John-Paul Kaplan is a one of a kind entertainer. His style, interpretation, and mastery of modern music has
captivated audiences worldwide. His family encouraged the gift of music that he received. He studied
classical music with Doreen Sterba DeZur and jazz with Mark Streder. During his early classical piano studies, he
achieved top honors on the piano competition circuit, locally in Chicago and nationwide. He went on to study
Biology at Elmhurst College.

Kaplan has been entertaining audiences since 1996. He has performed on various world stages around the world including Chicago, Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, Paris, Rome, Toronto, London, and Vienna.

His first CD release “This Is The Day” received high acclaim worldwide. This is the Day was heard on radio stations nationwide and culminated with the prestigious Unity Award for Best Instrumental Album of The Year. During the Unity Awards, he was also nominated for Best New Artist of the Year and his melodic rendition of “Reflections of Prayer” was nominated for Best Song of the Year. His next release was Keys of Time: My Favorite Piano, Volume 1. This album included well loved piano classics arranged with a modern touch and flair. It includes songs by Gershwin, Porter, Webber, and Kaplan himself. The album was nominated for Best Album of the Year in 2007.

John-Paul also produced several songs and albums for International Irish Tenor, Mark Forrest. Their first collaboration was on the album Come Walk With Me. “I am so blessed to be able to convey the messages of Christ through music”, says John-Paul. This was a first for him, combining spoken word with music. Their latest release was You Raise Me Up. An album with inspirational songs that touches people’s hearts. John-Paul and Mark can be often found performing together at venues worldwide. In December of 2009, John-Paul and Mark performed together at the Lincoln Center.

John-Paul is now busy writing new music and arrangements for his busy 2010 tour. He will be performing concerts
in many exciting venues around the world including the Kennedy Center and the Lincoln Center. John-Paul is an active member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, BMI, the International Songwriters Guild, the Catholic Association of Musicians, the Catholic Marketing Network, the Recording Academy and the American Federation of Musicians.