Carol Chaikin was born and raised in Los Angeles, California.  After receiving her BA in music at the Berklee School of Music, she moved to New York performing, recording, and writing  music for TV. Carol was a member of the faculty and an "artist in residence" at the Aspen Music School, teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation for nine years. She has toured extensively throughout the United States, as well as in Europe, Japan and Brazil. Her debut CD entitled 'Carol Chaikin'' was released on Castle Records. Her latest CD as a leader is on Ms Ecstasy Records, entitled "Lucys Day Off". Carol has recorded with Chris Botti, Astrud Gilberto, Lea Delaria, Diva, Sweet Baby Jai, Mary Watkins, Maiden Voyage, and Jennifer York.

She performed at the Grammys with Alicia Keys and at the BET awards with Shiela E.

She was musical director for the 2nd time at the Anson Ford for Instrumental Women in Jazz as well as a feature performer and leader. She performed on DVD with Chris Botti and on screen in the jazz club on Spiderman 3.