Jazz in the Court: Thaddeus Tukes

Tukes began playing the piano at the age of five, and soon began inclusive percussion instruction with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association's Percussion Scholarship Program. He graduated with a combined bachelor's degree in Jazz Piano and Vibraphone Studies from Northwestern University, the first Jazz Vibraphone degree program at a non-conservatory university in the United States.

Tukes teaches percussion ensembles at various elementary and high school in the Chicagoland area, and gives master classes to music students at universities throughout the United States. WBEZ recently reported that he is currently "...pursing a new calling: music therapy. He finishes up his degree this year at Illinois State University, in downstate Bloomington-Normal."

The University of Chicago is proud to sponsor this free, outdoor music series.