Pianist/keyboard player Shai Permilovsky is an up-and-coming musician and music instructor in the Seattle scene. Born and raised in Kefar Saba, Israel, Shai has attended the city’s prestigious conservatory since the age of nine. He trained with renowned classical and jazz faculty, and was a pioneer in the institution’s rock and contemporary music program. He later made it into the Katzenelson Music Program in his high school years, where he proceeded to work with influential musicians and instructors Sasha Kantzberg and Ronit Katz. The program is known for producing some of Israel’s most successful musicians, including pianist/composer Idan Raichel.

In 2016 Shai immigrated to Seattle with his family in pursuit of higher education. Shai studied jazz piano at the University of Washington, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies in 2024. In addition, Shai is a part of Seattle’s up and coming Jazz-pop band- Turtlnck.

Formerly a student of Mack, Shai was inspired to take on a teaching position at the Seattle Jazz Academy. As a teacher, he emphasizes the importance of creative outlet, and how each student should use their own passions and ideas in their playing. Shai’s students will experiment with a variety of genres in jazz, such as Funk, Soul, R&B, Fusion, and more.

Some of Shai’s biggest inspirations include: Jazz pianists Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, to more contemporary artists such as Israeli composer Idan Raichel, Esperanza Spalding, the Modern R&B group Hiatus Kaiyote, and British guitar player/ songwriter Tom Misch.