
Free & Open to the Public
Master Class Series

The Thomas A. Laskin Memorial
Jazz Master Class Series
The Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Series provides insights on this uniquely American form with some of the best musicians in the country. Past guests include Grammy-winner Eddie Gomez, Blue Note Recording Artist James Francies, plus dozens of industry pros.
Next Guest:
Thaddeus Tukes

Wednesday, February 22
Thaddeus Tukes
Presented as the “World’s best vibraphonist” by World Expo 2020 in Dubai, composer and percussionist Thaddeus Tukes honors the legacy of the vibraphone within the jazz tradition and beyond. His virtuosity and creativity “brings poetry to the vibraphone” (Chicago Tribune, 2019), which has captivated audiences from Carnegie Hall in New York to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Thaddeus says he is a proud practitioner of the “Chicago Vibe,” and hails his hometown as the foundation of the modern jazz aesthetic. The future of the jazz tradition has arrived, and Thaddeus Tukes is at the forefront.
The summer of 2020 found Tukes forming a group of local musicians called the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, a music performance and social justice advocacy organization. Through the Chicago Freedom Ensemble, he has supported and led protests, provided political and financial literacy for the local music community, conducted jam sessions throughout the city, and created a citywide network of young multicultural instrumentalists. Tukes, along with a small delegation of these musicians, were invited to and performed at the 2020 World’s Expo in Dubai.
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Helen Bader Recital Hall
This event is free and open to the public.
2022-2023 Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Guests
November 2, 2022 | Ben Rosenblum Nebula Project
November 19, 2022 | Lynne Arriale
2021-2022 Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Guests
October 13, 2021 | James Francies
December 15, 2021 | Arun Luthra
March 9, 2022 | Huntertones
April 4, 2022 | Lynne Arriale
2020 Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Guests
February 10, 2021 | Joe Locke, Vibraphone
January 6, 2021 | Katie Ernst, Bass and Voice
December 9 | Lenard Simpson, Saxophone
November 11 | Wayne Wallace, Trombone
2019 Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Guests
March 13 | Manty Ellis, Brian Lynch & WCM Jazz Trio
April 27 | Manty Ellis & Concert All-Stars
October 2 | Christine Fawson, Trumpet player, Vocalist
2018 Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Guests
Feb 7 | Trumpeter Brian Lynch
Feb 28 | Trumpeter Alex Norris
April 7 | Drummer Carl Allen
April 25 | Eddie Gomez Trio
September 6 | Geoffrey Keezer
October 31 | Trumpeter Brian Lynch
December 5 | The Bad Plus
December 21 | Guitarist Peter Bernstein
2017 Thomas A. Laskin Memorial Master Class Guests
Jan. 18 | Drummer Carl Allen
Feb. 18 | Guitarist Peter Bernstein
March 15 | Trumpeter Brian Lynch
June 29 | Saxophonist Greg Tardy
Sept. 30 | Pianist David Hazeltine
October 10 | Drummer Bill Stewart
October 25 | Pianist Lynne Arriale

For All Instruments
More FREE Master Classes
Students of all ages and skill levels can attend master classes for guitar, strings, vocal arts, and all disciplines. Expand your knowledge with Conservatory teachers and industry leaders at these free events.
Stay tuned as more free master classes are announced!