Meet the Teacher

Steve Tschaikowsky is a life-long musician. A classically trained pianist from age 6 (Northwestern University, Music Center of the North Shore), Steve also began singing in professional groups at age 8.  One group,
directed by CSO organist Richard Webster, toured throughout the US and
Europe.  One of many highlights was an appearance in a Robert Altman Film as well as on the film’s sound track.  

At 13, already a professional pianist and singer, Steve began his bass career. Soon after, he led his band Upper Echelon to victory at the prestigious New Trier Battle of the Bands.  While Steve’s formal music education came from U of I and DePaul (receiving BA’s from both) Steve continued his development on the talent rich Chicago Blues scene where he played with such greats as Koko Taylor, Buddy Guy, Lonnie Brooks, Sugar Blue, Billy Branch, and Jimmy Johnson.  Steve even played at Willie Dixon’s funeral.
 
Steve’s band The Associates grew out of this scene, evolving into Chicago’s most in demand party band, boasting over 7000 shows many of which were at The United Center, House of Blues, Aragon Ball Room, Navy Pier, Renaissance Center, and Caesar’s Palace.  While the band performs primarily in the Midwest, The Associates have toured throughout the US, Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Japan, performing to such luminaries as President Clinton, Mayor Daley, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls and many other VIPs.
 
Steve believes in passing the torch.  While juggling well over 200 live shows
per year, he has also taken on as many as 50 weekly students, grooming them for a career in music.  One piano student went on to star as Jerry Lee Lewis in the hit play "Million Dollar Quartet" and is currently playing with pop star Selena Gomez. A bass student of his is currently the musical
director of the "Blue Man Group" Band.   

Steve is currently residing in Midland, Michigan with his wife and three teenaged kids. He fills his days playing in several groups, working on recording projects, teaching music lessons, meeting new musicians and
getting reacquainted with musicians he worked with in Chicago: Detroit Blues Society's Man of the year James Cloyd Jr. and Saginaw Blues Legend
Larry McCray.