I make consistent steady progress through deliberate pursuit of something that is important to me. I believe this approach can be applied to many worthwhile endeavors: physical fitness, intellectual pursuits, financial investing. Progress compounds over time. If it's important to me, then I devote time to it. I don't wait to feel inspired.
PERSPECTIVE
On Discipline and Consistency
I make certain I understand why I'm doing something during practice. What is the purpose? What development should I expect to see? How do I know I've done it correctly?
Beyond the Instrument
Studying music is a great way to meet people. It's a great social activity. I play with former co-workers at my house, have played with neighbors, and have begun playing at a public jam session and in a cover band. All of these relationships were formed through a shared love of music.
On Teaching and Learning
Consistency is the most important thing when starting out. You are trying to create a new pattern, a new commitment in your day-to-day life. Pick a commitment that is attainable. Maybe you don't have an hour to set aside for practice each day. How much time can you set aside and how frequently? It doesn’t need to be overly ambitious, but it must be sustainable.
MUSICAL IDENTITY
On Artistic Direction
Jazz aligns with my aesthetic vision of being able to sit down and play. I wanted to be able to improvise, and understand music. I also wanted to be able to play music in other genres (pop, rock), and believed jazz would help me develop skills to learn others genres.
On Goals and Aspirations
Be comfortable playing in front of other people: play at public jam sessions, in a cover band, and as a solo performer. And, as always, build repertoire and work on skill development.
On the DSM Experience
Often when I mention to others that I play, they express a desire to be able to play too. I always encourage people to do it, and I always recommend my teacher. Desire is more important than talent. Talent will only carry you so far, and I believe the people who excel the most in any domain do so more out of passion than raw ability.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE
Parent reflections are included when available.
On Growth and Development
Discover • Learn • Play
On Independence and Confidence
Discover • Learn • Play
On Structure and Support
Discover • Learn • Play
Advice to Other Families
Discover • Learn • Play