JONATHAN TAYLOR

MUSIC DIRECTOR + OFFICE MANAGER

Jonathan Taylor is a percussionist, educator, and composer who has been based in St. Louis since 2003. After growing up in Northern Virginia and Little Rock, Ark., and doing all the band and orchestra activities possible, he obtained a bachelor’s degree in English (with a minor in Music) from the University of Central Arkansas and spent several years performing in Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas before finding his way to St. Louis.

Working as a freelance musician has led to a wide array of jobs that have included orchestras, rock bands, Scottish bagpipe bands, small combos, and big bands. He was named a Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist in Residence for 2021–2023, during which time he created the Giant Quintet, an ensemble dedicated to the performance of original music. Previously, he was the percussion instructor for Northwest High School in Cedar Hill, Mo. (2013–2021). He has performed recently as co-founder of The Provels and as a sideman with Midnight Piano Band, Sean Canan’s Voodoo Players, and Andy Coco’s Nola Funk Review.

In addition, he has maintained a lengthy freelance career as a copyeditor for numerous academic journals and textbooks. Lastly, Jonathan holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri–St Louis. He lives in Maplewood with his wife and two sons, who swear that he makes the best pancakes ever.