Episode 25: Jon Ross

Nashville-based Jon Ross is an independent singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and bridge builder. Placing your journey as the listener at the center of his work, Ross weaves clever arrangements and gentle humor with a true rock n roll instinct to both entertain you and bring you from here to better.

Jon was born and raised in the Chicago area, began his musical training in 1976 with piano lessons, and has gone on to become an accomplished pianist, vocalist, songwriter, drummer/percussionist, composer/arranger, conductor, and educator. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and his Master of Music in Band Conducting from the University of Kansas. Jon has always enjoyed working with kids and has been a professional educator for more than 25 years. 

Although he started out on piano, Ross cycled through an array of instruments (drums, violin, trumpet) before circling back to piano for composition. When music brought him to Music City, he deepened his commitment to his own creative path, leaving the security of full-time work behind, but gaining flexibility and energy.

In 2017 Ross released his first EP, Keep on Playin’, featuring six tracks.  (The title track, incidentally, was written the day after the Chicago Cubs came from behind in the 9th inning to advance to the 2016 Championship Series.) The cabaret-twists of Billy Joel and Ben Folds are obvious comparisons in Ross’ music. Less obvious? Phil Collins (in the Genesis era), his biggest musical influence.

His second album entitled Journey Through Life Vol. 1 was released in August of 2019 and was very well received by his listeners.

In addition to performing his music in the Nashville area and online (via Facebook live stream), Jon is also a cast member of Nashville-based ‘80s and ‘90s cover band Rubiks Groove, and he also operates his own private lesson studio.

A direct line to his ear is always available to his fans and followers. Newsletters, blog posts, and social media are more than just a way of sharing information. They are how Ross communicates his vision of a more balanced world – one infused with more art, where the heaviness of life is only part of the story. And in that world, there’s you, feeling decidedly better at the end of the show than when it began.

Jon lives in Antioch with his wife and two daughters. When not teaching, performing or writing, Jon enjoys date nights with his wife, taking his family on out-of-town trips, watching movies, playing with model trains, and, of course, rooting for the Chicago Cubs. 

Jon Ross Musician

Jon Ross Patreon

The Music Institute of Chicago | Winnetka

Casio CZ-5000

George Gershwin | Rhapsody in Blue

Band Directors: Education’s Toughest Job?

Finale Music

Rubiks Groove

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Leonardo

Rubiks Groove Live

Roland D-50

Voicelive Touch 2

Complete Facebook Live Toolkit for Musicians

Music Launch Hub

Shannon Curtis | House Concert Book

National Endowment for The Arts

MLB | The Cubs