Drummer. Educator. Composer

"Entertainment is temporary, inspiration can last a lifetime" 

- Frank Glover 

About me

My story, my sound, my music

Chelsea Hughey is a jazz drummer and percussionist based in Indianapolis, known for her dynamic and expressive playing. She performs regularly at top jazz venues including The Jazz Kitchen and Chatterbox Jazz Club. Chelsea co-leads a modern jazz quintet with guitarist Charles Platz called HP+3 which features some of Indy's top talent - Steve Allee, Sean Imboden, Jesse Wittman, and Frank Glover. She also leads a little big band - Chelsea Hughey's Big Swing Face - and regularly partners with Naptown Stomp and Back Home Again in Indiana for swing dance events. 

An experienced educator, Chelsea has been teaching private percussion and drum set lessons since 2010, working with students across Indiana and northern New Jersey. She currently teaches privately at Sycamore School, and serves as adjunct professor of jazz drums at Butler University and adjunct professor of percussion at Marian University. She works with the Butler Youth Jazz Program and serves as a mentor for Jazz Girls Days at Indiana University. Additionally, Chelsea works as an adjudicator for competitions, offers masterclass on jazz drumming and the rhythm section, and acts as a guest speaker and artist at area schools. 


Contact me for lessons and more information

Teaching students of All Ages. All Levels. All Styles. Just bring a willingness to learn!

My discography

HP+3: NEW PROJECT COMING SOON

More information coming soon!

HP+3 is Indy’s new jazz supergroup led by Chelsea Hughey and Charles Platz and bringing together some of the Midwest’s finest musicians

The Kaleidoscope Suite

Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective: Indy's PremierJazz Nonet (drummer since 2022)

Available on all streaming services and bandcamp!

9 Songs for Christmas

Hickey-Shanafelt 9ollective: Indy's PremierJazz Nonet (drummer since 2022)

Available on all streaming services and bandcamp!

Original Music

Original composition:

"Long Road Home" 

Performed by HP+3 at Butler University in October of 2025

Original Music

Original composition:

"Quiet Inspiration"

 Performed by HP+3 at Butler University in October of 2025

My upcoming schedule

March 15

Bloomington, In

HP+3 Recording Session 

March 20

Indianapolis, IN

Third Fridays @ The Chatterbox Jazz Club

The Frank Glover Quartet 9:30pm - 12am

March 22

Indianapolis, In

Marian University Theater

Boss Pitches - Womxn Big Band 2pm

March 24

Indianapolis, In

The Jazz Kitchen

Boss Pitches - Womxn Big Band 7pm

Chelsea Hughey
Drummer. Educator

Available for studio work, performances, and private lessons,

Contact me for more information!

HP+3
Indy's Newest Super Group

With passion, energy, and a clear sense of purpose, HP+3 creates music that challenges, uplifts, and leaves audiences deeply moved.

Chelsea Hughey, drums & co-leader

Charles Platz, guitar & co-leader

Sean Imboden, saxes

Steve Allee, piano

Jesse Wittman, bass

Big Swing Face
Led by Drummer Chelsea Hughey

This Little Big Band brings the energy to your swing dance. Chelsea's mission is to  pair Pros with Students to provide the best learning environment for up-and-coming young musicians. 

Contact me for more information!

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