Chris Gontar spent his early life in New Orleans, Louisiana, copying from age 6 the rhythm and blues of the region, and then Chicago pianists like Pete Johnson and Meade Lux Lewis. Chris is also a classical pianist of extraordinary skill.
He attended the classical performance program at Loyola University on a scholarship in 1990-91. He then attended the University of New Orleans jazz program, and subsequently joined the Marine Corps in 1994, and was hired by the Marine Band as a pianist in 1997.

He performed with the marching band on bass drum, and with the marine stage band, jazz combo and show band at various public concerts in various states. During his tour with Marine Band San Diego, Chris participated in jam sessions with the combos of trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos.

After graduation from UNO, he then graduated the University of Chicago's MAPH, performing on piano at Woodlawn Tap. Chris is influenced by stride, bebop, and later jazz. He is available to arrange jazz music teach various methods for the piano.