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 Parker Jazz Club, The Elephant Room, The Continental Club, 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, John Fedchock, 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.