Hayes School of Music

Piano Instructors at the Community Music School

Learn more about private music lessons here! Please note the instructor's level (Apprentice, Master, or Professional) to determine the rates for the lessons. 

Professional

Dr. Bair Shagdaron, Professor of Piano at the Hayes School of Music

Master

Tyler Dellaperute, piano

Tyler Dellaperute enjoys a diverse career as a collaborative pianist, jazz musician, music instructor, and piano tuner. A classically-trained pianist from Little Egg Harbor, NJ, Tyler has performed virtuosic repertoire from Rachmaninoff’s Second Piano Concerto to Beethoven’s Appassionata. Tyler has extensive experience as a collaborative pianist, having accompanied a variety of large ensembles, chamber ensembles, instrumentalists, and vocalists. Tyler’s interests also include music theory and jazz improvisation.  

In addition to his role as private piano teacher at the Community Music School, Tyler is currently serving as an accompanist and group piano instructor at the Hayes School of Music. He primarily teaches intermediate and advanced students. As a music teacher, Tyler prioritizes musical fluency, community, and diversity.

Lydia Rudd, piano 

Lydia Rudd is a student at Appalachian State University and is pursuing her Master of Music Therapy, having completed a bachelor’s in Music Therapy and a Piano Performance Certificate from the Hayes School of Music. She started taking piano lessons at the age of 5 with Yelena Eckemoff, and is now studying with Dr. Rodney Reynerson. Lydia has performed as a solo pianist, accompanist, and church musician. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, cooking and baking.

Music Experience

• CMS Instructor 
• Accompanist, Appalachian State University
• Church Pianist, Cary NC

Teaching Philosophy: As someone who has been a piano student for over 15 years now, one of my main goals in teaching is to create a space where students can find joy in learning and playing piano. I work through the foundational techniques of piano with students, but want them to be able to apply it to the music and projects that they are passionate about. In each lesson, I try to meet students where they are, ask questions, and encourage them to feel free to ask questions that will help them through their learning process.   

Apprentice

Drew Gibbs, piano and theory/composition

Drew Gibbs is a student pursuing a Composition and Theory degree at Appalachian State University. He began playing the drums at around two years old and settled on piano at the age of 10. He has achieved first place in the state for composition contests and competed as a finalist in the Appalachian State Concerto-Aria Competition. Drew has accompanied the Appalachian Symphony Band on piano and performed pieces composed by other students. Drew has music readily available under his name on all listening platforms. He has always had a love for the complexity of music theory and all the different directions that can be explored. 

Teaching Philosophy: I have loved music since I can remember! To be able to share that with students and give the tools/resources to understand music is a great feeling. My goals are to provide a knowledgeable base of why music sounds the way it does as well as improving technique and playing ability.