Mary Halm is a Chicago-based bassist, composer, and educator who performs across jazz, musical theatre, folk, and experimental genres. She has led bands at the Hyde Park Jazz Festival and Hey Nonny Women’s Jazz Festival and is a frequent collaborator in Chicago’s vibrant creative music scene. A dedicated sideman, Mary is known for her versatility, deep groove, and intuitive musicality across a wide range of settings.

As an educator, Mary is known for her clear, student-centered approach. She has taught at Birch Creek Fine Arts Camp’s Jazz Session for several years, works regularly in Chicago and suburban public schools, and has maintained a private studio since 2021. She has served as a clinician for Midwest Young Artists’ Chicago Bass Festival and as an adjudicator for both the ILMEA jazz bass division and the Chicago Skyline Jazz Festival.

She holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies from DePaul University.