Individually Tailored Lessons

Our lesson programs are designed to meet each student’s unique goals, interests, and learning style.

High Quality Music Instructors

Our teachers are classically trained with college level and higher music degrees along with impressive performance backgrounds covering a wide variety of musical genres.

Bi-annual Recitals

Our professional administrative staff hosts bi-annual recitals for our students. We believe that preparing and performing music is an important part of the music study process and crucial for motivating progress.

A Comprehensive Approach

Our lesson design strikes a perfect balance between traditional and modern. All of our students learn how to read music as well as how to use proper technique with their chosen instrument. We also value a fun and creative approach to music study and make sure to ask “what song do you want to learn?” Our lesson programs include exposure to a wide variety of musical styles, from pop, to rock, to classical, and everything in-between.

Music notation reading

Ear training

Theory understanding

Song study

Improvisation and Composition

Confidence and Performance Preparation

Audition Preparation

Music History

Exposure to a broad range of musical genres

TESTIMONIALS

“We are very happy to be part of Avant-Garde Music. My son (11 ys old) has been studying piano and guitar with Adam McKinstry for 3 years and he enjoyed all his lessons, either in person or on zoom. Adam's teaching skills are very strong and He knows how to interact with children. I love how Adam is open to my son's artistic ideas and encourages him to express his creativity.” Oana Spuza

“My 17 year old son wanted to get back to the piano lessons he had given up as a kid and we were lucky enough to find Avant-Garde Music. He has learned so much in such a short time and enjoys not only his weekly lessons, but practicing the music he is assigned. Adam McKinstry makes the lessons fun and challenging and has a style that works great with our teen. I couldn't be more impressed with the lessons - both in home and zoom.” Leslie Cortopassi

“We have enjoyed the flexibility of in-person and zoom piano lessons. Through Avant Garde our son has expanded his enjoyment of music starting with piano and now exploring drums, and guitar.” Eric Deloy

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS

Your Choice

Lessons in Your Home or Online through zoom.

PIANO LESSONS

VOICE LESSONS

GUITAR LESSONS

BASS LESSONS

VIOLIN LESSONS

DRUM LESSONS

UKULELE LESSONS

FLUTE LESSONS

SAXOPHONE LESSONS

CLARINET LESSONS

Beginning through Advanced, Ages 4 and Up

SCHEDULE YOUR 50% TRIAL LESSON

RATES for Weekly Private Lessons

30 minutes: $45 per lesson

45 minutes: $62 per lesson

60 minutes: $80 per lesson *can be split into separate lessons for siblings

75 minutes: $98 per lesson *can be split into separate lessons for siblings

90 minutes: $113 per lesson *can be split into separate lessons for siblings

105 minutes: $128 per lesson *can be split into separate lessons for siblings

120 minutes: $142 per lesson *can be split into separate lessons for siblings

135 minutes: $156 per lesson *can be split into separate lessons for siblings

Built in “sibling discount” established with the lower cost per minute as the total minutes increase.

Why Choose us? Our business offers,

-Comprehensive, individualized lesson programs

-Learning the language of music and proper music notation reading and understanding

-Finger technique or vocal posturing

-Ear Training

-Supplemental music chosen according to student's unique goals and interests

-Recital preparation and performance (Dynamic Music hosts two recitals per year, held at Winnetka House in Winnetka, IL)

-Creative composition for interested students

-Engaging teachers who aim for a balance between traditional and modern

-Positive reinforcement ALWAYS

-YOUR CHOICE: In Home OR Online

-All of our teachers have a degree in music and have experience teaching

-All of our teachers have undergone a comprehensive backr

-50% OFF FIRST LESSON!

Jieun Lee

Piano Teacher

Serving Glenview and the Surrounding Areas

Miss Jieun Lee teaches all ages and levels, from complete beginning piano students through the advanced university level!

Jieun is nurturing and kind and open minded to approaching each student and lesson program with attention to individualized goals and methods.

She has an impressive educational, teaching, and performance background and is also a professional choir piano accompanist and director.

We are very fortunate to have such a treasure on our teaching staff!

