Meet Alexis Dyche: from practice to performance, she’s hitting all the high notes
Thirteen-year-old Alexis Dyche is proving that passion and discipline can take you far. An accomplished pianist and ASU Prep Global Academy student, Alexis recently earned a major milestone: first place in Junior Performance Piano at the prestigious Arizona State Music Teachers Association (MTNA) competition.
It’s an honor that’s recognized her as one of Arizona’s most exceptional young pianists, and also earned her a spot in the upcoming MTNA Southwest Division competition.
A love for piano from the start
For Alexis, the piano has been part of her story almost as long as she can remember. “When I was adopted, I was about five years old and my mom taught me how to play piano and I loved it,” she shared.
That love has only grown deeper over the years. Alexis plays mostly classical music and is especially drawn to the romantic era. “Romantic pieces have more dramatic music, more memorable melodies and more emotion,” she said. That emotion comes through vividly in her performances, where she describes herself as fully absorbed in the moment.
When I’m performing, I’m mainly enjoying the piece. I’m not thinking about where my hands are going — practice ensures that. I’m just enjoying myself.”
A moment she’ll never forget
Alexis typically practices three and a half hours a day or more when preparing for major competitions. Still, nothing prepared her for the moment she learned she had won first place at the recent AZ MTNA competition. “I was shocked. I was surprised that I even got a place and that it was first,” she said. “It was a stunning moment because the competition was really high this year.”
What made the day even more unforgettable was what happened after the performance: “One of the judges walked all the way up to the car and told me he was really happy to hear me play and was excited for my musical career. That meant a lot to me.”
Music and science: two passions in harmony
Music is more than a talent or a discipline for Alexis — it’s a passion. “I believe I wouldn’t be the same person without music,” she said. “It really makes me feel good. Music and science are the two things I really love about life.”
At ASU Prep Global Academy, Alexis has found the flexibility and structure she needs to pursue both. Her days start around 7 a.m., followed by several hours of piano practice before shifting into classes. “The school allows me to fit everything into my schedule by being so flexible,” she said.
Having responsive, supportive teachers she can easily reach has made a meaningful difference. “Don’t be afraid to ask the teachers anything,” she advises other students considering ASU Prep. “The teachers here are amazing and will respond to any questions you have.”
Life beyond the piano
Outside of academics and piano, Alexis is a second-degree black belt in Dang Soo Do and competes in local and national-level tournaments. She also loves reading, chess, board games and playing with her two standard poodles. She’s currently reading The Fellowship of the Ring and The Iliad.
Looking ahead, Alexis is preparing to compete at the regional level while also working on Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3 for several upcoming competitions. Her long-term goals are as ambitious as they are inspiring. “I want to be a professional pianist and also major in physics,” she said. “Both mean a lot to me, and I think I would do really well in both.”
With her talent, discipline and enormous heart for the arts and sciences, Alexis is already charting a future as dynamic and inspiring as the music she loves.
Why online school works for students seeking flexibility
Students with big goals, whether in sports, the arts or academics, often need a learning model that adapts to them rather than the other way around. That’s one of the benefits of online school and why ASU Prep Global Academy offers a personalized structure that provides:
- Flexible scheduling to support training and competitions
- Accelerated pathways that allow students to move ahead when they’re ready
- High-quality online instruction designed for independent, motivated learners
- Future-forward options such as concurrent high school and university courses
Ready to Learn More?
Ready to learn more about how ASU Prep Global Academy can help students achieve their goals? Schedule a call to explore our nationally accredited, private online 6–12 school see how we’re empowering students like Alexis to thrive.
Be sure to check out our school blog to read more inspiring student stories and discover how ASU Prep Global Academy is making a difference for students with unique goals and passions.
