Virginia Beach Music stores

January 7, 2023
Virginia Beach

Vasili Simmons has been performing nationally and internationally since 1992. A graduate from the University of Virginia, Simmons is a versatile musician whose music draws from influences of rock, fingerstyle, funk, soul, R&B, metal, blues, classical, and jazz. In 2003, Vasili Simmons released his Kali Records debut Dyami; a trio recording featuring world renowned pianist Joel Futterman. He has also toured and recorded with Quiver, a popular jam band from the Hampton Roads area. Currently, he writes and performs original music with diG! He also performs in various jazz and blues groups locally and regionally including DH3 project and Blues X-Change.

Vasili has performed with many noteworthy acts. He has shared bills with Tim Reynolds and TR3, Joel Futterman, Astral Project, Liquid Soul, Derek Trucks Band, Jerry Garcia Band, David Allen Coe, Little Feat, Dr. Lonnie Smith, and Steve Morse Band to name a few. Simmons has performed at festivals, clubs, and radio and television appearances in the USA, Canada, the British Virgin Islands, and Mexico. Vasili has had radio play on radio stations throughout North America.

Vasili has taught music in the Hampton Roads area for over twenty years. Teaching all levels, from beginner to advanced players, Simmons’ instruction focuses on ear training, technical facility, sight reading, composition, theory, and transcription. He has enjoyed helping students meet their goals and seen some of his students move on to prestigious music schools such as New England Conservatory, Berklee, Shenandoah Conservatory, Belmont University, and William Paterson. He has also enjoyed having students place in national contests such as the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the Reflections contest. Simmons is a partner and Music Director at the Academy of Rock Music in Virginia Beach, a performance based program geared towards taking students of all ages out of the practice room and onto real stages at music venues across the area!