Mark H.

About Mark
Mark is a graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London and a Nordic Master of Jazz, having graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, Aarhus in 2023. He is also a member of the highly prestigious ‘Soloist’ course at the same school. With years of playing around the world, Mark has gained extensive experience playing in various genres, including European big band tours and being a member of the world’s most followed wedding band on TikTok, “The Function Band.” Mark’s main focus is on jazz and improvisation, and he regularly plays in Denmark and the UK with his own band. Mark’s pedagogical experience is equally impressive, having taught students of all age ranges from 5 to 85 years old, both nationally and internationally. Currently, Mark has students in multiple European countries and will be teaching, for the fifth year in a row, at the Dordogne International Jazz Summer School this summer. Mark is an empathetic teacher, known for his kind and energetic manner. He is dedicated and enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge for the benefit of his students.

About the lessons
Mark believes that the ultimate goal of music is enjoyment. Learning to play an instrument should be a nurturing and enjoyable experience for both the student and the teacher. Mark understands that to derive the most pleasure from music, it’s important to keep things easy. Therefore, he focuses on the fundamental elements of music with each student and then customises his teaching methods to suit each individual’s needs. For Mark, sound is the most critical element. As a saxophonist, he is known for his distinctive tone, which sets him apart from others. Consequently, he emphasizes the importance of producing a great sound for his pupils. Once a student has mastered sound, rhythm and listening skills become the next focus. Mark firmly believes that learning an instrument is straightforward, provided that you don’t overcomplicate things, and he is always willing to assist students in simplifying the learning process.

The first lesson
When you have your first lesson with Mark, he will take the time to get to know you. Establishing a rapport with his students is an integral part of his teaching style. Therefore, this will always be his top priority. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss what motivates you to make music and learn an instrument, which is critical to fostering a healthy and productive learning environment. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to share your previous experience with learning music before Mark collaborates with you to develop a rough learning plan that includes your objectives, goals, and the amount of time you’re willing to dedicate to your musical education.