Mike Schwebke is a recording and performing artist on steelpan and percussion. He holds a Bachelor of Music and Performer’s Certificate from Northern Illinois University where he studied with Liam Teague, Cliff Alexis, Robert Chappell, Mike Mixtacki and Dr. Greg Byer. While at NIU Mike played in the NIU Latin Jazz Ensemble, NIU Bata trio, several classical ensembles, and the internationally renowned NIU World Steelband. He continued his musical education with a Master’s of Music in Jazz Studies from the University of Arkansas at Monticello where he studied with Paul Stivitts, Les Pack and David Kane.
Enabling the creation of new music for steelpan is a huge part of his artistic drive. Since 2010, Mike has commissioned and premiered 13 pieces for steelpan and ensembles with steelpan. In 2011 he completed his first collaboration with composer Kyle Krause. The result was a 3 piece suite of short works for steelpan solo and duet. In 2016, Mike was able to premier a duet for Double Second Steelpan and Clarinet by Krause as well as exhibit some of his previously commissioned works as a guest in a composition lecture at the Peabody Conservatory. Mike has presented many recitals programmed entirely of commissioned pieces, and many featuring adaptations of works by living composers. Premiered works include those by Aaron Gage, Kyle Krause, Jason Mulligan, Todd Jelinek, Dr. David Maki and others.
