Teacher Profile: Cana Hunter

About Cana Hunter

Cana is a passionate performer and instructor of violin and viola in the Dallas region. After begging for a violin for years, she received one for her eleventh birthday and has been playing ever since. Her love for music kept her committed to the instrument, going on to earn a B.M. in Violin Performance and a B.M. in Composition from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. Her primary instructor was Mathias Tacke of the Vermeer Quartet, and she also studied with Blaise Magniere, Marie Wang, and Anthony Devroye, members of the Avalon String Quartet. Aside from performing in the NIU Philharmonic and the NIU String Ensemble, she has played professionally in the Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Clinton Symphony Orchestra, the Highland Community College Orchestra, and the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra. After graduating college, Cana moved from her hometown of Mount Carroll, IL to Dallas.

During her teen years Cana played in the band Quicksilver, performing at local festivals and dance halls. Where before she preferred providing the music, now she also enjoys being out on the dance floor, especially for Texas two-step and country swing.

Cana loves helping music listeners become music performers. As a teacher, Cana is patient, calm, and gentle with all ages. She keeps it positive and works to instill a growth mindset because she believes this is the cornerstone for learning. She encourages and affirms her students' hard work and musical interests. She loves to strategize and adapt ways to help each individual understand new concepts and grow in their love for their instrument.