Mark | Teacher #2318
About Mark
Mark is a passionate music teacher specializing in cello and trumpet for students of all ages, offering lessons online and in his Calgary studio. With a Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Calgary, Mark believes in balancing the physical and mental aspects of music, ensuring a well-rounded approach to learning. Celebrated for his ability to overcome physical setbacks, Mark's education includes masterclasses with renowned cellists and trumpeters. His awards include the John K Nikel Memorial Scholarship and the Don Wright Prize. Join Mark for a musical journey that blends technique with the joy of music.
Trumpet Cello Music History Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Music Appreciation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons
Classical Jazz Blues Baroque
English
Teaching Philosophy
All success comes from an underlying passion for music and a well-rounded approach. The balance between the physical and mental sides of music is important to explore. I start every lesson with a warm-up, both physical and mental. Understanding that music is powered by small and precise muscle movements, and being in a mental zone that allows the passion for music to flow are both essential to a good warm-up. I like set a good foundation in the warm-up, and then use the rest of my lesson to dive into the music itself. It's the philosophy of building a automobile - you get under the hood and work at it until it hopefully functions properly, and then you get in the driver's seat and just have to trust the work you've done and focus on the road ahead.
Musical Education
I have a Bachelor of Music Performance from the University of Calgary, where I studied the trumpet under Howard Engstrom and Gareth Jones. I was lucky enough to grow up in a very musical family, and started playing the cello at the age of 5. I took private lessons on the cello until university, and throughout my childhood I played in the Mount Royal Conservatory Orchestras as well as the Calgary Youth Orchestra. When I got to grade 7, I decided to pick up the trumpet and immediately fell in love. I took private lessons throughout high school, and was accepted into university on both the cello and trumpet. I spent my degree studying both instruments, and now perform frequently in ensembles in the Calgary area. I have grown to love music education and will always look up to those who gave me the opportunity to learn music throughout my childhood.
Awards and Distinctions
-John K Nikel Memorial Scholarship Award -Don Wright Prize -School of Creative and Performing Arts Music Prize -Millennium Prize for Russian Performing Arts
Special Skills and Trainings
Throughout my musical education I struggled with various physical setbacks, so I spent a lot of time overcoming and learning about the physical and mental stress that came with those setbacks. I have had masterclasses and lessons from cellists such as Tom Mirhady, Arnold Choi, Yuri Hooker, and have worked with Yo-Yo Ma in a music education setting. On the trumpet side, I have attended masterclasses and studied with Gareth Jones, Howard Engstrom, Karen Donnelly, Adam Zinatelli, Paul Jeffrey and Isaac Pulford. I have also worked with a music education outreach program that runs in the city of Calgary for the past 8 years, and have been able to learn a lot of tips and tricks from the organization.
Lessons in a music studio
Mark offers lessons from his studio. Map locations are approximate and based on the postal code of the teacher’s studio. The full address will be provided upon registration.Lessons on an online platform
Mark can provide online instruction. While other platforms are possible BAH strongly recommends the use of the Zoom video conferencing platform as it is optimized for music lessons and audio quality.Reviews
Associate Teacher Lesson Rates:
Mark is a Beethoven at Home Associate Teacher
- 30 minutes: $39
- 45 minutes: $49
- 60 minutes: $59
Home visit fee: $15 minimum fee. Teachers may negotiate a higher travel fee if the travel distance is longer than they are comfortable with. Most arrangements use the minimum fee.
One-Time Family Registration: $25. This covers your entire family for life - once you're in, everyone can take lessons!
Our Promise to You
Getting Started Together
We don't offer free trials, but we do something better - a relaxed 2-lesson getting-to-know-you period. You can pause anytime with just 24 hours notice. After your third lesson, we ask for a friendly 2-lesson heads up if you need to stop.
Life Happens - We Get It
Give us 24 hours notice for any cancellation or reschedule and you'll receive full credit. Planning a family vacation or summer break? Perfect - just let us know a day ahead and we'll pause your lessons.
When You're Under the Weather
If illness strikes with short notice (less than 24 hours), you'll still be charged since your teacher has reserved that time. However, most teachers are happy to offer makeup lessons when possible - they have the final say, especially if last-minute cancellations become a pattern.
Stopping Lessons
Need to take a break? We just ask for a 2-lesson notice:
Weekly lessons = 2 weeks notice
Every other week = 3 weeks notice
Twice weekly = 1 week notice
Summer breaks are different - no notice period needed when you return in the fall!
-
Reviews about our Teachers
with ReviewsIO
-
Secure Payments
with Chase Paymentech
-
Verfified Teachers
with Certn