Byron Hedgepeth

Drums, Percussion

Drum set artist and teacher, Byron Hedgepeth is among the most versatile percussionists in the southeast. After completing a bachelor's degree at Mars Hill College and a master's degree at the University of Illinois, Byron has been very active in the development of music education by reaching beyond the standard practices of percussion instruction. He started the percussion program at the University of North Carolina at Asheville in 1981, and served as Director of Percussion Studies until July of 2005. He is currently the teaching classical percussion, vibes and drum set at Appalachian State University. Having taught at Mucisian's Workshop from 1979 to 1993, Byron has enjoyed returning to his first professional teaching job.

Byron has performed and recorded with Jazz, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Latin, Middle Eastern, Gospel and Classical artists throughout his career. Some of his favorite performances have been with Randy Brecker, Mark Levine, Conrad Herwig, Glen Velez, Fran McKendree and Judy Collins.

Teaching Schedule: Wednesday - Thursday