Mark C.

What is your teaching philosophy?

To encourage people to make mistakes — it’s the first step to becoming better. I am always looking for ways to make a performance more compelling. I work as a freelance theater musician, so I love the idea of music telling stories, and especially the ability of music to connect people. I graduated from The Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theater in 2017.

In your opinion, what is the right way to teach and what do you do in your lessons that makes you a good teacher?

To not only teach the instrument but also to teach how to learn and how to continue growing. There will come a time that the student will move on from me to a different teacher or continue solo study, and I hope to give them the foundation and the tools to continue their growth after they leave.

How many years have you been teaching music lessons?

Two years.

What are you most proud of in your musical career?

I was associate music directing for a regional theater production in Connecticut and subbed in for the director. The cast told me that I outperformed his other substitutes.

What’s the best compliment you have ever gotten as a music teacher?

That my students have fun in my lessons!

What country have you travelled to that you like the most and why?

France was a favorite. I loved that it’s an art-focused country and that the culture is beautiful and rich.

What languages do you speak?

English, French, American Sign Language, a little Spanish

If you could perform with any musician (alive or dead), who would it be and why?

Herbie Hancock — his ability to jump between different music styles awes me.

Do you have any interesting or unusual hobbies? If so, tell us about it.

I am a huge chess fan and study it when I am not working on music!

What are you currently listening to on the radio, iPod, iTunes, Spotify, etc.?

A few are: Colored Lights (from The Rink) by Kander and Ebb, At Seventeen by Janis Ian, and It Feels Like We Only Go Backwards by Tame Impala