Meet the Founder,

Adam McKinstry

Avant-Garde definition:

“I like how the word avantgarde means at the cutting edge of something new.  It describes the story of classical,  jazz and popular music throughout history until now, where musicians are still artists at the forefront of innovation. 

While we offer a  traditional music curriculum, our flexible, in-home lesson system supports a new type of education- one where we are open to new styles, music, and teaching methods to support your best learning and individual creativity.”

-Adam McKinstry

Hi, I’m very glad to have you here! My name is Adam and I look forward to the opportunity to support you and your family’s journey with music. I have dedicated my whole life to music. I’ve been composing, singing and performing in bands since the age of 12 and teaching lessons for over 20 years. But of course, my love of music started way before that at a very young age, in my home and the homes of my extended family.

Musical Beginnings

When I was about four or five years old, I observed my mother playing all kinds of classical and jazz pieces on the piano. I was mesmerized and thought, my mom is a goddess!  She is beautiful, talented and plays with such feeling! When I was around the same age, I went to my grandmother’s house and found her guitar leaning against the wall. I picked it up and plucked the strings in rhythms and created songs. I was so absorbed I didn’t even realize she was watching me!

Filling Homes with Sounds of Music Since Childhood

When I was growing up, my sister and I would sing till well past midnight in the basement of my grandparent’s house when we stayed with them. We sang Beatles harmonies, Jesus Christ Superstar and all kinds of rock songs from the 60s through the 80s.  I then carried this tradition into my high school and college years.  My home was always the place for musicians, actors and artists to gather and express themselves. 

Similarly, I hope to carry on this tradition of music making to your own home. We can’t wait to help you achieve your unique musical goals, whether it’s learning to play your favorite song, become first chair cello, to simply entertain yourself or become the musical home amongst your family and friends, too.

The Making of Avant-Garde

At Avant-garde, I feel confident knowing my skills are being put to their best possible use. When I attended Columbia College in Chicago, I didn’t just major in music, but I also majored in psychology and philosophy. This helps me teach students of all ages and all genres, to both think logically and outside the box whenever necessary for their growth and learning.

Additionally, I’ve always been a social person and a good communicator, and I value the insights I’ve learned from psychology. I understand in a deep way that building a good relationship with students is essential to their progress and development into a great musician.

Avant-Garde, Our Growing community

These days, I am teaching and tuning around 20 other pianos a year, yet I am more and more focused on running the business smoothly to ensure you can experience all the benefits that in-home music lessons has to offer. I am happy to say that Avant-Garde Music students are truly more than just clients, they are community, and one that grows more each year. We look forward to welcoming you in it!

Sincerely,

Adam