Biography
PROFILE
Over 25 years of experience teaching piano & electronic keyboards, and diverse music-centered classes. Consistent and active involvement in popular music curriculum development. Ability to compose and arrange music in a variety of popular genes, styles, and instrumentations. Professional pianist versed in playing acoustic and electronic keyboards. Music producer using state-of-the-art music technology. Accomplished international performer and recording artist, arranger and orchestrator, producer. Leads and participates in several accomplished bands in Germany and the USA. Ambassador for the student exchange program with the Pop Academy in Manheim, Germany.MISSION AS AN EDUCATOR
To utilize experience and knowlege direvided from working as a well-rounded composer, arranger, keyboardist and producer to guide and encourage students to become creative, skillful and professional musicians and educators.
MUSIC EDUCATION SKILLS
Passionate educator who knows how to motivate and guide students. Innovative course and curriculum designer. Skilled teacher of traditional and contemporary music with a focus on the practical needs of today’s music student. Experienced in using state-of-the-art computer technology in the classroom. Expert in scoring and producing music with Finale and Logic Pro software.TEACHING EXPERIENCE
2014-present Head of Piano Studies at German International School Chicago 1997-present Professor of Music at Columbia College Teaching and designing courses such as Music Theory, Pop/Jazz Theory, Pop/Jazz Arranging, Pop/Jazz Keyboard, Technology For Musicians, Fundamentals Of Arranging, Foundations of Music, etc..❖ Prior to 2014
Author of music theory book Pop-Jazz Theory by Thomas Gunther. Served as a member on the curriculum committee responsible for the new Contemporary Urban Music Program. Taught and developed syllabi for courses such as Pop-Jazz Theory, Pop-Jazz Arranging, Pop-Jazz Keyboard, Fundamentals Of Arranging (under supervision of the director of the Urban Music program). Taught and developed courses in music theory, ear-training, keyboard harmony, group and private piano lesson, combo, improvisation, pop arranging, computer music lab. Directed numerous student shows in the music and theater departments.❖ 1992-1996
Taught introductory, advanced group, and private keyboard lessons to children and adults at the Tübinger Music School in Germany, as well as privately.Freelance Composer and Arranger highlights
2010-2014: chief composer and arranger for Symphonic Jazz International, lead by Dick Dunscomb 2007: Arranged Rhapsody in Blue for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. 2006: Composed and recorded Boptrilogy for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.Music Producer
2004-Present: music services and production
Produced many CD’s and songs for others and under his own name using state-of-the art technology. His most resent CD called SPICY JACC ADVENTURE was produced, arranged, recorded, and mixed by him. (Please visit http://www.spicyjazzadventure.com for more info.)
Pianist/Keyboarder
Performed and recorded with many well-known musicians and groups in Europe and the United States such as Buddy Defranco, Dino Saluzzi, Lee Konitz, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble (1997-2010) Appeared on many CD’s as a leader and sideman, including Kenton A La Russo (Chicago Jazz Ensemble), The Windy City, Gunther/Lehel Quintet featuring Orbert Davis. Leader of The Thomas Gunther Taste Of Chicago Sextet -Toured Germany in 2002, sponsored by the German-American Institute, CD produced and recorded live by SWR Radio/Germany. Leader and/or member of several Chicago bands. Annual appearances in Germany with renowned vibraphone player Dizzy Krisch.Music Engraver
2004-2012: Chief music engraver for The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. 1997-2001: Engraved music for John Blane’s Music Preparation, a Chicago-based company that provides music engraving for Hell Leonard, Warner Bros., and other top music publishers.
Founder and President of Several Websites Dedicated to Music Education
MusicTrainingOnline.com , TipsForPianists.com , PianoForLittleFingers.com.
He is the creator and owner of the YouTube channel http://youtube.com/MusicTrainingOnline where he posts music training videos he produces related to state-of-the-art Music Production Software, and keyboard playing.
EDUCATION
1992-1996: State University of Stuttgart/Germany, Masters Degree in Teaching and Performing Jazz and Popular Music. Final Grade: A (a transcription was made available to Columbia College upon hiring).
LIMITED DISCOGRAPHY
2018 Alle Jahre Wieder - German Christmas Songs CD
2016 Spicy Jazz Adventure – produced by Thomas Gunther
2014 Swing Fever Song, 2015 Superstar Gene
2004 till present Numerous productions published online
2004 The Thomas Gunther Trio Swingin' Big At Willowbrook
2003 Thomas Gunther's Taste Of Chicago Quintet Live In Germany
2002 Chicago Jazz Ensemble: "Kenton A La Russo"
2001 Jens Bunge Meet You In Chicago 2000 The Jazzmates: "Jazz 'n Samba" 1999 Lehel/Gunther: "The Windy City" 1998 Bogie: "Hanna"
Instructional Areas
• Courses that teach how to utilize music recording and production hardware/software, • Piano/keyboard courses and privat lessons, • Music arranging & orchestration courses with emphesis on jazz and popular music genres, • Music theory and listening related courses,
Creative Practice and Research Interests
What are the most effective piano/keyboard practice methods and materials for popular music keyboard players? How important is understanding music theory for becoming a well-rounded and successful musician? Can music produced "in the box" replace traditional music production techniques adequately?
Degrees
M.M., Teaching & Performing Jazz and Popular Music State University of Stuttgart 1996