Merrill Hall, MU006
Christian Dillingham is adjunct professor of music in jazz studies-bass at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. A Grammy Award-winning bassist, he is a rare musician who excels in both the classical and jazz worlds.
He studied at Youngstown State University under the instruction of Tony Leonardi in jazz studies. Dillingham continued his studies at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, working with Jeffrey Turner and earning a master’s degree in classical studies.
Dillingham enjoys crossing genres and has performed with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Grant Park Symphony, Fulcrum Point New Music Project, and Chicago Opera Theatre. He is a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Chicago Philharmonic.
He has performed throughout the world and appears regularly at Chicago venues such as the Jazz Showcase, Constellation Chicago, Hungry Brain, and Chicago Jazz Festival. He has performed with dozens of celebrated musicians, including Kevin Mahogany, Willie Pickens, Dee Alexander, Victor Goines, Bobby Broom, and Greg Ward.
Dillingham has recorded with a wide range of artists, including Kirk Franklin, John Legend, and Ledisi, among others. He won a Grammy for his work on Franklin’s Long Live Love release, which was named Best Gospel Album in January 2020.