"You've Got A Friend In Me" as played on my solo album, "Awakenings"
Playing "Summertime" with my Jazz Quartet, "Hi-Res"
My original composition, "Time Unheard" for Flute, Clarinet and Piano
As the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz." I sing sometimes!
"Awakenings" Album Cover and Design by Chad Mooney
Photo by Chad Mooney
Photo by Chad Mooney
Photo by Chad Mooney
Photo by Chad Mooney
Photo by Pamela Brigante
Photo by Pamela Brigante
Photo by Pamela Brigante
Reliable and versatile young pianist who can play jazz, show tunes, classical and more for any cocktail hour, lounge environment or private engagement. Rates are always negotiable and fast, friendly communication is standard.
5 reviews
Latoya G.
July 27, 2021James was great! We booked hun at the last min, but he was so Great to work with. He was on time and punctual! I would def recommend him to anyone and would book him again!
Hired as: Pianist
Steven Z.
June 16, 2021James played piano for our cocktail hour at our wedding reception. James has impeccable musicianship and he picked music that everyone of every age would love. Not only was James a great musician, he was a humble, courteous, and just overall great person to be around. I would recommend him to anyone for their pianist needs.
Hired as: Trombone Player
Veronica
May 28, 2021James was fantastic! He was punctual, very professional, respectful, and dressed very nicely just like we wanted! He played beautifully! And adhered to the audience perfectly! Everyone loved him.
Hired as: Trombone Player
Susie T.
June 4, 2017Look no further.....Can't say enough nice things about James. He arrived early for set up & from that moment on, he wowed all of us with his wonderful music. Professional, super talented,punctual& dressed perfect for the occasion. He had addressed all of my concerns & requests prior to event so that I could enjoy the party without distractions from him. Would HIGHLY recommend him for any party. You will not be disappointed with this young man. Not to mention, he was playing in a room full of musicians & they too were impressed by him.
Hired as: Jazz Pianist, Pianist
James Chwalyk
Thank you, Susie! Your party was a BLAST and I truly appreciate your kind words. Here's to another 50 years for your husband!
Adam L.
September 3, 2015James was a pleasure to work with. During the planning phase, he was very professional and asked questioned we hadn't even thought of regarding the event (e.g., what he should wear, where he should park, what our party colors were). He understood exactly what we were looking for, arrived on time, brought his own equipment, and delivered an elegant performance. We highly recommend James.
Hired as: Jazz Pianist
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: American Sign Language , English , Italian
Gig length: 60 - 240 minutes
Unions: AFM
James Chwalyk, Jr. (b.1987) graduated magna cum laude from Montclair State University in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, where he earned Bachelors of Music degrees in Music Education and Music Theory/Composition with a minor in Harry Partch Microtonal Studies. He has studied trombone with Anthony J. “Tony” Mazzocchi, euphonium with Dr. Mary Ann Craig and composition with Patrick J. Burns.
His original works have been performed by the Palisades Virtuosi and Bloomfield Youth Band among others, and his microtonal arrangements of classic works have been premiered by the Harry Partch Ensemble at Montclair State University under the direction of the late Dean Drummond.
Since becoming an instrumental music teacher in the Lyndhurst (NJ) public school system, James serves as the Middle School Band Festival Coordinator for the NJMEA. (New Jersey Music Educators Association) He is also the group’s A/V and Equipment manager for its annual February conference.
No stranger to theater, James is currently the music director for the non-profit C.A.S.T. (Community Actors Student Theater) in Kenilworth, NJ, having formerly served as music director, treasurer and business manager for the Charles Seller Foundation/Talent Time Players in Bloomfield, NJ. He has also played in various community theater pit orchestras through northern New Jersey.
In the community, James remains an active member of Clifton Lodge No. 203 of F.&A.M. (Free and Accepted Masons) and the Northern Valley of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. He currently serves New Jersey DeMolay as the Director of Scholarships and as Treasurer for their Legion of Honor Preceptory.
James is the leader and founder of the Hi-Res Quartet, and has played with numerous civic, collegiate and professional ensembles throughout northern New Jersey on trombone, euphonium and keyboards.
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 7:30pm
•
Bloomfield, NJ
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
5:30pm - 6:30pm
•
Florham Park, NJ
Friday
Personal Occasion
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Lafayette, NJ
Friday
Wedding Cocktail Hour
6:30pm - 7:30pm
•
New Rochelle, NY
Saturday
Birthday (Adult)
6:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Scotch Plains, NJ
Sunday
Wedding Engagement
12:30pm - 4:30pm
•
Livingston, NJ
Jazz standards in a variety of popular styles, particularly well-suited for cocktail hours and private engagements. Specific artists' work can be presented upon request. (Sinatra, Beatles, etc.)
I own all of my equipment (including instruments and amplifier) and attire. Please provide a nearby power outlet for keyboard work.
Jazz Pianist