Bryce Peter
Music Academy Coordinator
Guitar/Ukulele/Bass Instructor/Preschool Music Enrichment Teacher
Bryce Peter is a guitarist from Louisville. After picking up his first guitar at age 14, Bryce quickly discovered a passion for music. Though primarily self-taught, his diligence and commitment to his instrument helped him progress his abilities rapidly. Bryce has spent years playing in various bands, covering genres ranging from Pop to Punk and Rock to Funk. Bryce has studied the works of many great guitar players such as John Frusciante, Jimmy Page, Jack White, Eddie Hazel, Tom Morello, Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, and many others. Bryce began teaching guitar privately in his late teens to young kids around his neighborhood. Having several years of experience working with children through coaching local sports programs, Bryce was able to combine his two passions of music and teaching. To Bryce, being able to pass on the knowledge he has worked hard to attain is the most rewarding aspect of being a musician.
Darian Sears
Director of the Academy of Music
Piano/Violin/Viola Instructor
Darian Sears has been teaching piano at the St. Gabriel Academy of Music since its grand opening in 2018 and was appointed Director in July 2019. In addition to teaching privately, Darian conducts the Music Enrichment program at St. Gabriel Preschool where she teaches and engages young students by exposing them to many styles, genres, and instruments each week.
Darian graduated magna cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Piano Pedagogy, Accompanying, and Arts Administration from Bellarmine University where she studied under Meme Tunnell (piano) and Jonathan Mueller (viola). She holds her Master of Music degree in Piano Performance & Pedagogy from Ohio University where she studied under Dr. Christopher Fisher. While there, she taught in the group piano program and served as an accompanist to the Ohio University Women’s Ensemble. She is also an active freelance musician around Louisville where she plays for weddings, musicals, choirs, and private events.