About Me

Teaching in the Rock Hill & Fort Mill, SC area. 

CURRENT EDUCATION & BACKGROUND

Sydney Brighton holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance Degree with a minor in History from Winthrop University. 

Sydney began playing the piano at the age of seven years old, and has studied privately with very talented piano teachers since then. As a classically trained pianist, she has played a wide range of Classical repertoire. In her studies at Winthrop University, she focused on technique (scales, arpeggios, and technical exercises such as Hanon and Czerny), classical repertoire, classical music history, music theory, aural skills, conducting, and focused studies on musical form and analysis as well as counterpoint.

Additionally, outside of academics, she enjoys playing piano for church and improvising/arranging hymns. 

AWARDS & HONORS

2014: Recipient of highest grade in the SCMTA Piano Festival

2014: Honorable Mention in the Edwin Hughes Scholarship Competition

2015: First place winner in the Edwin Hughes Scholarship Competition 

2015: Winner of the Senior Division in the SCMTA Piano Festival
2016: Recipient of Outstanding Freshman Award given by The Rock Hill Music Club
2019: Recipient of Outstanding Pianist Award given by The Rock Hill Music Club

Participant in Masterclasses with outstanding music professionals such as Dr. Matthew Manwarren, Dr. Roberta Rust, Dr. Susan Kindall, Elaine Greenfield, Arlene Shrut and others.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

It is my hope that I will pass on a love for learning and music to my students through piano lessons. I want to see them develop character qualities such as having a good work ethic, determination, perseverance, independent problem solving skills, and self-discipline through the medium of music. It is my belief that music and learning any instrument can be a key tool in helping young people and adults alike develop important character qualities that will enrich their lives as a whole. I expect my students to practice diligently and give their best effort in all they do. Throughout the time my students take piano lessons from me, I hope that they are inspired and see the benefits and satisfaction that hard work, patience, and discipline produce.

MISC
Sydney was involved in Choral Activities as a member of the Winthrop Chorale during her time at Winthrop. Along with being in choir at Winthrop, she also accompanied student instrumentalists and vocalists at times, which she thoroughly enjoy.

While at Winthrop, she was member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society at Winthrop University.

Currently, Sydney serves as one of the pianist at Harvest Baptist Church in Rock Hill, SC, and continues to play for graduations, parties, accompany students, and fill in as a church pianist.

Besides music, Sydney loves photography and calligraphy.