Hunter Sapp’s musical journey started at the age of 13 in Asheville, NC. He had the pleasure of studying Drumset and Percussion with The Asheville Symphony’s percussionist Byron Hedgepath, a renown professor with University of North Carolina. At 19 years old, Hunter started playing in local bands in well established venues like The Orange Peel (residency of The Smashing Pumpkins 2007 Reunion Tour fame) and Stella Blue. During this time Hunter's musical range stretched from Rock to Jazz Trio to College Jam Band.
At 21 years old, Hunter left North Carolina and moved out west to Los Angeles and pursued an education in Percussion at The Los Angeles Music Academy. Some of his notable instructors where Ralph Humphrey of Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention, and Mike Shapiro who has played with everyone from the Black Eyed Peas to Sergio Mendes. After receiving his certificate in percussion Hunter returned to the east coast.
Back on the East Coast, Hunter moved to Washington D.C. where he played in bands that ranged from Progressive Rock to MPB/Samba to Jazz. He played in high brow venues like The Black Cat and the world famous Kennedy Center. Hunter then began his teaching career at Bach to Rock where he taught young musicians drums, piano, guitar and instructed students on how to function and perform in a band.
Some more notable instructors of Hunter are Jeff Sipe of Aquarium Rescue Unit, Joe Porcaro and Gilberto Campello.
Hunter Sapp is not only a Drumset and Percussion instructor but also instructs beginner Guitar and Piano. His musical influences range from Indie Rock, Math Rock, Jazz, Hip Hop, Brazilian Pop, Batucada and IDM.
Student Recommendations
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hannaho P. February 24, 2011
"I like that Hunter tailored his teaching style to my way of learning. He was patient with his instruction and nonjudgmental about my aptitude for learning percussion. When I finished a lesson with him, I felt inspired to keep practicing and excited about what was going to happen at our next meet-up. He's totally cool and knows his stuff. And it was always awesome to see him play when he was showing me a new way to do something. He's very much missed in Asheville."
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Rawley G. February 23, 2011
"Hunter is fantastic teacher as well as musician whose patience and expert interpersonal skills lend him to be the best music teacher I've studied under.
I came to as a intermediate drummer and his focus on rudiments helped hone my technical skills while his vast understanding of improvisation and breaking out of musical boxes helped me recapture the passion which got me started playing music in the first place. I cannot give enough praise.
5 stars!" -
Nicole L. February 23, 2011
"Hunter is a fantastic teacher. I came to him because I've always had a desire to learn the piano, but was too afraid to take lessons. I was very intimidated by the whole process, and Hunter was accommodating, patient, fun, and kind.
Hunter lives for music, and you can tell. He knows a lot about various subjects, and it showed in his teaching. He taught me all the basics that I need to know, and I am still practicing! At the end of our lessons Hunter had me play simple songs and I have to admit, it made me feel really cool!
Hunter is a great teacher, and an even better drummer. He has a flexible schedule too. I have no coordination for drums, but I have seen Hunter play. He is a really skilled player, and although he is very advanced he knows how to slow it down so that ANYONE can understand any instrument that they desire to learn.
Great patient teacher, good skills, and awesome taste in music."