Joel Appel-Kraut
Operations Manager
312.738.2646
[email protected]

Joel is a percussionist, music producer, and administrator from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Throughout Joel’s musical career, he has had the privilege of studying under percussion luminaries such as Meruga Booker, Sean Dobbins, Keith Hall, and Jay Sawyer. In 2022, Joel graduated from Tufts University with a Bachelor of Arts in Musicology as well as a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. During his time at Tufts, his studies focused on 20th Century American Popular Music and its relevant connections to American culture. He also performed frequently around the Boston area with groups such as Gam the Band, Tufts B.E.A.T.S, and TJAC. 

Joel is extremely passionate about the value of music education for people of all ages, and he considers himself very lucky to work at ChiME, where he has the opportunity to help make musical opportunities more accessible to students all across Chicago. When he is not at the front desk of ChiME’s West Town location, you’re most likely to find him playing pickup basketball, performing music around town, or attempting to find the greatest taco in the City of Chicago.