Albert Hunt is our September NVMTA spotlight teacher! Albert has served in numerous positions in NVMTA including Vice President and chair of Woodwind competitions.
What was most challenging in your career during the pandemic? What was something you learned during the pandemic?
Teaching via Zoom or FaceTime is challenging because we cannot hear exactly what the students are playing, and we also cannot see how they are using their bodies. Also, the equipment on both ends of the lesson has a huge effect on what we hear. One interesting thing I’ve noticed in teaching clarinet is how the sound can be distorted, or even canceled out by incorrect technique.
What do you like most about playing your instrument?
Just about everything…ok, except the too-frequent struggle with reeds. Music is a place of refuge, and it’s also wonderful to make music with others.
What music do you like to listen to?
Classical, jazz, classic rock, and just about everything else.
How do you like to spend your time when you aren’t practicing or teaching?
Reading, yoga, meditation, golf and hiking with family and friends. Lately, I’ve been working with the 8-Fold Path and I find it extremely rewarding.
What music projects are you working on now?
A family concert at 3 pm on October 22 at MLK Library in DC. I’m excited to be performing with my three daughters, two of whom are enjoying international careers. Rachelle is a violinist with the Frankfurt Radio Orchestra in Germany, and Lauren is a horn professor at Utah State University. Emily, a soprano, is not a pro, but she loves to sing and is super-talented, in my opinion. LOL, I’m her dad.
What have you learned by participating into this NVMTA programs?
NVMTA’s competitions and festivals offer wonderful opportunities for learning and growth for my students
What is your best advice to new members?
Take advantage of everything NVMTA offers!.
In what ways have you participated in NVMTA?
All of this list:
Attended in-person NVMTA meetings,
Attended NVMTA zoom meetings (general meetings, TAT, or LATTE),
Entered students in an NVMTA event,
Participated in a new NVMTA event this year
Entered students in an NVMTA competition,
Participated on an NVMTA committee at any level
What are some positions you have held?
I was Assistant Professor at University of West Florida; Instructor at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music; Assistant Head of D’Angelo School of Music at Mercyhurst University; Music Department Chair at Alabama School of Fine Arts and Science; and taught public school band and orchestra from elementary through high School. Additionally, while I taught college, I published several articles, and made presentations on clarinet pedagogy and music education. I currently serve as a co-chair for the NVMTA Concerto Competition for Woodwinds.
What is a musical goal (or musical goals) you have?
To keep learning and growing as a musician and teacher.
What is one (or more) of your most proud moments in your career?
- Playing in the clarinet section of the Cleveland Orchestra.
- Presenting a full recital at the Quebec Clarinet Fest
- Seeing my students grow into outstanding performers who love music, and win competitions.
Looking back, is there anything you’d do differently in your profession if given a chance?
I would have practiced more and taken more chances with my solo career.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the members of NVMTA (educational experience, honors, personal interests, hobbies etc.)
When I was 20, I was pretty down-and-out. Consequently, I got a guitar and discovered that I am a musician. Once I got to VCU, I heard the professor play, Mozart Clarinet Quintet, and I knew my future. I spent 10 years teaching full time on the university level, although what I enjoy the most is working with younger students.
Thank you Albert for being our September spotlight teacher and for your contributions to NVMTA! We are happy that you can represent the woodwind teachers this month! Also, congratulations for having a student chosen to perform with the Amadeus Orchestra in 2022!
