Mark Sylvester

Mark Sylvester is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, singer/ songwriter and music instructor based in Takoma Park, Maryland. He regularly performs in and around Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia as a soloist and as a member of several groups. The breadth of his influences and repertoire spans many genres, including classical, jazz, folk and rock, among others.

Mark's solo appearances feature music from American Gypsy, his CD of original compositions for solo acoustic guitar. The CD is characteristic of the breadth of Mark’s guitar playing—precise flatpicking, melodic fingerstyle folk and jazz, as well as classically-influenced fingerpicking are all on display. “Caravan”, “Night” and “Urban Nocturne” (the pieces available here) are a sample of this diversity. Mark's playing has been described as having a "subtle virtuosity, which humbly focuses attention on the quiet beauty of each piece rather than the remarkable skill of the artist" (Takoma Voice).

In addition to his work as a soloist, Mark is active in the Washington area's folk and acoustic music scene. He plays guitar in several groups, upright and fretless bass with many of the area's singer/songwriters, and mandolin and banjo whenever the occasion arises. Mark will be appearing on several CDs that are planned for release in 2006.

In 2005, Mark broadened his compositional horizons in creating the music for Other Freds, possibly the largest and most audacious site- specific theater show Vancouver, BC has ever seen. Review Vancouver praised Mark's "dazzling musical score: playful, clever, archaic and brilliant." Mark spent the summer of 2005 in Vancouver working on the production as the show's musical director and banjoist.

In addition to composing, recording and performing, Mark maintains an active teaching schedule, with more than 40 guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass students.