Bobby Acri is a jazz musician from Winnetka, Illinois, known for his soulful saxophone tone and deep roots in the Chicago jazz scene. Growing up in a home filled with the sounds of Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Ella Fitzgerald, music became a part of his life early on. His father played piano, his mother sang in the choir, and by age nine, Bobby had picked up his first saxophone — the start of a lifelong journey.
At Winnetka Community High School, Bobby’s talent stood out. He stayed after rehearsals to experiment with improvisation and chord changes, already thinking like a professional. He went on to study at DePaul University’s School of Music, where he learned from some of Chicago’s top educators and started performing in local clubs. Those early performances helped him find his sound — a mix of classic bebop energy and modern storytelling.
Today, Bobby Acri leads his own quartet, performing regularly at The Green Mill, Andy’s Jazz Club, and Winter’s Jazz Club. His debut album, North of Blue, received praise for its warmth and emotional depth. Beyond performing, he’s also a dedicated educator, teaching students across the region and leading workshops on improvisation.
Bobby believes music is about connection and communication. “Jazz isn’t about perfection,” he says. “It’s about listening, feeling, and creating something real in the moment.” Through his performances and teaching, he continues to inspire others and carry forward the spirit of Chicago jazz.
Q&A: Bobby Acri on Defining Success in Music and Life
Q: You’ve built a respected career as both a musician and educator. How do you define success?
Bobby Acri: I think success is more about longevity than headlines. In music, a lot of people chase the big break — the record deal, the festival slot — but to me, success is being able to do what you love for a long time without losing your curiosity. If I’m still excited to pick up my saxophone in the morning, still learning something new, that’s success.
When I was younger, I thought success meant playing faster or getting booked at certain venues. Over time, I realized it’s about consistency — showing up, putting in the work, and connecting with people through your craft.
Q: What lessons did you learn early on that shaped your view of success?
Acri: My dad was a weekend pianist, and he taught me something simple but powerful: play because you love it. He had a full-time job but still made time to sit at the piano. Watching that balance stuck with me.
In high school, I used to stay after jazz ensemble rehearsals to experiment with chord changes. The janitors would be cleaning up while I was still playing. I didn’t think of it as “extra practice” — it was just fun. That early discipline without pressure made me realize that the process is the reward.
Q: You studied at DePaul University’s School of Music. How did formal education impact your success?
Acri: DePaul gave me structure, but more importantly, it gave me access to mentors. Studying performance and composition under some of Chicago’s best jazz educators taught me how to think critically about music — not just play it.
But honestly, the biggest lessons happened outside the classroom. I’d play late-night gigs at small clubs, sitting in with older musicians. Those nights were my real education. You learn professionalism fast when you’re the youngest player in the room trying to keep up with people who’ve been doing it for 40 years.
Education set the foundation. Experience built the confidence.
Q: Many young musicians struggle with comparison and self-doubt. How have you dealt with that?
Acri: Every musician deals with that. Early on, I’d listen to Coltrane or Sonny Rollins and think, “I’ll never sound like that.” Then I realized — I’m not supposed to.
I tell my students, “Don’t chase someone else’s tone. Find your own.” I spent years trying to sound like my heroes before I understood that what makes them great is their individuality. Success, in any field, starts when you stop trying to copy and start trying to communicate.
Even now, I still have moments of doubt before a performance. But that’s a good thing — it means you care. The goal isn’t to erase the nerves, it’s to play through them.
Q: You teach a lot of younger musicians. What does success look like to you as an educator?
Acri: Teaching is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do. For me, success isn’t about turning students into professionals — it’s about helping them find confidence in their voice.
I lead workshops on improvisation, and one exercise I use is to have students play just one note, but make it mean something. It’s harder than it sounds. When they finally connect with that idea — that emotion matters more than complexity — that’s success.
One of my students once told me, “You made me realize jazz isn’t about playing everything, it’s about saying something.” That stuck with me.
Q: How do you balance creativity with the business side of being a musician?
Acri: It’s a constant balancing act. You have to think like a creative and a businessperson. Booking gigs, managing time, keeping up with social media — that’s all part of it now.
But I’ve learned not to let the business dictate the art. When I made my album North of Blue, I didn’t think about how it would sell. I thought about what stories I wanted to tell. Ironically, that honesty is what connected with people the most.
The key is to be organized but flexible — plan your calendar, but leave room for inspiration.
Q: What does a “successful” day look like for you now?
Acri: A great day is when I’ve practiced, taught a good lesson, and played something that made someone smile. That’s it. It’s simple.
I start my mornings with coffee and about an hour of quiet playing — no agenda, no warmups, just sound and breath. That sets the tone for the day. In the evenings, I might be at a club or teaching. Either way, I try to end every day feeling like I learned something.
Success, for me, is measured in small, consistent wins.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to someone chasing success, what would it be?
Acri: Don’t rush it. Everyone wants the shortcut, but the long road is where you actually build skill and character.
Also, stay curious. Success isn’t a finish line — it’s a mindset. Whether you’re a musician, entrepreneur, or student, the moment you stop learning, you stop growing.
And remember: success without joy isn’t really success. If you can find happiness in the work itself, you’ve already made it.