At just 18, Dylan Chappell demonstrates an extraordinary gift for the piano, capturing the attention of the Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum. In a recently shared video, Chappell plays the historic 1886 Steinway piano with a level of skill that belies his three years of experience. Remarkably, he cannot read treble clef but learns songs by observing others perform.
Chappell, a lifelong attendee of First Assembly of God, credits church pianist Chris Nunley as his inspiration. “I’ve been watching Chris, the piano player here, my entire life,” Chappell said. While always interested in music, he never imagined he would play the piano.
Currently enrolled in the electrical program at Patrick & Community College, Chappell applies his technical skills to improve his church’s equipment, which started with a fascination with the church’s unique ceiling fans. “I have a lot of weird hobbies,” he said, though music remains his passion.
Chappell’s piano journey began unexpectedly during the COVID-19 pandemic while staying with his grandmother. “She has this really old piano in the basement, and I started tinkering with it,” he said. His mother, Amanda Bennett, is another source of inspiration, pushing him to explore his talents.
Nunley’s performances became Chappell’s classroom. “I won’t say that I’m a good piano player, I’d say I’m a good mimicker,” Chappell said, emphasizing his belief that his talent is a divine gift. “I know that I’ve got to keep serving Him and doing my part, so He will keep blessing me with this great talent to play for people.”
Chappell has been going to First Assembly of God his whole life, but he also attends Faith Fellowship in Bassett where he plays the piano.
The video of Chappell’s performance on the 1886 Steinway came about through a friend’s introduction to Holly Kozelsky at the Heritage Center & Museum. His talent prompted the museum to record and share his music on Facebook, further cementing his local renown.
Chappell struggled for over a year to master his first song. “It felt like the longest year and a half of my life trying to learn, and then I just got it.” The first song he felt he “clicked on” was with Alan Jackson’s rendition of “I’ll Fly Away.”
“Everyone knows me for that song, it’s my absolute favorite song,” he said. The song has taken on greater significance since the passing of his grandmother in June. “She did fly away to her heavenly home.”
Chappell’s faith, inspired by Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”— guides his musical journey. He envisions a future as a traveling musician but plans to wait until his 30s, after further honing his skills and building a stable life.
For now, Chappell plays for joy and inspiration. If he encounters a piano, he can’t resist playing. He encourages others to reach for the stars and follow their passion.
“If you want to do it, just try and don’t give up,” he advises. “It’s very much worth the wait when you learn to do it.”