  • Masters of Music Degree from California State University in Northridge (piano performance)

  • Piano Faculty Member for multiple Korean Universities

  • Salem Methodist Church in Schaumburg, IL (director and accompanist)


Natallia Lysenka

Piano, Mandolin, & Conducting Teacher

Serving Glenview and the Surrounding Areas

Natallia has been teaching in the Unites States for 17 years, after moving from Belarus where she earned her doctorate in music from the Belarussian State Conservatory in Minsk.

Natallia is a well-rounded musician and teacher, whose expertise is in conducting- meaning that she plays and teaches many instruments, and fully understands the depth of music theory, music expression, and music instruction.

Natallia loves teaching students of all ages and she offers a perfect combination of warmth and structure with her teaching approach.

Miss Lysenka seeks out from every student, exactly what will inspire and motivate them, and then she designs her lesson programs accordingly. She enjoys teaching classical repertoire, popular music, and everything in-between.

  • Doctorate from the Belarussian State Conservatory in Minsk

  • Teacher and supervisor at the Belarussian College of Music and Art

  • Assistant conductor of the New North Shore Chamber Orchestra in Evanston, IL

  • Music and Piano Instructor for the Montessori Music School in Mundelein, IL

  • Private lessons instructor for students of all ages for over 20 years

Adam McKinstry

Piano, Guitar, Ukulele & Mandolin

Serving Glenview and the Surrounding Areas

Sara Formerly of Dynamic Music “Adam rocks! He rocks as a person, a teacher, and of course- a musician. Adam teaches with great care to detail, and also keeps the lessons modern, fun, and engaging.

. Adam studied guitar performance and music theory and composition at Columbia College in Chicago.

. He was the top guitarist on fretboard jury 2 years straight

. Adam has been teaching for over 10 years (students of all ages and levels)—plays and teaches a variety of styles including: classical, rock, blues, pop, psychedelic, metal, ska, reggae, and flamenco

. Adam is also a singer/songwriter and has been performing his own compositions in multiple bands since age 12

Message directly from Adam to his students:

My Philosophy on Music:

There is imitation and creation, but to truly create, one must first learn the established forms before one can break them. Eventually through discipline to these forms, one will see these forms not as absolutes governors, but instead a variety of tools that aid us in our artistic expression and enjoyment.

My Philosophy as an Educator:

To be an effective educator I believe that one must not only create a curriculum and pay attention to the individual needs of their students, but one must also provide an environment that fosters growth. That is why I am a firm believer in being extremely kind, providing positive feedback and maintaining a safe environment.

Laurel Pals

Violin, Piano & Voice

Serving Glenview and the Surrounding Areas

Laurel Pals is from West Michigan and music has always lived in her, starting piano lessons at the age of five and violin at ten. She has a Bachelor's of the Arts in Music from Grand Valley State University where she studied piano under Dr. Giuseppe Lupis and pedagogy with Dr. Helen Marlais. The musical interests she pursued in college were wide and included private voice, violin, composition and piano instruction, accompaniment, Symphony Orchestra, and University Arts Chorale.  Laurel's musicological studies focus led her to study religious music, songwriting, and vocal pop using the Somatic voice method. She considers pop music her unrequited first love and has written and recorded several songs. During an after receiving her graduate degree, Laurel has lived in Oman, Lithuania and Miami before settling in Chicago.

Laurel has given music lessons for over ten years and her teaching passion is where music intersects with emotional well being in order to establish a sustainable and healthy relationship with music. Building skills in curiosity, mindfulness, problem solving, practice strategies and self awareness are essential to learning and enjoying a musical career, no matter a person’s amount of talent.

Laurel’s hobbies include travel, fashion, writing on psychology and religion, and karaoke from time to time.

Grace Seo

Piano

Serving Glenview and the Surrounding Areas

Grace has been teaching in the Unites States for 32 years, after moving from South Korea to Chicago, she earned her Master’s and Doctorate degree in Music from the American Conservatory of Music.

Grace specializes in Piano instruction for sight reading, music theory and performance. Her greatest passion is working with children, but she also works with students of all ages. Combining a warm and structured approach coupled with years of experience makes her a very effective teacher.

