Dr. Karali Hunter - Founder and Director, Piano

Welcome to Hammer & Strings Conservatory. H&S is a place where students can come to see how far they can go. The vision of this school is “Intentional Excellence”, and we aim for that in everything that we do. We bring you the best this valley has to offer in every discipline.

To read Dr. Hunter’s bio, Read More

Jadie Tenney is so excited to be with the Hammer and Strings team and can’t wait to meet everyone who comes to the conservatory. With a background in music herself, there is nothing greater than being part of a wonderful team of musicians and faculty. 

Jadie is a Mesa, AZ native. She has taught lessons in piano, voice and guitar and musical theater classes to younger students. She understands the transformative power of mentorship and the importance of providing a nurturing environment where students can overcome their challenges and unlock new skills. She is currently studying voice with Carlos Feliciano at Arizona State University and will be graduating at the end of 2024 with a BA in Music. Read more…

Chris Rice - Chamber Department Head

Chris Rice is an accomplished performer and teacher on both piano and cello. Giving concerts with his brother, Johnny, they have performed extensively in the U.S. from Carnegie Hall to Disneyland in the widest range of settings, including concert halls, churches, schools and house concerts. Winner of the 2013 Corpus Christi International Chopin Piano Competition, he has also soloed with the Phoenix Symphony, Mesa Symphony and the Four Seasons Orchestra… Read More