Dr. Lauren Hunt
The Linda VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair and Director of Brass Studies
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Dr. Lauren Hunt is the Linda VanSickle Smith French Horn Chair and Director of Brass Studies at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, where she has worked since August 2023. Dr. Hunt has taught extensively around the globe, and is a graduate of the Global Leaders Program, which provides guest artists to “El Sistema”-style programs in the Western Hemisphere, and gives support to entrepreneurial music education programs. She worked for three years as a guest artist in one such program in Salvador da Bahia, Brazil, and created entrepreneurial music projects in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and abroad under the auspices of New England Conservatory’s Community Partnership Program and Entrepreneurial Musicianship Grant, Yale’s Philip Francis Nelson Prize, and in coordination with the New Haven (CT) Public Schools. She has given master classes and recitals in Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and in many cities throughout the United States. Dr. Hunt has adjudicated for the International Women's Brass Conference Solo Competition, the International Horn Competition of America, the Mid-South Horn Workshop Solo Competition, and All-State auditions in Illinois and Utah. Prior to her current position, Dr. Hunt was on the faculties of Illinois State University and Utah State University. In 2021, she became one of the first registered Suzuki French horn teachers in the world, and enjoys teaching younger students using this method in her private studio.
Types of Teaching
Interlochen
Summer Arts Camp
The Interlochen Summer Arts camp in Interlochen, Michigan, has multiple sessions each summer for young French horn players who have completed grades 6-12. Auditions are required, and scholarships are available. Participation includes performing in large and small ensembles, private lessons, and more. Of special note for high school students is the one-week French Horn Intensive program.
Interlochen Arts Academy
The Interlochen Arts Academy is a prestigious arts-focused boarding school for students in grades 9-12. The IAA Horn Studio is a thriving community of 8-12 advanced young horn players. Scholarships are available based on merit and need. Prospective students are invited to speak with our admissions staff, or visit campus and meet with me and current horn students to learn more about our program!
Master Classes and Clinics
Most frequently, these take place within the context of school band or university applied studios, but I have also done clinics at youth orchestras and "El Sistema" programs around the Western Hemisphere. I also offer seminars for your students on a variety of topics - please contact me to learn more. Fill out the contact form to request a clinic for your program/students!
Individual Private Lessons
I offer private lessons for French horn students of all ages and abilities. In-person lessons in Interlochen, Michigan, are recommended, and online lessons from anywhere are another option! I am also happy to meet individually for additional consultations (career coaching, portfolio review, help for composers, etc.). Please contact me directly for more information.
