Adam Kastler is a performer and educator from Vernon Hills, Illinois. He is currently studying jazz piano at Depaul University under the instruction of Jim Trompeter after spending his freshman year studying jazz trumpet at Eastman School of Music.
Adam started playing piano at age 7, studying classical piano with Sophie Pak-Cheang and eventually working as a music theory instructor for her studio. He picked up trumpet at age 10 and taught himself jazz before taking lessons with Mark Olen during his senior year of high school. Throughout high school, he played trumpet in multiple groups, including the West Loop Big Band, Midwest Young Artists, Calienda’s Banda Napoletana, and his own trio. At age 15, Adam began teaching piano and trumpet lessons professionally, as well as accompanying fellow students at solo and ensemble competitions. Since then, he has been active on the Chicago music scene, playing at various venues while composing music and continuing to teach. Notable honors he has received include being a semifinalist for the National Trumpet Competition, winning the Chicago Jazz Orchestra’s Definitively Dizzy competition, winning a substantial scholarship through the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artists competition, and making the honor roll for 3 years at Depaul, as well as playing in its top jazz ensemble.