She has performed in many professional performances, including the Christian Choir accompanist Tedium by Mozart, The March 1st Korean Movement Ceremony, Duo at Children's Museum and Park's 21th Scholarship Foundation, Piano Solo

Edward Mihok

Piano & Trumpet

Serving Crystal Lake and the Surrounding Area

Edward Mihok is a piano teacher who is friendly and loves to work with students of all ages. He takes a student-first approach and works with them to make lessons fun and exciting. Edward studied under Dr. Mei-Hsuan Huang at Iowa State University, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Piano Performance. His favorite composers are Chopin and Debussy.

William Gingrich

Guitar, Piano, Drums, Percussion, Ukulele

Serving Glenview and the Surrounding Areas

William Gingrich teaches multiple instruments including guitar, piano, classical percussion, and drumset. He teaches beginners to advanced students of all ages, specializing in music theory and improvisation.

He uses his flexibility within music to tailor a specific approach for each student. Each lesson, William encourages his students to build lasting connections with the music, and the fundamental skills of musicianship.

His diverse skill set has allowed him to work across many musical styles, and fill a wide range of roles over the years including: principal percussionist, conductor, music director, and rock musician.

Students under his tutelage tend to become driven and focused. Through the joy of collective music making, they are encouraged to continue developing new skills in music and in life.

  • Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago; dual concentration in jazz drumset, and classical percussion.

  • Director of Music at School of Rock Arlington Heights

  • Drummer of Taylor Street Organ Trio and XTREME Cover Bands Chicago

New Page

Bi-annual Recitals

Held on the second weekend of June and the second weekend of December

Held at Community House of Winnetka in Glenview : 620 Lincoln Ave Winnetkas, IL 60093

Email avantgardemusic22@ gmail.com to register

Participation cost is $50 per student

STUDIOS

Adam’s Studio:

Natallia’s Studio:

Jieun’s Studio:

Laurel Pals

PRIVATE LESSONS CALENDAR

There will be NO LESSONS (unless agreed upon by both the teacher and thestudent for the following days)

Spring Break

Winter Break: Christmas and the last Week of December

MLK Day

July 4th

Labor Day

Halloween

Thanksgiving Day

On Dates Cancelled by the Teacher

On Dates Cancelled by the Student - WITH A MINIMUM ONE WEEK NOTICE GIVEN BY EMAIL TO OUR ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

4 Sick Days per year —On sick days, notice must be given directly to the teacher via text or a phone call, with as much notice as possible (before the teacher is on their way to the lesson!!)

CANCELLATION POLICY

We require a minimum one week notice to be given via email to our staff, for all student cancellations. The only exception to this policy is for student sick days, for which they will not be charged.  We just ask that notice be given directly to the teacher, with as much notice as is possible (before the teacher is on their way to the lesson!). *WE DO NOT OFFER MAKEUP LESSONS unless they are arranged a minimum of two weeks in advance.

How it all began...

Avant-Garde Music was founded by Adam in 2022 when he first learned that Dynamic Music was closing.

He created the company to carry on the tradition Sara had started and keep providing quality music lessons in the area.

And so it all began!

Adam’s mission has always been to share the joy of music. Adam remains committed to bringing teachers onto the Avant-Garde Music team, who share this goal and who have every qualification necessary for realizing this goal.

A Personal Guide for your Piano or Keyboard Purchase: Call Brendan!

Call Brendan at Family Piano Co (located in Golf Mill Mall and Waukegan). Brendan Alviani is the VP at Family Piano and after being in business for 15+ years—selling, tuning, and repairing acoustic pianos, digital pianos, and keyboards... Brendan can patiently give you all the personal guidance you need to make the best purchase for your family, from starter keyboards to beautiful grand pianos and everything in-between! They guarantee the best prices, including matching Amazon. TEXT OR CALL Brendan (and tell him Adam form Avant-Garde music referred you): 847-574-5017

Need a piano tuned or repaired?

Avant-Garde offers these services!

Please contact Adam at (708) 699-9708

Kevin's Piano Movers

Professional and with fair pricing:

https://www.kevinspianomovers.com

Please tell Brendon and Kevin that Adam form Avant-Garde music referred you.

AVANT-GARDE MUSIC

Irving Park,

Chicago, IL 60641

(708)699-9708

avantgardemusic22@gmail.com

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