April Hames

April Hames (accompanist) grew up in rural Lexington County and still calls it home. She started piano lessons in the second grade, studying under the late, great Johnsie Purvis, who was a legendary music educator. Mrs. Purvis was quick to get April on stage in her first (and only) theatre performance as the fairy godmother in Cinderella. Her favorite pit role was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

April continued to develop her skills as an accompanist in church and school from middle school throughout college. Her most challenging accompaniment was of her grandfather, Ralph Hames, in church. She cut her teeth on Southern gospel, and accompanied for the late Walter Cuttino’s vocal studio for four years during her undergrad. She has also played on staff at various churches over the years.  

April holds a bachelors in music from UZC Honor college, and a masters in music education and music therapy from East Carolina University. After spending some time as a music therapist, she went back to East Carolina and earned a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy. April’s passion is family and ensuring those she works with have the tools to be most effective in communicating with and loving each other. 

When April is not working as a mental health professional, she enjoys playing sax, oboe and percussion with the Lexington Community band. She is also a fan of yoga, cycling, and kayaking, all of which bring rhythm to a place of natural healing for the body and mind.