Chip Stephens

Chip Stephens is a Professor of Jazz Piano at the University of Illinois, renowned for his collaborative artistry with legendary jazz figures and Grammy/Emmy-winning recordings. He has been consistently ranked in the top 10% of UI professors since 2005, praised for his teaching and performance excellence. Stephens leads the SSG Trio, performing internationally and releasing albums such as Decathexis From Youth and Whisper Not.

Education: BM from the University of Akron and MM from Cleveland State University. His research interests center on jazz performance, hard bop, improvisation, and collaborative creativity. Critics acclaim his 'hard-swinging, powerful, and lyrical pianism' and his ability to transcend musical boundaries with introspective eloquence.

Awards include university recognition for teaching and contributions to acclaimed recordings. His advising has fostered students achieving national/international acclaim. Stephens maintains an active performance schedule across 4 continents, collaborating with icons like Maynard Ferguson, Curtis Fuller, and the Woody Herman Orchestra. His SSG Trio explores adventurous arrangements, including original compositions like St. Stephens at the Golden Gates.