Peter Hellyer is a Colorado native and has been playing music since he was tall enough to reach the piano keys. Peter began his percussion studies as a freshman in high school. He received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Denver under the instruction of John Kinzie and his Masters of Music from Temple University under the tutelage of Alan Abel. Peter has recently performed with the Colorado Symphony, Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Grand Teton Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, and The Denver Brass. In addition to his performing with professional ensembles, Peter is also the Orchestra Manager for the Denver Young Artists Orchestra.

Peter married his wife, Hiroko (the principal percussionist) in April of 2006. The two of them reside in Centennial, Colorado.