Adam Shenk is a pianist, singer, and music director. Originally from Harrisonburg, VA, Adam got his Bachelor’s in Music at Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. Since then, he has lived and worked in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. He returned to Harrisonburg in 2020, and is now a collaborative pianist in the School of Music at JMU, as well as a music director and accompanist for the School of Theatre and Dance.

In addition to his work as a pianist, Adam is a singer in a wedding and event band called Highline. Although based in NYC, they are regularly booked all over the country and abroad. You can check them out at www.elanartists.com/highline

While living in NYC, Adam performed his original music at well-known venues like The Bitter End, and had a monthly residency at Pianos. When he moved to LA, he collaborated with other writers and producers, recording many songs in-studio and submitting to labels. One of his songs, “Top of the World” landed a placement with D’Banj, a major artist in Nigeria, and the song was used in promos and live performances for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013. During this time, Adam was also a singer/pianist at Don’t Tell Mama in LA, a piano bar that features a singing staff of pop and musical theater performers.

In Chicago, Adam became a music director for Second City, a sketch and improv theater well-known for their many famous alumni that go on to work on SNL. He worked with one of their touring companies, playing a variety of improvised and scripted material, as well as creating original sound design, songs and sketches. 

Adam also enjoyed many years of traveling onboard cruise ships. On Holland America Line, he played piano in the showband and became a trusted bandleader, working with musicians and guest entertainers from all over the world. 

He’s thrilled to be able to continue making music and traveling, as well as working with young artists and new colleagues at JMU.