Dr. Hunter was a Professor and Coordinator of Music Therapy at Nazareth College in Rochester, New York, from 1982 until retirement in 2020 from that full-time role. He continues to teach a course.
As Past-President of the National Association for Music Therapy, he helped lead the organization in a successful effort to unify with the American Association for Music Therapy, forming the American Music Therapy Association in 1998.
In addition, Dr. Hunter has been an adjunct professor in the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, where he conducts music therapy clinical outcome research with physician, Dr. O.J. Sahler. He implemented a national research award from the American Music Therapy Association to study the effects of music therapy in assisting patients to wean from mechanical ventilation.
His research and consultations with Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester General Hospital, and Lifetime Care resulted in the establishment of full-time music therapy positions held currently held by Nazareth graduates.
Dr. Hunter has been a member and chair of the New York State Board for Mental Health Practitioners. In 2005, he was awarded the very first license as a Creative Arts Therapist by the State of New York.
Education: