Founder and Music Instructor
I have a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Piano Performance from Temple University’s Esther Boyer School of Music and Dance in Philadelphia, PA, where I studied with Dr. Charles Abramovic. I remained in Philadelphia after my studies where I taught group and private piano, accompanied numerous choirs and soloists, and learned to play the organ. I was a church organist for nine years at various denominations throughout Philadelphia. In 2011 I lived in Washington DC where I continued teaching, and worked as Education Associate at Washington Performing Arts Society. At WPAS I administered numerous outreach programs that brought art and music to DC and surrounding metro area schools. I moved to San Jose, CA February, 2012 and started establishing Amy Hunter Piano School. I ran this private studio out of my home as well as instructed K-5th grade general music 5 days a week in various schools throughout San Mateo, Redwood City, and San Carlos school districts through the non-profit organization, Music for Minors. In fall 2014 my private studio was growing and I was anxious to be able to offer more musical opportunities for my current students, and reach out to more prospective students. I began the journey of finding a new place to teach from that would give me the freedom to expand. In March, 2015 I moved my studio to 1040 Park Ave and established “The Hunter School of Music”.
Amy’s Teaching Philosophy
Music has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. In my teaching studio I am dedicated to sharing my love for creating music and finding the right musical path for each student. I believe that every person should have the opportunity to learn an instrument, learn the language of music, and discover how exciting and FUN it is to play! I accept students of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and work with you/your child’s interests and musical desires to design a lesson that fulfills your individual goals and provides you/your child with a balanced musical background. Lessons with me include learning music theory, history, sight-reading, as well as important fundamental technical skills. The dedication, concentration, and creativity that goes into learning an instrument is a positive force in children’s lives, helping them to gain confidence, focus, and develop a beautiful outlet for expressing themselves and communicating their inner voice. I am also a Music Teachers’ Association of California member so if you are interested in registering for the Certificate of Merit or other exciting activities that the organization provides for students you can do that as my student.
In addition to making music I love exploring the outdoors and mountains. I am an avid backpacker, snowshoer, runner and completed my first marathon in September 2018. I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and of course my two adorable dogs.
Amy Hunter performing Partita No. 1 in B flat Major, by J.S. Bach.
Performed April, 2006 at Rock Hall, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
Prelude, Allemande, Corrente, Sarabande
Amy Hunter performing Fantasia on a Medieval Russian Theme, by David Finko.
Performed April, 2006 at Rock Hall, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Private Piano Instructor: Throughout ME, PA, DC, Armenia, and CA 1998-Present
Music Instructor, Music for Minors, San Carlos, CA: Fall 2012-Spring 2015
Piano Instructor, Northern California School of Music, Cupertino, CA: 2012-2013
Piano Instructor, The International School of Music, Bethesda, MD: 2011-2012
Adjunct Music Faculty, Montgomery County Community College, PA: 2010-2011
Associate Staff, Piano and Theory, Settlement Music School, Philadelphia, PA: 2006-2011
Piano Instructor, Wissahickon Arts Center, Wissahickon, PA: 2000-2007
Secondary and Class Piano Instructor, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA: 2004-2006
Piano Instructor, Jacob’s Music, Philadelphia, PA: 2003-2004
Music Appreciation Substitute, Upward Bound, Gwynedd-Mercy College, PA: Summer 2000
Camp Counselor and Piano Instructor, Camp Encore Coda, Sweden, ME: Summer 1999
ACCOMPANYING AND ORGAN EXPERIENCE
Harpsichord and Flute, Peralta Consort, San Jose, CA: 2016-2018
Accompanist, Serendipity Choir, San Jose, CA: 2012-2013
Substitute Organist, throughout DC, Maryland and Virginia: 2011-2012
Accompanist, Temple Women’s Choir, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA: 2010
Music Director/Organist, Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA: 2007-2011
Organist, Epiphany Lutheran Church, East Falls, PA: 2002-2007
Substitute Accompanist, Rosemont College, Rosemont, PA: 2005-2010
Organist, St. Alban Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, PA: 2005-2007
Accompanist, Gwynedd-Mercy College Choir, Gwynedd Valley, PA: 2005-2006
Accompanist, Villanova Voices, Villanova University, Villanova, PA: 1999-2005
- Concerts throughout PA as well as Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; Cincinnati, OH; Syracuse, NY; Pittsburg, PA; Rome, Italy; Vienna, Austria.
PERFORMANCES AND AWARDS
- J. S. Bach Harpsichord Concerto, BWV 1057, San Jose, CA, Spring 2018
- Handel’s Messiah, First United Methodist Church of Germantown and Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church, PA, 2010
- Solo Performance, The Fountains Retirement Community at Logan Square, Philadelphia, PA, 2006
- Solo performances in Rock Hall 2002, 2006; Chamber Music recitals 1998-2002, 2004-2006, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA
- Solo and concerto performances in Nordica Auditorium at University of Maine in Farmington, ME 1996-2002
- Beethoven Piano Concerto No.3, 1996; Mendelssohn Piano Concerto No.1, 2001, Nordica Auditorium, Farmington, ME
- Master classes with Arnaldo Cohen (2006), Alexander Fiorillo (2001), Laura Kargul (1997), Oleg Koshelev (1997), Wu Han (1996).
- 1997 Elsie Bixler Junior Prize Winner, Bay Chamber Concert Prizes, ME; 1997 Pine Tree Competition Winner, Colby College, ME;
- 1997 Friends of the Symphony Award, Bangor Concerto Competition, ME; 1996 Winner, U.M.F. Concerto Competition, Farmington, ME
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION ASSOCIATE, Washington Performing Arts Society
Washington, DC, August 2011-January 2012
FOUNDER and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Mt. Airy Concert Series
Philadelphia, PA, August 2007-June 2009
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, Little Singers of Armenia
Yerevan, Armenia, July 2009-September 2009
MUSIC INSTRUCTOR, Macsedan Private School
Yerevan, Armenia, July 2009-September 2009
MEMBERSHIPS AND COMMITTEES
Music Teachers’ Association of California (MTAC), Santa Clara Chapter, 2015-Present
Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), CA Chapter, 2012-Present
American Guild of Organists (Philadelphia Chapter), 2007-2015
Americans For The Arts, 2011-2013
Board Member, The Philadelphia Community Arts Network (PCAN), 2007-2011
Music Teachers National Association at Temple University, 1999-2002.
The Hunter School of Music 