Guitar, Ukulele
Education
Mark attended Pennsylvania State University to receive a B.A. in General Arts and Sciences. He then went on to study at University of Maryland and graduated with a M.A. in Philosophy.
As a Performer
Mark performs around the Washington, DC area as a solo guitarist, as a singer/songwriter, and with numerous folk, world, classical, rock, and jazz groups. His recordings of original compositions include music for solo acoustic guitar, award-winning chamber music for classical banjo, and scores for live, site-specific theater productions. Mark’s primary musical influences and interests include folk and world music, cool jazz, prog rock, minimalism, American primitive and contemporary guitar music, and J.S. Bach.Mark is an original member of the contemporary classical group, Great Noise Ensemble, with whom he has performed at The Kennedy Center, The National Gallery of Art, Strathmore Mansion, The Sidney Harman Hall, The Hirshorn Gallery, Symphony Space, the Catholic University of America, Atlas Performing Arts Center, and the Bang on a Can Marathon.
As a Teacher
Mark has taught private music lessons at his home studio since 2004, and he is a faculty member of Opal Music Studio in Alexandria, VA. He has taught classes and workshops at the House of Musical Traditions lessons studio, and he has taught at area schools such as Burgundy Farm Day School and The British International School of Washington, where he worked with classical guitar students preparing for their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) exams.
At Levine
Mark joined Guitar at Levine in 2018 teaching guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, and bass guitar.
Teaching Philosophy and Approach
Drawing on his broad performance and compositional background in various musical genres (including folk, world, classical, rock, jazz, soul, bluegrass, and musical theater), Mark offers students a wide musical perspective and tailors lessons to match student interests. He works with students on music of their choosing to improve technique and develop an understanding of music theory, improvisation, and composition. For classical guitar students who would like to pursue the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) graded exams, Mark offers coaching in preparation for all aspects of the practical exams.