Meet the Instructor

A.J. Meals is a music educator, pianist, and organist.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education, Instrumental Emphasis degree from Texas A&M University-Commerce, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2007.

A.J. began teaching in 2007 and most notably joined the faculty of Weldon Elementary School of Gladewater ISD in 2009, where he continues to teach music to students of grades 2-5.  A.J. has a strong focus on music literacy and aims to help students understand the role that music has played in history and in our culture.  He is also responsible for the preparation of a number of on-campus student performances, which have become staples in the Gladewater community.

Beyond public school music education, A.J. is kept busy by teaching piano to several private students at Gladewater Piano Academy, which he owns and operates, and also with occasional engagements as an accompanist, guest chorister, and as a church organist.  His most recent appointment is that of Assistant Organist at Christ Church Episcopal in Tyler, TX.  A.J. holds the passionate belief that music is the heartbeat of the worship experience, and considers leading worship from the organ console to be one of his greatest joys and privileges.

Outside of the professional realm, A.J. has been married to his wife, Eileen, since 2008 and is the father of four: Robbie, James, Evelyn, and Katie.  He enjoys remodeling his historic Gladewater home, decorating (extensively) for Christmas, and relaxing on the beach with his family.