Adrienne Alton-Gust currently teaches Fundamentals of Music and Music Appreciation at UW-Parkside, and is also a graduate of the music department. A long-time pianist and classical guitarist, she was originally trained as a materials engineer, earning BS and Master of Engineering degrees from Cornell University. She held engineering positions in Japan and the U.S. for several years before pursuing music professionally. Following her studies at UW-Parkside, she earned a Master of Arts in the Humanities, with a concentration in ethnomusicology, from the University of Chicago.
Ms. Alton-Gust has toured with the Oakton Six Piano Ensemble, and was a member of the Oakton Classical Guitar Ensemble for many years. She has been an organist and a pianist at several area churches. She is in frequent demand as an accompanist, and performs with Garfield Sallman as The Accidental Piano Duo. She has also composed music for independent film, and has recorded a private-label CD. Ms. Alton-Gust maintains a private piano studio at her residence in northern Illinois.