Born in Geneva, he discovered the guitar thanks to the likes of Robert Hisland and José Barrense Diaz. He completed his brilliant studies in Michel Rutscho’s class by benefiting from the teaching of Konrad Ragossnig and Dante Brenna. He also attended the Masterclasses of Oscar Cacères and the Master Andrès Segovia.
He regularly gives concerts in Switzerland and abroad, as a soloist or with different chamber music orchestras. Claude Chappuis has recorded for the radio (RSI) and the television. He has also recorded and played several works by Swiss composers, sometimes performing them for the first time. In 1993 he recorded the CD Blasons des fleurs with Elisabeth Mattman, soprano. It was mainly devoted to Spanish composers and included a work by the Swiss composer J.-Fr. Zbinden (first recording worldwide).
Critics are full of praise, speaking of his refined technique, musical sensibility and warm interpretation in enthusiastic terms. A renowned professor himself, he has trained numerous guitar professors. He taught for many years at Berne Music Conservatory and at HEP-BEJUNE University (Faculty of Pedagogy).
His passion for pedagogy and didactic methods has led him to edit works for students and to create, in 1999, the Editions PARTITA.
Claude Chappuis now enjoys his retirement, devoting much of his time to performing and music publishing. He is still pleased to pass on his knowledge to younger generations and gives courses at the MCA Academy of Music Neuchâtel and at the SSPM (Swiss Society of Music Pedagogy).