University of New Orleans jazz studies professor Steve Masakowski is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Music Education by OffBeat Magazine, a publication dedicated to New Orleans music and culture.
 
Masakowski arrived at UNO in 1992 and holds the Coca-Cola Endowed Chair of Jazz Studies, a title first held by his teacher and mentor, Ellis Marsalis. 

Masakowski has released numerous CDs including two on the Blue Note Records label and has been an active member and composer for the award winning New Orleans jazz group, Astral Project.

He has published lessons in Guitar Player magazine, authored a book on jazz ear training for Mel Bay, and also performs and records with his children, bassist Martin and vocalist Sasha, a graduate of UNO.  

Born and raised in New Orleans, Masakowski has played guitar with many of the city’s greatest musicians including Alvin “Red” Tyler, Ellis Marsalis, Danny Barker, Earl Turbinton, and James Black. He has also performed with Grammy Award-winning artists Bobby McFerrin, Nicholas Payton, Allen Toussaint, Dianne Reeves and others at major festivals around the world.

Masakowski will receive the lifetime achievement award at the OffBeat Best of the Beat Business Awards on Jan.16.