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. A few years later he was introduced to the guitar and it quickly became his main focus. He was initially inspired by blues and rock guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy & B.B. King, but in high school he began to study classical guitar and dabble in jazz. At 18, he enrolled in college as a music major at Virginia Commonwealth University, focusing on classical guitar. He began performing locally and began to develop a greater interest in jazz. Chris transferred to the University of Miami where he completed a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music in jazz studies and served as a graduate teaching assistant in the jazz guitar program.

After graduating, he joined the faculty full-time at the University of Miami where he taught private lessons and led a variety of ensembles.  Chris has performed at renowned venues across the US and Europe, including the Blue Note NYC, Birdland, Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Hollywood Bowl and has been featured on Nancy Sinatra's Sirius XM Radio show.  For 2 years he toured with Jazz vocal sensation Veronica Swift. Currently, Chris teaches at The College of William & Mary, is a signature artist arranger for Musicnotes.com, leads his own band, the Chris Whiteman Trio, and serves as the musical director for Wyatt Michael (The Voice - Season 21). Chris Whiteman has established himself as respected figure in the world of jazz guitar, known for his innovative arrangements, captivating performances, and compassionate teaching.