Who is Mark?
Mark is a guitarist, songwriter, composer, and educator based out of Austin, Texas. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a degree in Jazz Studies & currently serves as a Teaching Assistant for The University of Texas’ Jazz Program. He performs improvised and composed music in a variety of different settings. Read below for more.
What Does He Do?
The Orange Peeling Committee
Featuring his original songs in a variety of instrumentations, each Orange Peeling Committee performance is one-of-a-kind. Every song off of his debut album, "Questions For Winners" showcases the flexibility and adaptability of his songwriting. He pulls equally from indie pop, folk, art rock, 20th-century classical music, jazz, & a myriad of other influences, organically blending his musical training and tastes to create compelling music for his listeners. Hear his music now on all available streaming services!
Music Lessons
Mark currently serves as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas, where he teaches beginning jazz improvisation and coaches jazz combos. Additionally, he has served 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 an artistic voice, among other areas. Reach out for pricing and availability!
Music For Your Venue
Mark performs a wide variety of instrumental music for many different establishments. With his main working group "The Mr. Mark Trio," he reinterprets your favorite songs in a completely new and refreshing way. Contact for booking availability & pricing.
Guitarist For Hire
As an accomplished guitarist, Mark works regularly as both a leader and a sideman. He has performed in many notable venues, including the Meyerson Symphony Hall, Parker Jazz Club, Klyde Warren Park, The Elephant Room, The Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, Monk’s Jazz, & 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, Rodney Whitaker, Helen Sung, Chad LB, John Fedchock, Eric Alexander, Johnny Pate, Altin Sencalar, Colleen Clark, David Lord, Michelle Nicole, & others. As a studio musician, Mark’s playing can be heard on Yu Nishiyama’s “Gloomy Suite,” Sara Finkle’s EP “Sink or Swim,” "Questions For Winners," by The Orange Peeling Committee, “Sol y Motion” by Sol Y Motion, “World Spins” by Anisha, and on upcoming releases from others.