Mark | Teacher #2158
About Mark
Mark is a dedicated music instructor with a diverse background in drum set, percussion, ear training, harmony, jazz improvisation, music appreciation, music history, and advanced music theory. With a strong emphasis on fostering curiosity and passion for music, Mark believes that successful learning starts with developing a love for making music. With an honors BA in Music from the University of Guelph and additional training from the MA Ethnomusicology program at York University, Mark brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his teaching practice. He has received several awards and distinctions for his musical achievements, including the Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation Award in Performing Arts and the University of Guelph Essay Prize in Music. Mark offers online lessons and teaches from his studio, providing a relaxed and engaging learning environment for students of all ages. Book an interview now with Mark to begin your musical journey!
Drumset Percussions Ear Training Music History Harmony Music Theory (Beginner-Intermediate) Music Appreciation Music Theory (Advanced) Jazz Improvation
Online Lessons In Studio Lessons
Jazz Country Pop Rock Latin Salsa Rock and Roll Heavy Metal Folk Gospel Hip Hop Progressive Rock Reggae Rhythm and Blues Ska Funk Punk
English
Teaching Philosophy
With students of all ages, my goal is to get them engaged with the joy of making music right away, while learning the fundamentals, exploring the skills, and cultivating creativity to help them be well-rounded musicians. Successful learning starts with curiosity that develops into a passion, so my number one goal as a teacher is to help students cultivate their passion for music, beginning with the music that moves them most. Song based lessons help accelerate their learning, all while developing their skills and understanding to broaden their horizons and achieve a greater deeper engagement with music that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Musical Education
I have an honours BA in Music from the University of Guelph, which included courses in drum set, percussion, and improvisation with Jesse Stewart. In the MA Ethnomusicology program at York University I took courses in South Indian Carnatic percussion and rhythmic theory with master Trichy Sankaran. After years of working as an active performer, I furthered my studies, working with renowned master drum set educator Jim Blackley, exploring the essence of the rhythmic language of jazz and musicality on the drum set. I continue to be a life-long student of music.
Awards and Distinctions
Cambridge & North Dumfries Community Foundation Award in Performing Arts University of Guelph Essay Prize in Music Friends of Music Book Prize Ralph and Edith Kidd Scholarship in Music
Special Skills and Trainings
As a long-time member of the rich and diverse scene of jazz and improvised music in Toronto, I have been grateful to be involved with so many incredible peers, and to have worked with many internationally renowned composers and improvisors who's unique work and concepts have provided me with a deep understanding of music and creativity. Through my work in audio engineering and sound design for dance and theatre, I also enjoy assisting students to learn about the tools they can use to create and produce their own music.
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!
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