Chuck Marohnic has enjoyed a multi-faceted career.  Starting four decades ago as a jazz pianist, today he is a respected musician, educator, author, composer and arranger.

Composer

In 2011 Chuck began composing, arranging and recording what is now known as The Psalms Reborn.  The inspiration came from the ancient meditation technique of Lectio Divina.  Through this practice he extracted the text of each psalm and put it into the language of modern music.  In September of 2016 Chuck had composed, arranged and recorded original music for the entire Book of Psalms. The Psalms Reborn bring the psalms back in song form for church worship services.  He is also the composer of Jazz Chant, a style of worship music similar to Taize.  All 150 of the psalms from The Psalms Reborn and Jazz Chants are available for download at Music Serving the Word.

Church Musician

For many years, Chuck has had the privilege of serving as Music Director in numerous churches including United Methodist, Roman Catholic and United Churches of Christ.  He is also a frequent guest performer and clinician at many churches and church conferences throughout the USA.  He has served as Director of Music for Rev. Dr. Eric Elnes at Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ’s Studio worship service and also as Director of Music for Darkwood Brew, the exciting new Internet ministry which he helped create.

Arranger

Chuck has written numerous collections of jazz piano arrangements of hymns and worship songs published by Hal Leonard and Morningstar Music Publishers that are now played throughout the world.  For a complete bibliography, visit the Sanctuary Jazz page.

Innovative Pianist / Recording Artist

Chuck has recorded 50+ CDs.  Downbeat Magazine awarded his recordings 4 ½ stars.  Rolling Stone Magazine’s review states, “Marohnic’s ingenious changes and arrangements show that he should not be overlooked.”  Chuck’s performance credits include many of the top names in jazz.  For a complete Discography, go to the Sanctuary Jazz page.

University Professor

Chuck is Emeritus Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies at Arizona State University.  Many of his students now have vibrant professional careers as musicians and jazz artists.  He is also the author of several instructional books in jazz.  (See the Sanctuary Jazz page)

Upon retirement from teaching, Chuck and his wife Mary Ann moved to Louisville, KY where they now reside.