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.
Friday Lunch Hour Mini Concerts
Bill Chapin Live with Chris Wren (Virtually) on Friday, 6/26 at Noon
This week Thomas Power joined Bill on Days of Wine and Roses and Chris Wren was featured on What’s New and joined Bill for a live interview via Zoom.
CJS Sunday Jazz (Virtual) Jam
Students of all ages who can read music are welcome at the Sunday Jazz Jams…
Join us to chat about jazz improv, trade solos with everyone, and talk about jazz via Zoom at our monthly jazz jam sessions. Contact Bill at bill@billchapinjazz.com to get the Zoom invite.
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 Virtual Jazz Jam dates ~ from 4-5 pm pm:
- Sunday, July 12th
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.
Check out my interview on Chicago Music Revealed
Check out my interview with Mike Jeffers of Chicago Music Revealed. I’m on at about 27:00 minutes
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.