Who is Mark?
Mark is a guitarist, songwriter, and educator based out of Austin, Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies. He earned his Masters in Jazz Studies in May 2023 from the University of Texas in Austin, where he served as a teaching assistant under the tutelage of Diego Rivera.
What Does He Do?
Performance
As an accomplished guitarist, Mark works regularly as both a leader and a sideman. He has performed in many notable venues across Texas, including the Meyerson Symphony Hall, Parker Jazz Club, The Elephant Room, Monk’s Jazz, the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, Stubb’s, & others. He has done session work at The Panhandle House, Reeltime Audio, 5th Street Studios, Cedar Creek Recordings, and elsewhere. As a jazz musician, he has been fortunate enough to perform or work with luminaries Branford Marsalis, Helen Sung, Rodney Whitaker, Chad LB, John Fedchock, Eric Alexander, Johnny Pate, Altin Sencalar, David Lord, & others. As a studio musician, Mark’s playing can be heard on “Right On Time” by Half Deluxe, “Questions For Winners” by the Orange Peeling Committee, “Sol y Motion” by Sol y Motion, “World Spins” by Anisha, Yu Nishiyama’s award-winning “Gloomy Suite,” Sara Finkle’s EP “Sink or Swim,” as well as on upcoming albums by Sam Dimov, Jason Grant, Pierson Keating, & others.
Education
Mark recently served as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas, where he taught beginning jazz improvisation and instructed jazz small groups. Additionally, he serves as a judge for the TMEA All-State jazz guitar competition. He is a gifted teacher with over eight years of professional teaching experience. Mark takes a holistic approach to teaching: he uses the experience of learning as an avenue for self-expression and self-betterment. He works closely with his students to clarify and accomplish their personal goals. Over the years, he has developed specialties in teaching improvisation, songwriting, ear-training, & cultivating a healthy practice routine, among other areas. Reach out for pricing and availability.