Shai Permilovsky
Shai Permilovsky
Shai Permilovsky is a Pianist/composer born and raised in Kfar Saba Israel and Bellevue Washington, now based in Seattle.
Shai began his music studies at the age of 6, studying keyboard and eventually studying music theory and ear training at the Kfar Saba Conservatory. He sang regularly in Choir, and even accompanied the choir in the 6th grade. During his time at the conservatory he was exposed to classical, jazz and rock music, playing in ensembles and participating in workshops with Israel's leading artists. His lessons were divided between guitar and keyboard.
He continued his Jazz education on keyboard and guitar in high school through Katzenelson High School Music program, until his family immigrated to Bellevue Washington. In Bellevue, Shai continued to practice piano and guitar, focusing mainly on rock and popular music.
In Bellevue, Shai was exposed again to Jazz through the Bellevue College Jazz combos, led by Jim Sisko. The Re-ignited passion for jazz led Shai to audition for the Bachelors in Music in University of Washington, where he was accepted in the fall of 2021. In preparations for the auditions, Shai worked with pianist Mack Grout, Founder of Seattle Jazz Academy.
From 2017-2021, Shai had also began his career in the culinary arts, eventually working his way up to work under the mentorship of Chef Aaron Tekulve, of Surrel. Much like Music, cooking and fine dining offered an outlet to creativity and expression.
As a part of the studies at UW, Shai received mentorship from renowned Seattle Pianist Marc Seales, deepening his knowledge of jazz piano. It was during group lessons with trumpet Professor Cuong Vu, that Shai was pushed to compose original music, and learn the art of deep group listening and free improvisation. He also spent a year working with Classical Piano professor Christina Valdes, studying the works of Bach and Chopin.
In the fall of 2023, Shai began working of a set of solo compositions, reflecting back on his days in Israel and the places he grew up in. After the tragic events of October 7th, the pain and the sadness has been reflected in the upcoming works. The music is about the reality of being Israeli, and how Israel has shaped who Shai is today.
Some of Shai's big musical influences and Heroes include pianist/composer/songwriter Idan Raichel, who also had studied music in Katzenelson High School. Avishai Cohen's (bass player) compositions are another big influence and inspiration. In those compositions, the playing of Shai Maestro, Nitai Hershkovits and Omri Mor helped Shai get closer to that "Israeli-Jazz" sound.
In 2024 Shai graduated with a B.M in Jazz Studies from the University of Washington. Now that he is out of school, Shai is focusing on recording the new album, and teaching jazz piano and the Seattle Jazz academy, where he has been an active instructor for the past 3 years. He is planning on Moving to New York City in the fall of 2025 to continue growing and developing as an artist.
