His compositional philosophy centers on rhythmic and harmonic experimentation, whether in the context of an 18-piece jazz ensemble or an electro-acoustic quartet. This spirit of experimentation and creativity extends to his work as both an improviser and an educator.
In addition to his role in the Music Theory department at NEC, Hunter was the recipient of the Prize Instructorship in Music History, through which he developed the undergraduate course Rhythm & Jazz: Origins and Manifestations throughout History. He also served as assistant director of the NEC Jazz Composers’ Workshop Orchestra.

Hunter has performed as a leader and sideman across the Northeast and internationally. As the co-recipient of a Jazz Roads Tour Grant, he co-led a tour with the Hagner/McKay Nonet that brought contemporary jazz performances and clinics to his home state of Maine. In 2023, he traveled to the Panama Jazz Festival with a quintet of NEC graduate students to present a series of clinics and performances.

Outside of NEC, Hunter is on faculty as a saxophone instructor at Roger Williams University and serves as an adjunct instructor of music theory at Fitchburg State University.