

Hunter D.


Teaching Locations:

About Hunter D.
***As of May 15th, 2020 all lessons will be conducted through Zoom***
My primary teaching philosophy revolves around the ideas of creativity and cooperative problem solving. I believe that all musicians should be actively training their ears as well as their abilities on their instrument. I focus on all elements of basic musicianship while incorporating improvisation and composition in an inspiring way.
I grew up playing jazz, soul, R&B, folk, reggae, ska, funk, and classical music. I feel very comfortable working within all of these genres in both performance and educational atmospheres.
Regardless of age, learning a new instrument or art form can be daunting, so I like to include some sort of entertaining activities to keep tension low and inspiration high.
Reviews
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Hunter is a phenomenal teacher. My son (7) and myself have been taking weekly lessons with Hunter for 8 months now. He is wonderful with kids focusing on my son's readiness and getting him to enjoy and make progress. With me, Hunter has been great at adapting to what I wanted to get out of the lessons and I have made really great progress I did not think was possible. Thank you Hunter!!!

very engaging

Exceeded our expectations! He was engaging, smart and fun with my daughter. She loved the time with him and can't wait for her next lesson.

Excellent first lesson. Hunter is a fun, knowledgeable teacher. I look forward to more lessons.

My lesson with Hunter was absolutely fantastic. Such a great guy, and supremely knowledgable, and patient with beginners like me.
Photos & Videos
6 Photos & VideosExperience
Private Instructor
Aug 2016 - PresentRock Start Lessons
Through the Rock Start Lessons company, I make house-call lessons and teach piano and saxophone. (Flute and Clarinet also available).
Private Instructor
Feb 2017 - Jan 2019Flatts and Sharpe Music Store
At both the Norwood Park and Rogers Park locations, I teach saxophone, flute, and clarinet. Available for basic instruction, music theory, improvisation, rock/pop, and jazz. I left this position because of the company's inability to offer what I consider to be appropriate compensation.
Saxophone Instructor
Sep 2015 - Sep 2016Chicago Jesuit Academy
When available, I teach individual and group saxophone lessons.
Jazz Band Director
Dec 2015 - Jun 2016St. Benedict Preparatory School
As the director of the after school jazz ensemble, I worked with 10-15 students on improvisation, reading music, critical listening, jazz history, and ensemble playing. I wrote and arranged all of the music for our year-end performance. It was a great way to demonstrate that no instrument has to be limited to a specific genre or style. I was let go from this program because the director of music program believed that I was teaching at a level above the ability and attention span of middle school students.
Jazz combo coach
Sep 2009 - Jun 2010Musical Arts Youth Orchestra
This is a great program I worked with while attending Indiana University in Bloomington, IN. I coached several jazz bands, working on improvisation, group sound, and repetoire.
Education
Masters in Jazz Performance
Aug 2014 - Jun 2016DePaul University
Bachelors in Jazz Studies
Aug 2008 - May 2012Indiana Univsersity
Certifications
Performers Certificate
May 2012Indiana University
Awards
Luminarts Jazz Fellowship
Mar 2017Luminarts Cultural Foundation
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