Biography
OVERVIEW
Ability to compose and arrange music in a variety of popular genres, styles, and instrumentations. Skilled pianist versed in playing acoustic and electronic keyboards. Accomplished international performer and recording artist. Arranger, orchestrator, and producer of contemporary music genres utilizing state-of-the-art music technology. Leads and participates in several accomplished bands in Germany and the USA. Over 25 years of experience teaching diverse music-centered classes. Consistent and active involvement in music curriculum development.Professional Activities
Music CreatorThomas boasts an incredible and diverse catalog filled with a stunning array of albums and singles, showcasing his talents as a composer, arranger, music engineer, producer, jazz-pop pianist, bandleader, and sideman!Freelance composer, arranger, and producer highlights
Present: Freelancing as a contemporary music arranger, producer, and jazz-pop pianist. 2023-present: Keyboardist with the Bill Boris Organ Trio (https://www.thomasgunther.com/bill-boris-trio/). 2022-present: Pianist and arranger for Chicago jazz vocalist Zemrah (https://www.zemrahjazzy.com/) 2022: Arranged and produced three songs for vocalist Tracye Eileen (https://www.tracyeeileen.com/) for her album YOU HIT THE SPOT, which was voted top 10 album by JazzInEurope.com in 2022. 2010-2014: chief composer and arranger for Symphonic Jazz International, lead by Dick Dunscomb. Arranged Rhapsody in Blue for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble. Composed and arranged Boptrilogy (a jazz suite in three movements for big band) for the Chicago Jazz Ensemble.Pianist/Keyboarder
Performed and recorded with many renowned musicians and groups across Europe and the United States, including Buddy Defranco, Dino Saluzzi, Lee Konitz, and The Chicago Jazz Ensemble. Appeared on many CDs as a leader and sideman, including " Kenton A La Russo " (Chicago Jazz Ensemble), " The Windy City, " and " Gunther/Lehel Quintet featuring Orbert Davis." Leader and jazz pianist of The Thomas Gunther Taste Of Chicago Sextet -Toured Germany, sponsored by the German-American Institute. CD produced and recorded live by SWR Radio/Germany. Leader and member of several Chicago and German-based bands, including the Bill Boris Trio, Powell-Gunther Jazz Duo, and Trio (https://www.thomasgunther.com/deborah/) Annual appearances in Germany with renowned vibraphone player Dizzy Krisch (https://www.dizzy-krisch.de/ and Saxophonist Peter Lehel (https://www.peterlehel.net/).Music Engraver
2004-present: Chief music engraver for The Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (https://www.chijazzphil.org/). Entrepreneur
Founder and President of PopJazzKeys.com (https://www.popjazzkeys.com/)
EducatorMISSION AS AN EDUCATOR
To utilize experience and knowledge derived 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 EXPERIENCE1997-present: Professor of Music at Columbia College2014-2020: Head of Piano Studies at German International School Chicago
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 the music theory book Pop-Jazz Theory by Thomas Gunther. Served as a member of 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, and Fundamentals of Arranging (under the supervision of the director of the Urban Music program). Taught and developed courses in music theory, ear training, keyboard harmony, group and private piano lessons, combo, improvisation, pop arranging, and computer music lab. Directed multiple student shows in the music and theater departments.Instructional Areas
• Courses that teach how to use music recording and production hardware and software, • Piano/keyboard courses and private lessons, • Music arranging and orchestration courses emphasize jazz and popular music genres. • Courses related to music theory and listening.
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