Meet Lee Hicks
More Than Music, Building Belief Through Excellence
For more than 35 years, Lee Hicks has dedicated his life to helping young people discover confidence, discipline, leadership, and excellence through music. An award-winning music educator, multi-woodwind specialist, performer, clinician, and founder of Hicks Music Institute, Lee believes that while music is the vehicle, the ultimate destination is building belief in ourselves, in one another, and in what is possible.
Throughout his career, Lee has been committed to creating environments where students are challenged to grow as musicians while developing the character, confidence, and work ethic that will serve them for a lifetime. His philosophy is built on the idea that musical excellence is never the end goal; it is the result of a culture rooted in high expectations, strong fundamentals, meaningful relationships, and an unwavering belief that every student has the potential to achieve far more than they ever imagined.
A Career Dedicated to Music Education
Lee earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southeastern Louisiana University and has spent more than three decades teaching, performing, and mentoring young musicians across Louisiana.
After beginning his career as a private woodwind instructor, he served for 24 years as Director of Bands at Fontainebleau High School, where he developed one of Louisiana's most respected instrumental music programs. Under his leadership, Fontainebleau consistently earned Superior ratings while becoming recognized statewide and nationally for both concert and jazz performance.
His students have performed at some of the nation's most prestigious events, including The Midwest Clinic and the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference, and have continued their musical studies at leading colleges and universities throughout the country.
Today, Lee serves as an Itinerant Instrumental Music Teacher for Plaquemines Parish Public Schools, where he works with multiple schools to strengthen instrumental music programs, mentor educators, and expand opportunities for young musicians through concert band and jazz education.
Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Lee has always believed that great music education extends beyond a single school.
He has served as President of the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA), helping guide music education initiatives across the state while advocating for students, teachers, and school music programs. His leadership has included statewide conference planning, professional development, legislative advocacy, and supporting educators throughout Louisiana.
His contributions to jazz education were recognized with his induction into the Louisiana Association for Jazz Education Hall of Fame in 2022.
As a clinician and presenter, Lee has worked with directors and students throughout the region, sharing practical strategies for developing strong fundamentals, building successful jazz programs, creating positive rehearsal environments, and cultivating cultures that inspire excellence.
Hicks Music Institute
Lee founded Hicks Music Institute (HMI) to expand these opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.
HMI exists to help students, educators, and communities pursue musical excellence while developing confident leaders and lifelong learners. Through private instruction, youth ensembles, clinics, consulting, and educational resources, the Institute is committed to strengthening music education, one student, one teacher, and one program at a time.
The Institute is built around a simple philosophy:
Music is the Vehicle. Belief is the Destination.
Southeast Louisiana Youth Jazz Orchestra
One of the first major initiatives of Hicks Music Institute is the Southeast Louisiana Youth Jazz Orchestra (SLYJO).
Created for highly motivated student musicians from across the region, SLYJO provides an advanced jazz ensemble experience that brings together talented students from multiple schools to perform challenging repertoire, study with outstanding educators and professional musicians, and experience the highest standards of ensemble performance.
Beyond developing exceptional musicians, SLYJO is designed to cultivate leadership, professionalism, teamwork, and confidence while building lifelong friendships among students who share a passion for jazz.
A Lifelong Performer
While education has always been his life's work, Lee has maintained an active professional performing career as a saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist.
His experiences performing with nationally recognized artists, recording projects, jazz ensembles, and professional productions continue to shape his teaching while providing students with real-world insight into the profession.
Learn more about Lee's performing career by visiting the Professional Performance Career page.
Looking Ahead
Whether working with beginning musicians, experienced educators, outstanding student performers, or entire music programs, Lee remains committed to one purpose:
Helping people discover what they are capable of achieving.
Every rehearsal, every lesson, every clinic, and every performance provides another opportunity to build belief, inspire excellence, and positively impact lives through music.
"When students believe in themselves, extraordinary things become possible. Music simply provides the path."