Mark Walker
About
Mark started his musical career as a choir boy for his local church in London. When he was 8 he took at the piano followed by the cornet at 11. On moving to Manchester, he switched to the trombone because the local brass wanted players on that instrument. On leaving school he joined the Gloucestershire regiment as a Bandsman and played all over the world for the next 9 years including two postings to Germany. As well as playing in the band, he was the regiment’s cocktail pianist and was also the pianist for the Nudgcrumps (the Regiment’s West Country cider band!).
On leaving the army, Mark worked for a music shop but continued to play in a variety of bands.
Once his children were old enough, Mark joined the Wiltshire Music Service and has taught brass, recorder, singing, ukulele and drums as well as leading jazz and wind bands for SAYM. He has produced many resources for First access and brass teaching that are used widely both in Wiltshire and beyond (published by Mostyn Music).
As well as teaching, Mark continues to be much in demand as a hotel pianist, runs his own function band and composes songs for primary children and is at present involved in the forthcoming production of Charlie Stinky Socks.
What I / we help young people achieve
Mark is much in demand from schools for first Access work where his material has proved immensely enjoyable and educational for children working with a variety of instruments. His material has enabled many teachers to provide high quality First Access work and has a lasting impact on the children who remember the songs for years.
His brass pupils have a good exam record from grade 1 to 8 and the SAYM Young jazz groups are amongst the most popular in Salisbury
Opportunities for children & young people
- To learn to play an instrument and / or develop skills on an instrument
- To learn to sing
- To create / write music and / or lyrics
- To develop recording /production skills
- To play, perform music with others
- To learn things about oneself , other subjects or life-skills through musical activity
- To work with and support other young musicians
Also Works With
Salisbury Area Music Co-operative
Times
- Term Time
Taught Instruments
- Brass
- Singing / Voice
- Musical Director / Conductor
Ages Taught
- 5-6
- 7-10
- 11-13
- 14-15
- 16+
Level Taught
- Beginners
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Qualifications, Grades & Certificates Taught
- Instrument grades
Musical Clusters Covered
- Salisbury / Wilton
- Mere & Tisbury