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 recently received 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, Hannah Silverman, Heather Mall, and many other.

Nadav Simon

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 recently received 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, Hannah Silverman, Heather Mall, and many other.

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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 recently received 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, Hannah Silverman, Heather Mall, and many other.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Music Instructor at Northside Music Academy
December 31, 2017 - Present
Taught beginning and intermediate drums lessons to students aged 6-12; taught beginning guitar and ukulele; planned student showcases; participated in faculty recitals.
Private Lesson Instructor, Chicago Public School Outreach at Music House
December 31, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Taught drum set and percussion to students aged 5-40+, taught private piano and guitar, led group music lessons in CPS settings, coached ensembles aged 10-12.
Music Instructor at Twelve Tone Music School
December 31, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Taught beginning and intermediate drums; taught piano, guitar, bass, and ukulele; directed rock bands and ensembles; planned and performed student showcases.
Music Instructor at Temple Sholom
December 31, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Created an eight-month curriculum of music lessons; taught weekly group music lessons; co-led musical prayer services; assisted Cantorial Clergy and Director of Education.
Director of Music at JCC APACHI Chicago Day Camp
December 30, 2017 - December 30, 2017
Created an 8.5-week curriculum of musical games and song-alongs; taught music daily to a camp of 400+ kids aged 4-11; co-wrote, directed, and performed music for children’s musicals.
Wedding Band Musician at Blue Water Kings
May 29, 2023 - Present
Played drums for formal and semi formal events
Wedding Band Musician at Maxwell Street
June 23, 2025 - Present
Played drum set for weddings and corporate events

Education

Master Of Music—Jazz Studies at DePaul University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2025
Bachelor of Music—Jazz and Contemporary Music Studies at Chicago College Of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University
November 30, 0002 - January 1, 2017

Qualifications

Jewish United Fund Rising Talent Scholarship
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
DePaul University School Of Music Scholarship
January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022
Outstanding Soloist
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Elmhurst Jazz Festival Outstanding Soloist
January 1, 2016 - December 31, 2016
Chicago College Of Performing Arts Scholarship
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization