OUR INSTRUCTORS
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Nadav Simon Drums, Nadav Simon is a Chicago-based percussionist, producer, and composer. An active figure in Chicago’s vibrant music scene, he has performed alongside Grammy and Tony Award-winning musicians at renowned venues and festivals such as the Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club, the Chicago Jazz Festival, and The Auditorium Theatre. In 2017, Nadav received his BM at Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts where he studied under multi-Grammy Award-winning percussionist Paul Wertico, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Jazz Studies at DePaul University under the mentorship of esteemed jazz percussionist, musicologist, and composer Dana Hall. Nadav is a frequent session musician, producer, and arranger, and has collaborated with The Nettes, Laurie Akers, Leah Shoshana, and Hannah Silverman. Nadav is available Wednesday and Thursday
Nigel Swinson Voice, Piano, Bass Nigel Swinson, a New York native, and YoungArts Award recipient, is a classically- trained vocalist, actor, electric fusion bassists, and keyboardist, who is currently exploring the world of music. He draws inspiration from musicians and vocalists such as Paul Robeson, Nat King Cole, Angel Blue, Kofi Hayford, Stevie Wonder, Stanley Clark, and Chick Corea. He is currently studying to get his bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance from the Bienen School of Music at Northwestern University. He has been honored to have performed at magical venues such as Carnegie Hall, Merkin Hall, and David Geffen Hall. He is very excited to learn more about music and has a passion for teaching lessons. Nigel is available Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Peter Mack Drums, Peter Mack is a drummer, educator and performer in the Chicago land area. He prides himself on bringing a diverse perspective to the drumset and sees each student as an individual that is continuing to discover their own unique musical sense of self. During his time at Berklee College of Music, DePaul and North Central College he studied with Robert Kaufman, Eguie Castillo, Jerry Leake, Royal Hartigan, Jack Mouse, and Jason Brown. He's well studied in areas including, jazz, funk, new orleans, west african, latin, reggae, and sight reading skills. Working in a variety of private event bands, he can also be seen and heard regularly around town with groups like The Liza Micelli Trio, The Chicago Jamaican Jazz Ensemble, The Windy City Ramblers, The Old Elburn Hall House Quintet, FuzZz, The Drastics, and Tenor Madness. In addition to playing drums he also takes a seat at the piano to lead a weekly church band at St Andrews Lutheran Church, where he's played for over 10 years. Peter Mack is available on Monday
Juli Wood Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute Juli Wood is a professional jazz saxophonist and singer with 37 years of experience performing in the USA, Finland, Sweden, Spain and Japan. Since 1990 Juli has given private lessons on saxophone, clarinet and flute.In 2013 Juli was on stage with the Goodman theater production of the Jungle Book Juli has five CD’s out to date; “ Movin’ and Groovin’ Juli Wood quintet featuring Mel Rhyne “, “ Blues for Earma Jean featuring Earma Thompson “ , “ 5 4 3 2 1 Juli Wood Quintet “ , “ Synkkä Metsä/ Dark Forest “, “ Suomen Salossa “ Juli is available for in-person lessons on Wednesday and Monday
Alejandro Urzagaste Guitar, Bass, Band Camp Alejandro Urzagaste is a midwestern native of South American descent whose musical interest piqued at an early age by popular music on the radio. He released "Urban Intervals," in January 2012 and "Subject to Change" in 2018, his first with the quartet Flow featuring Bill Carrothers on piano. Flow's latest release "This From That" is available featuring original compositions from Bill Carrothers and Alejandro. Urzagaste is a three time performer at the Chicago Jazz Festival with the Taku Akiyama Quintet 2003, Marco Polo 2010 and Flow in 2018 and has performed alongside Von Freeman, Jodie Christian, Bill Carrothers, Ron Blake, Rodney Whitaker, Kobie Watkins, Bobby Broom, Maurice Brown, Marquis Hill, Dan Trudell, Deana Martin, the Deep Blue Organ Trio, Pat Mallinger, Eric Schnieder and Juli Wood.