Edward Simon

Edward Simon (He/Him) is a faculty member at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM), specializing in jazz, world music, and American musical traditions. He teaches applied piano lessons, theory, and ensemble courses within the Roots, Jazz, and American Music department.

• Collaborations: SFJAZZ Collective, Steel House (with Scott Colley and Brian Blade), and Paquito D'Rivera
• Recordings: Latin American Songbook, Venezuelan Suite, Poesia, Unicity, La Bikina

His research interests align with his artistic practice, focusing on jazz improvisation, Latin American musical influences, and interdisciplinary approaches to American music. Simon has received critical acclaim, including a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album, and is recognized for bridging jazz's past and future through performance and education.

Edward Simon is deeply committed to pedagogy, emphasizing active listening as a core principle. His daily practice routine combines classical foundations (e.g., Bach) with technical exercises and improvisation. He cites Susan Star and Sophia Rosoff as major teachers and draws inspiration from composers like Federico Mompou, J.S. Bach, and Arvo Pärt.