One of Irish music's most renowned players of the bodhran, Mark Stone has performed and taught across the United States, Canada, and Europe with many top Irish musicians.
Mark began his professional music career at the age of fifteen playing keyboards in local dance bands and doing studio work. He later focused his attention solely on Irish music playing ceili piano. His knowledge of chord movement and structure has been transferred to the bodhran, resulting in a unique blend of rhythm and tones that has established Mark as a top player in the United States. He has a reputation as an accompanist with a subtle touch that can bring about a sense of power when the tune warrants it.
As a teacher, Mark has taught workshops and master classes across the continent. He has taught for many years at the Augusta Heritage Center's "Irish Week" in Elkins, WV, The Swannanoa Gathering's "Celtic Week" in Asheville, NC, and The Mississippi River Celtic Music Festival's "Tionol" in St. Louis along with classes in Nova Scotia, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Mark teaches both beginning and intermediate/advanced classes specializing in techniques involving the use of both hands to fully explore all of the intricacies of a tune with the ultimate goal of "playing" the tune along with the lead instruments.
Mark Stone got his start in Irish music with the All-Ireland winning band, St. James's Gate. He is best known for his work with the renowned Irish fiddler, James Kelly and guitarist Zan McLeod. Mark's recording credits include James Kelly's critically-acclaimed solo fiddle album for Capelhouse Records and with the group Ceoltiori on their award-winning Women of Ireland CD for Maggie's Music Records. When at home, Mark performs with the trio The Tradmarks based out of Austin. See www.thetradmarks.com or www.myspace.com/thetradmarks for more information.
Mark was born in the coastal city of Corpus Christi, Texas into a family steeped in Irish tradition. He still resides in Texas, living in San Antonio with his wife, Cheryl, and two sons, Colin Michael and James Brendan. By day, Mark teaches physics for San Antonio College and O'Connor High School in north San Antonio. He was recognized as a State Finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Award in 2006 and was recently voted Teacher of the Year for 2006-2007 by the faculty of O'Connor HS. Mark occasionally serves as Artistic Consultant to the O'Connor High School Band. He taught their entire drum line to play the bodhran for their "Riverdance" competition show and is currently working with the directors ..ing the music and arrangements for a Celtic show for next year.
"If you play the bodhran, play it this way!"
-Billy McComiskey introducing Mark Stone in Los Angeles
"Players such as America's Mark Stone have added to the bodhran's luster, owing to their sensitive and often unconventional approaches."
-Myron Bretholz for MusicHound Folk, The Essential Album Guide
Mark Stone performing at the Austin Celtic Festival 2005
