Ashley May DePaola, 21, is a third-year undergraduate student studying piano under Dr. Dmitri Vorobiev at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. She was brought up in a military family and raised primarily in Fayetteville, North Carolina. During her time in Fayetteville, she became a member of the Fayetteville Symphony Youth Orchestra where she was both the principal pianist and principal flutist. She also participated in the Fayetteville Symphonic Band and played piano for many churches in the area. Throughout her college years, Ashley May has been given many learning and performing opportunities. She has received masterclasses for several world renown pianists such as Alexander Braginsky, Aurther Greene, Alexander Kobrin, Jason Kwak, Marina Lomazov, Pavel Nersessian, and Joseph Rackers. Outside of piano, Ashley May enjoys playing flute, doing CrossFit, and most importantly spending time with her family. As Ashley May continues to grow as a pianist, she hopes to continue getting the opportunity to work with and learn from other musicians who have mastered their craft.