Chicago, IL - August 27, 2025 - In the world of jazz education, one school is marking a milestone: the 50th anniversary of The Bloom School of Jazz in Chicago. This institution is built on Founder David Bloom’s vision of “transforming lives through music and creativity.” Bloom and his staff of instructors focus on helping students find their individual voice—from saxophonists to scatting singers. Everyone who walks through the school’s doors, from Grammy winners to a mix of students from a NAVY Seal to a federal judge, a psychiatrist to high school students, is challenged by Bloom, who is known for his demanding, no-nonsense teaching style.
In the early 1970s, Bloom started teaching eight hours a day in a small practice room in Hyde Park, where he is from, and then opened the school officially in 1975. Over the decades, the school has had five locations and is currently at 226 S. Wabash. At one time, the school had six teachers and 100 enrolled students. The current teaching staff includes Bloom and award-winning vocalist Spider Saloff. Today, students can study privately with Bloom or Saloff, or take a selection of Jazz Combo Courses.
It is one of the nation’s few dedicated, self-funded jazz institutions. Bloom was awarded Jazz Educator of the Year award from Jazz Institute of Chicago in 2017. Bloom’s flagship teaching methods are outlined in his “Bloom’s Ten Commandments of Jazz Soloing and Life” and “Bloom’s Laws.”
Bloom’s vision was clear: helping students discover their individual voices through various programs such as Jazz Vocal Courses and private instruction. His commitment has influenced countless careers and inspired creativity in all of his students.
Alumni include:
- Steve Rodby, 17-time Grammy Winner, bass player with Pat Metheny for 30 years
- Cliff Colnot, conductor of the DePaul University Orchestra
- Paul Mertens, music director for Brian Wilson
- Graham Maby, bassist with Joe Jackson
- Alex Wurman, film composer for March of the Penguins
- Russ Nolan, NYC sax player who has his own school, Jazz Lab NYC
- Anthony Wonsey, NYC Jazz Pianist
Bloom is a composer, flutist and guitarist, and author of eight music education books published through Hal Leonard, and he has had articles featured in Guitar Player magazine and The Chicago Tribune. Additionally, he has written What is Soul?, a book of interviews with people including Studs Terkel, Oscar Brown Jr., and people from many professions; and Incite Insights, a book including over 60 essays on music and life, and images of his abstract paintings. He has released five CDs of his original compositions, along with arranger Cliff Colnot, on his own Fire and Form Records.
Video: Composition “For Eddie P.” (Eddie Palmieri, Salsa Legend) by David Bloom: HERE
Video: Composition/alto flute “Shadow of a Soul” by David Bloom: HERE
For complete information, visit: https://www.bloomschoolofjazz.com/ More about David: https://davidbloomworks.com/
Media Contact: The Bloom School of Jazz, Attn: Media Relations 226 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60654, Phone: 773-860-8300 Email: dbloomjazz@gmail.com
Media Contact
Company Name: The Bloom School of Jazz
Contact Person: Media Relations
Email: Send Email
Phone: 773-860-8300
Address:226 S. Wabash Ave.
City: Chicago
State: IL 60654
Country: United States
Website: www.bloomschoolofjazz.com/