Piano Faculty

Praised by audiences and critics alike for his fresh interpretations of his piano performances and for his unique and exciting contrapuntal compositions, Mark has performed throughout the United States, including television performances. With honors, Mark earned a B.A. degree in Music and an M.M. degree in Music Performance, with piano and composition as areas of concentration, at California State University, Fresno. He has studied under such notable pianists as Dr. Klinder-Badgely and Dr. Andreas Werz. Mark is a published, commissioned composer and arranger. Among his compositions include solo pieces for flute and bassoon, choral works, a string quartet and woodwind quintet, a trumpet trio, a quartet for piano, violin, clarinet and timpani, symphonic arrangements and a trio for piano, horn and oboe. His trio for piano, horn and oboe premiered at California State University Fresno and received the following review “Mark’s Trio was a relief…mainly because of three musicians who could handle the music’s difficulty, emotion and grace. It started out with a strong melody in the horn that slowly set up the entrance for the oboe part that stole the show with its beautiful lines, thrilling speed and tone. This piece ended leaving me hoping for a second and third movement with more like-minded concepts (i.e. the unique counterpoint) used in the piece.” musiccriticfresno.com

Among his numerous awards, Mark was a first prize winner in the National 10th Annual Festival of Contemporary Music Competition, in which his original score “Legends of a Distant Land” was awarded best original composition and received its world premier at the Chamber Wind Celebration in San Francisco. He was also commissioned to compose a large-scale work for the well-known San Diego performing quartet “Four-Fifths: A Quartet”.

Mark comes from a large, musical family. It was therefore inevitable that music would play a significant part in his life. He began piano studies at the age of five and has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including television appearances.

As a piano instructor, Mark is in a direct teaching lineage that dates back to Beethoven. Mark has taught piano and composition throughout California for the past 28 years and currently teaches in the Silicon Valley. He is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers and Music Teachers Association of California, where his students consistently earn Superior ratings. His students regularly win international piano competitions, such as American Protege, and go on to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City and other venues. Mark has also taught special needs children through Arabesque Conservatory, and he loves spreading the joy of music to others. Mark teaches all ages and levels, from those who want to just play piano for fun to those who desire to enter piano competitions. Beyond technical skills, Mark is passionate about instilling a lifelong love of music. Many of his students continue to enjoy playing the piano well into adulthood. He is an adjudicator for international piano competitions, notably for the United States Beacon Artist Association, which organizes and hosts international events such as festivals, competitions and concerts. He also is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.