 Hughes was born in Aberystwyth, where he studied music at the University College of Wales under Professor Ian Parrott and singing with the soprano Hazel Holt.While a music student he conducted the university chamber choir, the Aberystwyth Elizabethan Madrigal Singers, for several years.Hughes went on to study at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama winning the Baritone Prize and both the Hugh S. Robertson Prize for Conducting and Vocal Ensemble.