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.
In case you missed it, you can still watch the Melodies & Memories presentation
Please enjoy this video of our celebration of Grayslake’s 125th year, streamed live from Chapin Jazz Studio on September 9, 2020. Grayslake Historical Society board member Jane Trump shared stories and photos from Grayslake’s past and Bill Chapin played popular tunes from each decade. Production assistance provided by Michelle Poe of the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum.
Click the links below to view the presentation.https://facebook.com/BillChapinJazz/Live/
Drew Chapin Scholarship Donations Accepted
This year’s Drew Chapin Memorial Jazz Jam & Concert has been cancelled
However, we are still accepting donations to the Drew Chapin Scholarship for Change, which honors Grayslake Central High students who are knowledgeable about national and international social problems and have a personal philosophy about what actions they might take to improve some aspect of our world. The recipient is someone who brings humor, energy, hope and compassion to everyday projects and every human interaction. Recipients receive a $2,000 stipend.
To donate, learn more, and to enjoy photos from previous concerts, click the button below.
CJS Student Showcase Facebook Live Concert
In case you missed it, you can still enjoy this year’s CJS Student Showcase, shared on FaceBook Live on 6/24/20. The concert featured tunes on piano, sax, and trombone performed by students from Chapin Jazz Studio. Co-Sponsored by the Grayslake Heritage Center and Museum.
Just click the button below to view.
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 $2,000 scholarship are raised through the Drew Chapin Memorial Jazz Jam and Concert, held in August. At this annual concert area jazz musicians hold a jazz jam session and concert at the Grayslake Central Park Pavilion.