Instruments
Acoustic Guitar Bluegrass/Country (Beginner-Advanced)
Mandolin (Beginner-Advanced)
Electric Guitar Rock/Metal (Beginner-Intermediate)
Performance/Vocal (Beginner-Intermediate)
Skills & Services
Performance
Improvisation
Songwriting
Ear Training
Fretboard Fluency
How To Play In a Group/Jam
Bio
Hunter Preston is a Bluegrass/Country musician, songwriter, and performer based in Bellingham, Washington. Born and raised in the Roaring Fork Valley of Western Slope Colorado, Hunter has been playing music since childhood. He is known for his fiery, creative flatpicking on the acoustic guitar and mandolin, passionate vocal performances, and free flowing improvisations.
He started playing the trombone at age 8, excelling in Jazz and Symphonic Band throughout his schooling. As a Trombone player, he won several academic and state awards, playing numerous shows, including The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, Colorado All-State band, Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival.
At age 12, he bought his first electric guitar and delved into the world of rock and metal, as well as songwriting. By age 13, he was playing and performing on the streets, bridges, and talent shows of his hometown.
As an adult, Hunter has learned flatpicking on the acoustic guitar and mandolin, falling deeply in love with classic country and bluegrass. Drawn to the history, evolution, and cultural impact of the genres, he is as well versed with the roots and traditions of bluegrass as he is with modern jamgrass techniques.
He cut his teeth playing on busy streets, bars, weddings, and backyard parties around the country, honing his performance skills and flatpicking along the way.
He has picked casually one on one with bluegrass legends such as Andy Thorn, Jake Workman, Bryan Sutton, Vince Herman, and Billy Strings.
His goal as a teacher is to give students the tools they need to achieve a deeper understanding of music and a deeper sense of freedom in creative expression.
Influences
Tony Rice, David Grisman, Bryan Sutton, Norman Blake, Carter Family, Doc Watson, Del McCoury, Metallica, Jeff Austin, Danny Barnes, Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle, Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings, Trey Hensley, Hank Williams, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Laurie Lewis, many more."