Mark Polishook - Pianist and Masterclass Piano Teacher.
Jazz, classical, improvisation, composition, music theory, music technology, and more. Follow a curriculum that we’ll create together to move you from A to Z. Or work on select topics according to your interests. My philosophy—my guiding principle—is learn, improve, and have fun—and all of those things at the same time.
I work with all levels from complete beginners through to experienced professionals. Amateur or professional, it makes no difference.
Something all of the student with whom I collaborate share is love for music, learning, and improving. That’s because if we play the piano, with even a tiny bit more skill and insight than yesterday, and if learning, practicing and playing and, indeed, just thinking about music—is fun, then all things in terms of acquiring musical skill and ability are possible.
When you study with me, your learning process won’t be a set succession of steps—the same grades and requirements, so to speak, for one and all. Rather, our collaboration will grow towards the skills and accomplishments you wish to acquire.
Over time, the results of your studies—your steady progress and growth as a pianist and a musician—will speak for itself.
Mark Polishook
Dr Mark Polishook, currently based in Maine in the US (that after a decade in Leicester in the UK), is known internationally as a jazz pianist and a composer. He is a former director of the music composition and theory programs at Central Washington University in the United States.
Testimonials
Here’s a sampling of what previous students have said about their learning experience with me.
Mark's a world-class jazz pianist, a wonderfully inventive composer, an expert in electroacoustic music, and a mentor in the fullest sense of the term.
He's inspired every aspect of my creative development. His guidance, teaching and support transformed my life–I wouldn’t have gotten where I am without him. I can’t imagine a more complete teacher for any aspiring musician.
Searching in many famous jazz books, I found Mark Polishook. He changed everything about Jazz in my mind. He helped me understand many sophisticated pieces using a very simple method and unravelled the complexity that is found in published works. He rescued me!
Mark’s approach is a journey of discovery. His emphasis is on listening and appreciating not only the sound and quality of the notes, but also the spaces in between. He gives the classical pianist freedom to let go of ingrained preconceptions –to be thankful for wrong notes as the impetus for improvisation–and to banish the rational voice which might say “you can’t do that!”.
