English-born pianist Brian Chapman studied in Brisbane with Nora Baird, and in Melbourne with Lindsay Biggins, J.A. Steele and Roy Shepherd. After obtaining his AMusA performing diploma at the age of fourteen he discontinued piano lessons the following year for five years, returning to study with Roy Shepherd in 1964. The following year he obtained his LMusA performing diploma and was a Victorian State finalist in the ABC's Instrumental and Vocal Competition (now the Young Performers' Award) in 1966 and 1968, being made equal State winner in 1968. He also appeared nine times on Channel 10's "Showcase" in the years 1968-1970.

Brian's professional performing career began in the United States in the years 1970-1972 where he performed numerous chamber music recitals in collaboration with members of the North Carolina Symphony, an activity he continued on returning to Melbourne in collaboration with members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He is a frequent performer as soloist or chamber musician and has appeared widely in Melbourne, Victorian provincial centres, interstate and overseas including the United States, Mexico and Germany. His colleagues in chamber music performance have included Hermann Baumann, the Binneas Quartet, the Ciompi Quartet of Duke University, Jeffrey Crellin, Graeme Evans, Louisa Hunter-Bradley, Thomas Indermuhle, John Kennedy, Michael Kisin, Janis Laurs, Phillip Miechel, Max Neil, Merlyn Quaife, Spiros Rantos, the Rowe Quartet, Henry Wenig and Denis Wick.

He has made over 100 studio recordings and broadcasts for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and has released highly acclaimed audio CD recordings of music for piano solo by Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Chopin. His latest CD of Schubert's Winterreise with soprano Louisa Hunter-Bradley was launched at Monash University Clayton Campus in August 2006.

He has been an active organiser of musical events including Monash University's 1983 Brahms Chamber Music Festival and 1997 Schubert/Brahms Festival.

He teaches piano privately and at St Paul's Anglican Grammar School in Warragul, is honorary accompanist to the West Gippsland Chorale and is also an independent academic contractor.