Eric Hunter Music

A1.  If they are a brand new student learning for the first time, the most important thing is to get them having fun right away.  We might start with some improv or musical games to build a rapport and get them acquainted with some basic musical concepts.  If they are an older student or adult I talk to them about their musical goals so that I can make sure I'm prioritizing what they feel is important from the get go.

A2.  If they are a transfer student, the above process remains the same, but I also ask either them or their parents a bit about their background to get an idea of where they're coming from.  Usually a transfer means dissatisfaction of some sort with the previous teacher or working method, so making sure I'm providing instruction they can relate to becomes even more important.

I have dual Masters degrees in both piano performance and education, from Columbia Teachers College and the University of Southern California.  I worked with children with learning disabilities as a clinician at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes.  In addition to the piano, I have studied the violin, organ, voice, composition, electronic music, and Irish folk music.  And I have well over 15 years of teaching experience.

Young beginners usually start with half hour lessons for $60.  Within a year or two they typically graduate to 45 minutes for $90.  Advanced students may choose to take hour lessons for $120.  I typically give my students extra lesson time (15 min+) when they work hard!

My earliest experiences teaching were working with young students in elementary school and summer programs when I was only a teenager.  As a college student, I became a clinician at Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes, where I found that the techniques used in dealing with learning disabilities amount to breaking classic teaching methods down into very small steps.  Using this as a base philosophy, I am able to meet my students at their current level and scaffold them upwards consistently meet and exceed new challenges.

Pretty much all types - early childhood, elementary, teenagers, college students, adults, retirees.  Each age group comes with its own challenges and advantages and I relish the opportunity to approach each differently!

Student recitals are always a highlight.  Recently I have had students play music from Frozen, complex classical sonatas and fugues, duets with their friends and siblings, and their own arrangements and compositions.  I always perform something myself to set a good example!

Hire a teacher who is busy, personable, demanding, and in demand! As far as pricing goes, not all teachers are worth what they ask, but in general you get what you pay for.

1. What about music excites me?

2. Why am I doing this/what do I want to get out of this?

3. Do I have time in my schedule for another daily activity?

4. Can I commit a certain amount of time to practicing each day (even if it's only ten minutes!)?