Korey Simeone was born in an A-frame house his father built on Elk Butte, a mountain in Northern Idaho. Growing up in such a rural area informed his musical palette and eventually led him to the violin. He spent several years in Germany, too, and played in the local orchestra. This further increased his love for music as he studied not only the music of the great European composers but also became fluent in German, which many of the greatest classical musicians spoke! He teaches German as well as the guitar, mandolin, and dobro(Hawaiian steel guitar). He grew up playing classical violin but is well versed in many other styles including bluegrass, blues, country, jazz, celtic, rock, and folk.
Korey has appeared in many projects such as Sin City, Prison Break and Friday Night Lights. His most recent project was playing a down-and-out Charlie Chaplin impersonator. Yes, an actor playing an actor playing an actor...how cool is that? Korey has also performed in numerous commercials and stage plays. One of his most rewarding experiences was playing "The Mayor" in the original German in Durrenmatt's classic piece on totalitarianism, "The Visit."
Korey has also been a professional musician for over 15 years. His first professional touring job was with the internationally renowned neo-vaudeville act, The Asylum Street Spankers. With them, he recorded 6 albums, 2 DVD Live Concerts and played innumerable concerts and radio stations all over North America, Europe and Japan. But he wasn’t done there!
Next he joined The Austin Lounge Lizards, America’s premiere comedy bluegrass band. Not only did he tour extensively with them for 5 years but also co-wrote many songs with them. With the Lounge Lizards, Korey opened for Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, Ralph Stanley and Bela Fleck among many others.
Also a teacher, Korey most enjoys instructing beginners and young students but is comfortable teaching all levels of students, regardless of age. He is at home informing students about musical theory, arrangement and songwriting as well. Korey believes that teaching is an extension of his own thoughts which meld with the thoughts of his students. He and his students are a team, united in the goal of furthering their musical education as well as his own. Korey encourages students to ask probing questions about the nature of their studies and to never be completely satisfied. There is always more to learn!