Hammer & Strings Conservatory

Karali and her team are exceptional! Their commitment to their students is unmatched. Whether you are an aspiring musician seeking to step up your game or a complete beginner, there's no better option. Moreover, they have also displayed great flexibility during this unprecedented time of Covid-19, moving their lessons online without any inconvenience.

I had originally scheduled in-person lessons at Hammer & Strings Conservatory with my vocal coach, Leslie Humphrey, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to switch to online lessons. As a new establishment, H&S and its instructors were also unfamiliar with online teaching. Though it presents challenges such as technological latency issues making timing difficult during warm-ups and rehearsals, Leslie remained patient and understanding. Despite the situation, the entire staff at H&S is extremely welcoming and dedicated to helping students improve their skills and reach their musical potential, regardless of the instrument they choose.

Dr. Karali Hunter and Hammer and Strings Conservatory deserve all the praise in the world. The level of professionalism displayed by the school is truly remarkable. Dr. Hunter is a phenomenal teacher with a passion for beautiful music and exceptional teaching abilities that are crystal clear. As an adult student of hers for four years, I can confidently say that my piano skills have skyrocketed under her guidance. Her lessons are always packed with useful information about music theory, technique, performance, and more. Additionally, everything is tailored to my level of proficiency and explained in detail. There are numerous opportunities to perform within and outside the school, which has been extremely beneficial to my overall growth. The curriculum is not like any other; it's a comprehensive and transformative educational experience. Hammer and Strings aims to teach students how to connect with the music they're playing and their audiences when performing. The school's motto of "Intentional Excellence" perfectly captures the type of music taught at Hammer and Strings. Dr. Hunter is dedicated to ensuring her students progress in their musical development, regardless of their age or skill level. As a result, her students are held accountable and committed to high standards. Dr. Hunter's adaptability is a testament to her expertise. As a teacher, she has the amazing talent to adapt to the needs of each student, and it's evident from her interactions with me, an older student and my son, one of her youngest. She does an exceptional job of meeting the unique needs of each student while continuing to maintain and expect high standards of progression. I'm incredibly grateful for Dr. Hunter's exceptional teachings and example to me, my son, and the entire Hammer and Strings community. It's been a remarkable experience, and I can't recommend this music school enough.

Hammer & Strings Conservatory gets my highest recommendation! Despite struggling to find a violin instructor during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was fortunate to discover CrackerJack and Hammer & Strings. The team has been incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the process. Though in-person lessons are typically offered, the pandemic has necessitated a shift to virtual instruction. I initially had reservations about this format, but have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of the virtual lessons. Cari, my violin teacher, is an exceptional and highly skilled instructor. Despite never meeting in person, her pedagogical abilities have been outstanding, and I cannot speak highly enough of her transfer of knowledge. I am incredibly pleased with my decision to enroll at Hammer & Strings and highly recommend their services. With a team of similarly skilled instructors, I am confident that other students will have just as positive an experience.

Hammer & Strings is loved by us! At that place, my daughter avails singing and piano classes from some amazing teachers who teach with both knowledge and kindness. We can rely on them always being available to help us. My daughter's skills have improved tremendously and we are excited to see how her teachers will further guide her!