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.
CJS Sunday Jazz Jam
Students of all ages who can read music are welcome at the Sunday Jazz Jams…
We start each session with a coached tune. Then participants select the jazz standards for jamming. Fake books, drums, bass, piano, keyboards, and amps are provided. Just bring your horn and your spirit of adventure for a fun opportunity to play and improve your improv skills–mostly playing, with a bit of helpful coaching.
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!
2019-20 CJS Sunday Jazz Jam dates ~ always from 4-5:30 pm:
10/13 ~ 11/3 ~ 12/8 ~ 1/19 ~ 2/9 ~ 3/15 ~ 4/5 ~ 5/3
Chapin Jazz X-tet at Lake House Lake Bluff
Come join the X-tet at the LakeHouse. In October the sextet will feature tunes about autumn and Halloween. You’ll hear tunes such as Spooky, Sweet Pumpkin, and Autumn Leaves.
- Sat 10/19 ~ 6-8 pm
- Fri 10/25 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm
- Fri 11/8 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm
- Sat 11/16 ~ 6-8 pm
- Fri 11/22 ~ 6:30-8:30 pm
525 Rockland Road, Lake Bluff IL
Call 847-295-7140 for reservations
CJS to Perform at Art Show
Chapin Jazz Studio jazz piano students will perform again at this year’s Holiday Arts Show
Students will play swing, Latin, and blues jazz tunes for the Grayslake Arts Alliance show held in conjunction with the Grayslake Tree Lighting event.
Come out to enjoy the visual and musical arts.
Friday, Nov 29th, 5-8 pm
Grayslake Village Hall, 10 Seymour Av, Grayslake, IL (2nd floor)
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.