Byron Hedgepeth

Byron Hedgepeth enjoys performing on a wide array of percussion instruments, embracing classical, jazz, contemporary, and world music. His passion for drumming began while studying piano and violin at an early age. The desire to study percussion led him to Joy Gentile, studio recording artist and percussion instructor at Mars Hill College. After completing a bachelor of music degree, Byron continued his studies with music education professor Charles Leonhard and percussion professor Tom Siwe at the University of Illinois, where he earned a masters degree.

Upon returning to the mountains of North Carolina, Byron continued to pursue his career as a performer and educator. His teaching philosophy is founded on the concept of learning by doing - believing that the teacher must provide creative, imaginative, aesthetic, and meaningful experiences that will result in a change of behavior for the student. Many of Mr. Hedgepeth’s students have become very successful: they continue to follow exciting music careers throughout the United States and abroad. Having served as Director of Percussion Studies at UNC Asheville for 24 years, Byron now teaches percussion in his home studio in Black Mountain and drum set at Musician’s Workshop in Asheville. He is also the drum set instructor at Western Carolina University.

Byron is currently active as a performer and composer in the Asheville area and southeast region of the United States. Writing music has played an important role in his musical path, expressing vividly the hopes and aspirations of life's journey. This is especially true of the composition "Going Away," which was inspired by the life and passing of his grandfather. The duo collaboration, Byron Hedgepeth and Mike Holstein, features original compositions and improvisation - utilizing vibraphone, acoustic bass, drum set, marimba, and percussion. This compelling ensemble recently performed at the 2009 Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. Byron is bandleader, vibraphonist, and composer for the well loved Latin jazz ensemble Con Clave. He also enjoys working with Maddy Winer at the Grove Park Inn where he plays drum set and vibes. Having served as timpanist with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra for 14 years, Mr. Hedgepeth remains engaged as a substitute timpanist and percussionist with the Charlotte and North Carolina Symphony Orchestras.

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