John “Chip” Degaard, Chip Dee Academy of Music Owner, Instructor & Educator
You might say, he’s a “Chip” off the old block. John “Chip” Degaard’s father was a classical pianist, organist, professor of music, composer and music therapist. Chip is an accomplished R&B, Blues, Jazz & Rock piano player, vocalist, composer, drummer, an educator and advocate for the special needs population. Not quite the same, but close enough to be a “Chip” for sure.
Chip Dee was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and was immediately taken with Chicago blues and the areas rich R&B Soul Music tradition performed by legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Curtis Mayfield, Gerry Butler, to name a few.
The Drifters, The Coasters, The Platters, Lou Christie, The Tokens, Capris and many more.
Favorite Instruments?
“I’ll play any instrument but the piano is my baby, with drums a close second. To me the piano is the full orchestra at your fingertips. The drums are the pulse that everything else rides on. If the groove is good, you’ll move and whatever’s on top will move you.”
Why Teach?
“At the Chip Dee Academy of Music, we’re all about the kids. I’ve always loved kids because they’re honest and bring out the best in me. There’s nothing quite like seeing them grow into expressive musicians through what they learn here at the Academy, and more importantly, how we learn to grow as a people and educators from them.” To Chip, musical education is truly a 50-50 process. But Chip is quick to warn you, “there’s no fooling a child, they know when you’re genuine and care about what you’re telling them and when someone’s yanking their chain.”
Current Musical Projects?
Chip is currently a keyboardist /vocalist with “Kenny Vance and the Planotones”, who are doing about a hundred dates a year all over the country. Chip Dee’s first original album, “Songs from the Island”, largely based on Chip’s musical education or “Music As Therapy” approach for the mentally ill, is currently being shopped as a musical. Chip’s in-depth mental illness sensibilities have inspired a second album that further delves into the trials and tribulations of the human condition. Stay tuned for album release details. The musical inspiration doesn’t stop there. Chip Dee is also recording a Rocking Blues album entitled, “Captain Keys, Rocks the Blues”, a mix of some of his own music combined with some old rock standards. Chip’s other band, “Rockit 88”, tours locally and plays the same style of music.
Biggest Musical Goal?
The Chip Dee Academy of Music students are encouraged from the outset to have goals, a standard set by the owner himself, “I want to be recognized as a passionate musician, singer, songwriter and educator who loves his craft and is constantly curious and compassionate about bestowing it among our student body.”
People Who Inspire You?
“I’m literally inspired by all musical genres”, Chip’ gushes. Here’s several and in no particular order: Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, Laura Nyro, Carole King, Andrew Bird, Donnie Hathaway, Sons of Champlin, Beatles, Little Richard, Oscar Peterson, Fats Waller, George Jones, Igor Stravinsky, Beethoven, Mozart, Claude Debussy, Chopin, Eric Satie, Chuck Berry, Arthur Duncan, Count Basie, Beach Boys, Shuggie Otis.
Best Place To Perform In The World?
When it comes to ideal musical performing venues, Chip keeps it simple and sincere, “Wherever people come to listen to me play, sure they can eat, drink or socialize, but ultimately I want them to listen, engage and celebrate the language of music… I do take requests, we’ll find you something to love.”