BIOGRAPHY

Tom Sivak, RPT, has been tuning pianos since 1980, having studied Piano Technology at the Moody Bible Institute under the tutelage of Robert Carbaugh. At that time, Mr. Carbaugh told Tom, “Don’t call yourself a piano tuner until you’ve tuned 1,000 pianos!”

 

Tom always took this advice to heart, and having taken a detour of some 19 years to pursue other musical endeavors, never called himself a Piano Tuner until 1998. He has tuned another several thousand pianos since then, and became an RPT in 2006.

 

It may have taken Tom 19 years to find his true calling, but along the way had some very interesting experiences:

 

He became a published composer in 1979 with THE WELL-TEMPERED LENNON-McCARTNEY, a collection of 7 fugues for piano based on melodies of the Beatles, published by Associated Music Publishers. He also wrote THE DISCLAIMER SONG (This Song Not Valid Without Coupon) for mixed chorus, published by Warner Bros. in 2001.

 

He became a published author in 1985, writing an article for CLAVIER MAGAZINE. He has also been published several times in the PIANO TECHNICIAN’S JOURNAL.

 

Tom conducted musical theater productions all over the US and Canada, including JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT with DONNY OSMOND. He also worked with Bob Fosse as Conductor/Music Director for the national tour of DANCIN’ in 1986. He was Music Director of Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater for 6 years, and Music Director for the Candlelight Playhouse for 2 years.

 

Tom has written several musicals himself, including THE GREAT BARDO, which starred Jose Ferrer in the title role, and was performed at the Lincoln Center in NYC (1985, Book and lyrics by John Beem.) He also collaborated with John Mahoney (from TV’s “FRAZIER”) on a musical called SHARING, in 1980.

 

Some other stars he has had the opportunity to collaborate with, as pianist or conductor, are Megan Mullally (“Will and Grace”), Dody Goodman, Bobby Van, Gary Sandy (“WKRP”), Paul Williams (Composer/Lyricist), George Maharis, Ken Berry (“Mayberry RFD”/ “F Troop”) , Vikki Carr, and in the surreal category---Jack Brickhouse and Bozo the Clown. (Not at the same time…)

 

Then Jessy and Cora came along. (his two daughters) Faced with several years of missing the school plays, Christmas musicals, and graduations because of his conducting schedule, Tom chucked it all and went back to piano tuning.

 

This was the second best decision of his life. (#1: Marrying Beth Gelman in 1988.)

 

Now Tom tunes all over Chicagoland, and couldn’t be happier. Some of Tom’s clients include Court Theater, City Lit Theater, Columbia College, Palatine High School, and Actor’s Equity Association. Tom has tuned pianos for Debbie Reynolds, Vicky Lawrence, Jim Peterik (composer of “EYE OF THE TIGER”), Wynton Marsalis, composers Alaric (Rokko) Jans, Kinglsey Day and Jack Defino, pianists, Gregg Allman, Andrew Blenderman, and Mark Burnell.