Creative growth through improvisation
Welcome to the web site of Bill Chapin, jazz pianist and teacher. Bill plays and teaches jazz piano and bass, leads his own jazz combo, and coordinates the Grayslake Jazz Combo Workshop from his creative space, Chapin Jazz Studio. Explore the site and sign up for the monthly newsletter to learn more about opportunities to learn jazz at the studio and to hear jazz where Bill is playing.
Chapin Jazz X-tet @ 129 Center Cut
In 2024 thirty-two jazzers explored jazz improvisation in the GJCW workshop. They ranged in age from 7th grade to adult and came from these area schools:
Grayslake Central High School, Grayslake North High School, Libertyville High School, Vernon Hills High School, Warren Township High School, Palombi Middle School, Hawthorne Middle School, Woodland Middle School, Round Lake Middle School, Mundelein High School, DePaul University, Mundelein High School, School of Life, Antioch High School, Antioch Middle School, Highland Middle School, Matthews Middle School, Prairie Ridge High School
Registration for 2025 GJCW Now Open
Hey, jazzers, registration is now open for the 2025 season of the Grayslake Jazz Combo Workshop. Here are some quick links to help you learn about this summer’s program:
Be sure to sign up soon to reserve your spot.
Join us from 3:30-5 pm to play some jazz tunes. The jam is a friendly environment where musicians can try out and learn more about improvising jazz. And it’s free! Want to improve as an improviser? Come join us!
Stay tuned for the CSJ Jazz Jam Dates for 2025-26:
Next year’s jams will be posted in September. See you then.
CJS Sunday Jazz Jam
Students of all ages who can read music are welcome at the Sunday Jazz Jams…
Next Jam? We’ll resume in September. See you then.
A ticket (which is free) is required to play at the CJS Sunday Jazz Jam, just to help Mr. Chapin set up for, manage the event, and make sure everyone has plenty of chances to play.
The September Jam ticket link will be posted here!
Chapin Jazz X-tet Recording
Gigs
The Bill Chapin Jazz X-tet, a combo performing modern jazz, performs regularly in the Chicago area. Playing in formats from one to six pieces, the X-tet provides the sleek sound of solo piano, the pulse of a trio, or the harmonies of a full combo with saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Perfect for upscale dining and lounges, classy cocktail hours and receptions, fundraisers and galas, and corporate events.
Lessons
The Chapin Jazz Studio offers lessons for the serious jazz pianist, for instrumentalists wanting to learn theory and explore jazz piano, and for anyone wanting to experience the fun of playing jazz piano. The studio also offers a monthly jazz jam session, jazz solo coaching, and instruction on jazz bass and composition. The Grayslake Jazz Combo Workshop, where students study jazz every summer, also calls the studio home.
Meet Bill Chapin
Drew Chapin Scholarship
Funds for the annual $2,500 scholarship are raised through donations through the Grayslake Central High School Online Store.