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.
Apprentice
Brittney Woolbright, piano
Limited availability for new students this Fall
Brittney Woolbright began taking piano lessons in her hometown of Martinsville, Indiana when she was nine years old. While growing up, Brittney competed in multiple Indiana State School Music Association competitions and earned multiple gold medals for solo piano performances and accompaniments. Her higher education began in 2017 at Purdue University Fort Wayne as a music therapy major after receiving a scholarship for piano performance. In 2018, Brittney moved to Hawaii and started her own piano studio where she taught multiple kids. She also became involved in Hospice Hawaii’s therapeutic music program, where volunteers were encouraged to visit with patients and engage in a meaningful musical experience together. In 2020, Brittney moved to Boone, North Carolina to resume schooling. She obtained an Associate in Fine Arts Music degree from Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute. Presently, she is studying music therapy as an undergraduate at Appalachian State University. She studies piano under Dr. Bair Shagdaron.
Teaching Philosophy: I have aspirations to find a career that allows me to use music as a medium to educate, unite, uplift, and bring healing to others. My goal in teaching is to build a solid musical foundation in children so that they can not only have a new skill set, but a constructive and creative outlet that brings them joy.
Lydia Rudd, piano (Online only Fall 2023)
Lydia Rudd is a student at Appalachian State University and is pursuing her bachelor’s in Music Therapy, and a Piano Performance Certificate. 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.