Dr. Adam Unsworth

Biography

Adam Unsworth is a Professor of Horn at Northwestern University's Bienen School of Music, where he has significantly contributed to the field of music performance and education. His career includes a productive tenure at the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance from 2007 to 2025. Before that, Adam was a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1998 to 2007 and played with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra from 1995 to 1998. He is currently the Principal Horn with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra. Adam has a successful solo career, with features on Boston Modern Orchestra Project's 2024 release, 'Masks & Machines,' performing pieces such as 'Mondrian’s Studio' by Paul Dooley. He holds leadership credits for several recordings, showcasing contemporary classical music and jazz. Adam's distinguished credits include a Grammy nomination for his work with the New York-based Gil Evans Project and a 2013 Jazz Journalist Association Award for Large Jazz Ensemble of the Year. His formal training includes a Bachelor of Music from Northwestern University and a Master of Music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he honed his craft before embarking on a global touring career with the San Francisco Symphony and numerous guest performances. He continues to influence the next generation of musicians as a faculty member at prestigious music festivals.

Research Interests