Mark D
5.0
(5)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Organ, Conga, Music, Keyboard, Djembe, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Mark D
5.0
(5)
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Drums, Organ, Conga, Music, Keyboard, Djembe, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Folk, Country, R&B, Gospel, Musical Theater, Latin, Funk, Electronic, Salsa, Showtunes, Spirituals, Latin Jazz, Swing, New Age, Samba, Bossa Nova, Soul, Marching Band, Avant-garde
Where I Teach:
Ages Taught: 7-80
Musser Ludwig Artist for 20 years
Musical Director for Ben E King Foundation for 5 years
Thousands of Gigs with various National Artists
Mark Deffenbaugh is an innovative, and provocative Jazz Artist and Educator. As a keyboardist, composer, and producer he has turned the heads of many of the most talented and famous personalities in Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, and R&B. Mark started his career early, playing gigs, in the Washington D.C. area, starting at the age of sixteen. Within a few short years he had numerous live and television performances to his credit. While attending The Berklee College of Music, Mark studied with, Jazz Great Gary Burton. Gary took Mark under his wing, and became an important figure in Mark's life. Through this relationship Mark developed relationships with such names, as McCoy Tyner, Michael Brecker, Peter Eirskin, John Schofield, Carla Bley, Makoto Ozone, Steve Swallow.and others. Mark Returned to the Washington D.C. area after an injury to his hands. He spent many years rebuilding his chops, and working as a studio engineer, and producer. Mark has composed hundreds of pieces of music, including a Sonata for Vibraphone, and Guitar, numerous pieces for the various world famous acts, and groups that he has worked with over the years He has also been responsible for lyrics, and arrangements for live shows, and recordings that have included the most recognizable names in the popular music world. Mark served as the Musical Director of The Ben E King Stand By Me Foundation for five years. His list of performance, credits include, Ben K King, The O'jays,Baby Washington,Loyd Price,Gary USBonds,Chuck Jackson, Bill Pinkney (The Origional Drifters),Little Anthony, and The Imperials,Bobby Bennett, The Spinners Fay Hauser-Price Clifton Davis, Don Gardner, Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, Louis Price (Former lead singer The Drifters/Temptations) Beverly Crosby, Mavis Staples, Richard Roundtree (Shaft), Speedo and Cadillacs, Peabo Bryson, Shirley Alson Reeves (Shirelles), Charley Thomas (Drifters), Martha Reeves (formerly of the Vandellas), Freda Payne, Gerald Alston (Manhattans), Blue Lovette (Manhattans), Chuck Barksdale (Dells), Vern Allison (Dells), Dennis Edwards (formerly of the Temptations), Harvey Fuqua (Moonglows), Maxine Brown. Mark is currently producing, new music for a solo project, and has founded the experimental Jazz group Kaos Theory. He is also the CEO of DreamLand Records, an independent record label dedicated to Jazz, and Electronic Music, located in the Washington D.C. area. .. ..............
My teaching experience dates back to High School as I began teaching part time. I continued teaching thru collage and the Airforce Band. After College I played full-time for many years. I began teaching full-time in 1995. I started my home studio in 2014. Encouraging regular practice on a consistent schedule is one of the key points I like to emphasize for younger students, as it tends to help the student progress and gain a passion for the instrument. I've also found that a combination of classical and modern music and Jazz can go a long way in helping students enjoy the piano and motivate them to practice and continue to learn. If a student isn't having fun in their lessons, then I'm not doing my job! My students are encouraged to enter competitions and recitals, as well as work on composing their own original material, so they can feel good about their accomplishments and stay motivated to learn. I'm always looking to bring
For beginning students who are children, I typically start with Alfred Piano Basics. Once the student has progressed to have a grasp of the fundamentals, I will begin to work from Czerny and introduce solo repertoire appropriate for their first recital performance. For adults, I try to find out what the student is interested in, and guide my instruction accordingly to keep the lessons engaging and fun, no matter their ability level. I have great experience as a Jazz educator. I have developed my methods from studying with Jazz Great Gary Burton and from my experience at Berklee College of Music.
Nothing is more rewarding than seeing one of my students develop a passion for music! Therefore, it's important that each student progresses at his or her own pace. I encourage this by setting realistic goals for my students at each lesson. Acknowledging accomplishments helps fuel a students desire to progress, and makes students eager to learn more. By trying to find out what inspires the student, I can successfully tailor my instruction to their wants and needs.. By incorporating ear training music theory, technique and reading skills students can develop to their full potential. ,
Antonio R.
Mark D. is an awesome instructor! I have been taking lessons from him for four months now and he is turning me into one great pianist. He teaches theory, techniques and posture. I am really blessed and fortunate to be a student of Mark's! Antonio R.
Amy H
I have been taking piano lessons from Mark for the last 6 months and it has been a fantastic experience! He is very friendly and patient and he absolutely knows what he is doing. He has a love and passion for music which he will share with you as you grow as a musician. He is very flexible and accommodating when it comes to scheduling or rescheduling your lessons. I would highly recommend Mark D.for any music lessons you need. Amy H.
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