Chris Simmons

Pianist, Christopher Simmons captivates listeners with his harmonically sophisticated musical  approach and  jazz improvisation. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee he began his musical journey at the age of seven by joining the church choir and found a passion for the piano. He was formally educated at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he majored in piano performance with a concentration in jazz studies, Chris is also an arranger, producer, and songwriter. 

Chris is based in the Metropolitan Nashville Davidson County area. Whether performing jazz in private social settings or cultivating an atmosphere of worship on Sunday morning, Chris is always actively engaging with the local music scene. He has been afforded the opportunity to perform with and open for an array of artists, some of which include: Dr. Sean Daniels (Asst. Band Director TSU), John Birdsong (widely known jazz bassist), Thomas Spann (Professor and Pearl Drum artist), Chester Thompson (widely known jazz drummer) Jesse Boyce (widely-known musician), Bobby Jones (award-winning gospel artist), Wendel "Bizz" Bigsby (widely known RnB artist), Ben Tankard (award-winning gospel artist).  In addition to live performances, Chris has also been heard in moderate rotation on Nashville's local radio station WSFK 88.5 as well as in film for the Bravo Television Network.

He has served as Music Director for Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church (2017-2021), Berean Baptist Church (2022 – 2024), and Patterson Memorial United Methodist Church (2024 - Present). Chris is also a piano and voice instructor at Carpe Artista Academy in Smyrna TN. Through his experience as a private instructor, he's had the privilege of helping to enrich youth of all ages through teaching the fundamentals of piano, voice, performance, and music theory.  A kid at heart himself, Chris places emphasis on teaching strategies that are enjoyable and memorable to ensure his student's success.