Hunt finds ‘capacity to connect’ through piano

Photographs by Holland Haverkamp

Hunt finds ‘capacity to connect’ through piano


Photographs by Holland Haverkamp

The piano captivated Kimberly Hunt 12 years ago, and today she continues to be inspired by its potential to distill and express human experience.

“The ability of the piano to tell a story with emotion and feeling intrigues me,” says Hunt, a University of Maine sophomore from Corea, Maine. “The piano and music have a wonderful capacity to connect with listeners.”

Hunt studied at the Conservatory of Music in San Francisco, California before continuing her musical education at the Hayes School of Music in Boone, North Carolina with professor of piano Bair Shagdaron, who Hunt says provided “an excellent foundation and lots of encouragement.”

The piano performance major came to UMaine to develop mastery in solo, chamber, and solo orchestral piano, as well as composition. She studies under pianist and professor of music Phillip Silver.

“He has inspired me to approach each performance as its own special journey, both for myself and the audience. This gives freedom for the performance to develop its own unique and special characteristics,” Hunt says.

She also enjoys kayaking, reading, writing, painting and exploring Maine’s forests and coasts.

“Maine is my home and I intend to live here,” Hunt says. “Maine people and its landscape provide a wonderful setting for family and life. I came to UMaine to work with professor Silver, but I have been fortunate to also learn music theory, composition and history from a tremendously talented and encouraging music faculty and to have opportunities to perform with students and faculty.”

Back to article

read more: