Meet the Team
FOUNDER AND PRINCIPAL TEACHER
Paul Hunter
Hi, I’m Paul – founder of the Paul Hunter School of Piano and a passionate believer in the life-changing power of music education.
With over 20 years’ experience as a pianist and teacher, I’ve worked with students of all ages and levels, from complete beginners to advanced performers preparing for diplomas and auditions. I currently teach from my private studio in Angmering and hold regular posts at Windlesham House School, Burgess Hill Girls, and the University of Sussex, where I coach undergraduate pianists.
My teaching blends solid technical training with creativity, expression, and musical freedom. I believe in building strong foundations – but also in encouraging each student to find their own musical voice. Whether someone is learning for pleasure, working towards an exam, or preparing for a performance, I tailor my approach to support their individual goals.
Alongside teaching, I perform regularly at events, weddings, and private functions across the South East, keeping my own playing fresh and inspired. I’m always exploring new ideas, and my lessons are shaped by research into how children and adults learn best – helping each student get the most out of their time at the piano.
Above all, I aim to create a warm, welcoming environment where students feel supported to explore, grow, and enjoy their musical journey.
MARKETING AND OPERATIONS MANAGER
Abbie Hunter
Hi, I'm Paul's wife and proud partner in our piano school! While Paul leads the teaching side, I take care of all things admin to keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Music has always been a big part of my life—I love to sing and have a deep passion for all things musical. I’m so happy to be part of a school that helps others discover the joy of music, and I’m always here to help with any questions or support you might need along the way!
TEACHER - ANGMERING & WORTHING
Dan Peeke
Dan has been teaching piano for more than ten years and is passionate about helping students discover confidence, creativity, and enjoyment at the keyboard.
He teaches from our piano studio in Angmering, and his home studio in Worthing.
Dan’s lessons are centred around fun, creativity, and building confidence. He believes that enjoyment is the foundation of all musical progress, and that nothing inspires students more than using what they’ve learnt to create music of their own. Dan also teaches guitar, drum kit, composition, music theory and audio production, bringing a broad musical perspective into every lesson.
Alongside teaching, Dan works across a wide range of areas in the music industry. He spent five years as a musicologist and audio editor at a leading UK music tech company, developing innovative systems for film, gaming and social media. He is also an experienced music journalist, with work published in Prog Magazine, Kerrang! and Metal Hammer.
As a composer, Dan writes in a huge variety of styles — from film scores and piano sonatas, to electronic, ambient, pop, hip-hop and rock. He also plays drums and keyboards in the experimental post-metal band Beatrix, where he is co-composer.
Dan holds both a degree in Music and a Master’s in Composition from the University of Surrey, and outside of music, he loves football, food and travel.
TEACHER - ANGMERING
Jane Bowen Melfi
Jane is a highly experienced pianist, teacher and music educator with more than 30 years' experience working with children and adults. She holds a degree in Music and Drama and a Master's Degree in Music in Professional Practice with Distinction from the University of Reading.
Jane began her career teaching piano and singing privately from her studio in Worthing, preparing students for practical and theory examinations, before embarking on a 28-year career teaching music in schools across Brighton and West Sussex. She has extensive experience in piano, singing, music theory, composition and performance, and enjoys adapting her teaching to the individual needs and ambitions of each student.
Alongside her work at The Paul Hunter School of Piano, Jane is Director of Music at Bishop Luffa School in Chichester, where she teaches GCSE and A Level Music and leads an extensive programme of musical activities. Many of her students have gone on to study music at university and music college, while ensembles under her direction have performed at Chichester Cathedral, The Guildhall, Pallant House and the Conservatoire of Music in Santa Cruz.
Jane also has a particular passion for musical theatre and has been Musical Director for numerous productions, including Les Misérables, Billy Elliot, Grease, Oliver!, We Will Rock You and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Her academic interests include vocal development and health. Jane's research into the effects of hormonal changes on the female voice was nominated for the Van Lawrence Prize for musical research, and she subsequently presented her work at the Royal Academy of Music.
Jane brings a wealth of experience to her piano teaching while maintaining a warm and encouraging approach. Whether a student is learning for enjoyment, working towards examinations or developing more advanced musical skills, she aims to build confidence, musicianship and a lasting enjoyment of music.
Outside music, Jane enjoys going to the gym, knitting, sewing, reading and skiing. She has three grown-up children and lives locally in West Sussex.