Mark M.

Mark is helping our children become disciplined, confident pianists. Prior to beginning lessons with Mark, our two children would advance from song to song but they weren't maximizing the learning opportunities inherent in their music. Mark has helped them learn to use the metronome as a tool (but not a crutch), enhanced their understanding of theory, focused them on dynamics and all around made them better musicians. He has done this with an emphasis on making the kids feel a sense of accomplishment which drives their motivation.

I cannot begin to express the depth of my enthusiasm and gratitude for Mark. He is a superlative teacher, being both exceptionally talented and dedicated to excellence in the performing arts. Beyond this, Mark is always encouraging and gentle when I struggle to get it right. He provides the perfect mix of understanding, inspiration, and technical and artistic guidance.

Mark is a treasure. After our daughter’s very first organ lesson, she adopted better practice techniques and keener musical interpretation skills. Mark is witty, kind, personable, generous, and of course talented. He is a role model both as a musician and as a person. A. also started taking voice lessons with Mark, and her growth both as a singer and as an organist has been exponential as a result. We count ourselves fortunate to know Mark, and we are grateful that he is our daughter’s teacher.

I love learning from Mark! He's upbeat and kind, and has an unbelievable breadth of skill and knowledge. He has a lot of patience, which is comforting as I've never played before. He explains things in a way that is easy to understand. He can pick up on my frustrations and has a variety of ways to help me move forward without being tedious. It's so much fun to learn from him!

I am thrilled with not only Mark's talent, experience and skills, but his ability to assess my needs and deficiencies. His solutions and remedies are stated with the most calm and disarming manner. I learned a great deal in five lessons; so much that my pedalling technique has built my level of confidence!

Some teachers teach you how to read black dots on a page. Others help you to make music beyond the printed page. Having studied with Mark for a number of years, I can attest to Mark's ability not only as a fabulous musician himself, but as a teacher who helps others go "off the page" to discover the heart of musical expression. He is a gift!

Mark is a very gifted teacher, patient and eager to share his vast knowledge in a natural way that students respond well to. Takes time to explain subject material and reasons for teaching methods. He goes the extra mile and his passion for music is contagious and evident. He is an excellent teacher and we are lucky to have him.

Mark is an excellent educator whose instruction was always appropriate for my level, yet pushed me to greater heights. He provided me with the tools I needed to continue to develop as a musician and to build up my skills quickly. A loving, caring person, Mark cares about the whole student and I count the time spent with him as some of the best investment I've made in myself.