New Jersey-born but Richmond, Virginia-bred, Chris Whiteman has been described many times as an old soul, a devotee of classic jazz who finds new depth and delight in the Great American Songbook, the standards that have defined jazz for generations. A performer and educator, soloist and sought-after sideman, Whiteman has played venues across the U.S. including New York’s famed Blue Note, Birdland, the Hollywood Bowl, Monterey Jazz Festival and more. ____________________________________________________
Chris Whiteman, a native of Montclair, New Jersey, began his music journey with the trumpet at age 10. At age 13 he was introduced to the guitar and it quickly became his main focus. Initially inspired by blues and rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy & B.B. King, Chris began to study classical guitar in high school. After graduation, he enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University as classical guitar major, but quickly shifted his interest to jazz. Chris transferred to the University of Miami where he completed a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in jazz studies.
As an educator Chris has held faculty positions at the University of Miami and The College of William & Mary. He has also established himself as a top tier online educator, with a thriving YouTube channel and hundreds of online students.
Chris also maintains an active performance schedule with his own group and is sideman to a variety of artists. For 2 years he toured with Jazz vocal sensation Veronica Swift and currently is working with jazz trumpeter Rick Braun, as well as serving as musical director for vocalist Wyatt Michael (The Voice - Season 21). He has performed at renowned venues across the US and Europe, including the Blue Note NYC, Birdland, Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Hollywood Bowl.
In addition to being a performer and educator, Chris is one of the preeminent arrangers for solo jazz guitar and is a signature artist arranger for Musicnotes.com, the world’s largest online music retailer.
Chris Whiteman has established himself as respected figure in the world of jazz guitar, known for his innovative arrangements, captivating performances, and compassionate teaching.