Brendan Schuster

Brendan started his musical journey young, taking up piano lessons at 6 – and he never looked back! Singing also became a passion throughout that time, and he was involved in the arts throughout highschool. Brendan studied Voice under Donna Wickham and graduated in 2016 with honors from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver with a BM in Jazz Studies (Vocal Performance). During his time at DU he was recognized with two Downbeat Student Music Awards and multiple UNC Greeley Jazzfest awards for Outstanding Musicianship. 

A love of performing has kept Brendan playing live music in many capacities. This has included playing with folk band The Northern Empty, singing with professional choirs around Colorado, and as the singer/keyboardist for his own band, UnSus. Brendan also has a passion for expanding access to music education and has worked closely with nonprofit CCJA as a professional performer and clinician.

Brendan has been teaching voice and piano lessons for 4 years and values a diverse approach to music learning. He understands that everyone is different – with varying musical tastes and learning styles – and that being an effective teacher requires both patience and knowledge. Students will explore music across all genres, learning about history, technique, and theory as they develop their repertoire. 

Outside of music, Brendan embraces the stereotype of a Colorado native with his love of all things outdoors – from hiking, to biking, to skiing the back country, he’ll take any chance to enjoy nature.

Brendan has been with Avanti for over 2 years and is the head of the Voice department.