Mark Koch is the Director of Jazz Guitar for Duquesne University’s Guitar Department and Co-director of student Jazz guitar ensembles.
His guitar teachers were Hoyt "Slim" Bryant, Joe Negri, Ron Anthony, Joe Carola, Pat Monaco, and Bill Clydsdale, Mark also has studied Jazz theory and piano with Robert Doak and composition with Mike Tomaro. Mark Koch also studied with Pat Martino and appeared with Mr. Martino in the documentary, "Pat Martino: Open Road."
As a performer with various ensembles, Koch has opened for John Scofield, Diane Schuur, Tony Bennett, Emily Remler, Leni Stern, Yellow Jackets, Three Dog Night, Joe Beck, Gene Bertoncini and bassist Michael Moore, Delbert McClinton, Randy Brecker, Pat Metheny, Joshua Redman, Joe Pass, Barney Kessel, Stanley Turentine, Concord Jazz Guitar Collective, and Kool and the Gang.
He has accompanied and worked with a variety of artist in performances and/or clinics; Max Roach, H.B. Barnum, Frank Gambale, Emily Remler, Tommy Tedesco, John Pisano, Jimmy Bruno, Howard Alden, Seymour Duncan, Steve Dudas, Johnny Hiland, Bob Babbitt, Carol Kaye, Joe Negri, Bill Warfield, Sheryl Bailey, Mike Stern, Tim Eyermann, Little Anthony, Jerry Vale, Charo, Turtle Island Quartet, Frankie Avalon, Robert Guillaume, Peter Noone, Tommy Roe, Martha Reeves, Al Martino, Jimmy Beaumont, Bobby Rydell, Gianna Russo, Lou Christie, and the PBS My Music Series TV Show with Davey Jones, Roger McGuinn and Mitch Ryder, plus thirty (30) other performers.
Mark is the Administrative Director of the MENC/NAMM/GAMA (Music Educators National Conference / National Association of Music Merchants / Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association) "Teaching Guitar” in the classroom program, which was created to revitalize the guitar in education. This very successful task force has trained more than 1,000 high school and middle school music teachers across the United States, who in turn taught more than 280,000 young guitarists.
His solid reputation as a studio musician had led him to recording sessions for US Airways, Pappan Restaurants, the University of Pittsburgh, Roy Rogers, and Four Star Pizza. He has also worked with local radio and TV stations such as WQED, WTAE, WDVE, 3WS and WPXI and a variety of local musician’s CD projects.
Koch was the musical supervisor and guitar tutor for the Mel Shapiro's "The Lay Of The Land," directed by actress Lee Grant and staring actor Greg Mullavey.
He was also the guitarist for the Pittsburgh Public Theatre Production of "The Hairy Ape" with musical director and Jazz legend Max Roach. The production, directed by George Ferencz, was filmed for the Lincoln Center Archives. He was a Guest Speaker in a 2000 City Theatre production of "Sideman."
Mark Koch endorses Benedetto Guitars, D’Addario Strings and Fender Musical Instruments
Yo! Always, Good to hear from you Mark! You're such a bright Light! Lookin' forward to spring baby that's all. Tryin to keep my head above water til it gets here! Hahaha! Yea...'been a cold winter ~ Be well babe. stay warm ~ janelle
Hey Mark! How's life? I thought I might see you when I played Karsh's concert at DU. It was fun, although I had a hard time finding space to shove an idea in here and there. :-) Between Kenny, Ron Fudoli and John Schmidt it sounded like a pet store on fire! But I got my licks in...
Grandkids!!! Now your making me feel old. Well, I guess I am. Jonathan and his girlfriend just got engaged. All is well. I'm gainfully employed and I get to play music regularly.
Okay, here's the deal, Mother B has many photos of you and I would be glad to show you how to download one for your site picture so Matt will remember what you look like, however most of them are over 15 years old, but then again so is mine. Hope you are feeling better. Call me "Mr. Koch" when you have time.
Michele
Ahhhhh man MARK it has been a long time you are one of my favorite players.
I am in Tokyo now and headed for Guam in January I will be in LA in July and also the Pittsburgh area hope we can meet there it would be great.
Gary
Hey Mark: Wasn't checking regularly so didn't notice that you had agreed to my request to link up! I'm playing regularly again, in part to reclaim my "street creds" as I now publish that stuff on jazz and "emergence" in physics and cognitive science (first of two sections sent off to editors, and in part to play out a bit (with Roy Sonne among others). Best wishes.....mer
Hey Mark yes it has some beautiful spots but there is nothing like home.
I will try to hit you up on you email soon stay well and be blessed my friend.
peace.
Kristy and I would love to see you perform sometime. Is there a site I can keep updated on your performances? My daughter Katie lives by the Rhythm House. Do you gig there much? Never will forget the Carol days. I'm proud of you.! You have done very well. Ken
Mark, where willl you playing over the holidays?? Would love to get my guys (Kenny & Ken) out to get together with you!! It's been a long time coming!!...Can't believe how time has past! Have a wonderful Christmas!! 'Joy To The World!!' Kristy Will
Dr. Nelson Harrison
Feb 9, 2008
Jeff Rosenthal
Feb 15, 2008
Michele Bensen
Thanks for joining the network. Hope to hear from you soon so we can catch up. M
Feb 15, 2008
Janelle Burdell
Mar 8, 2008
Janelle Burdell
Mar 8, 2008
stephen boyd
Mar 10, 2008
Max Leake
Mar 10, 2008
Max Leake
Mar 10, 2008
Matt Ferrante
Mar 11, 2008
Michele Bensen
Michele
Mar 13, 2008
Andy Yalch
Long time no see! drop me a line.
Andy
May 5, 2008
Phil The Knight
Phil "Walking Alone At Night" Butchelli
May 9, 2008
Anthony (Tony) Janflone
Tony
Aug 22, 2008
Gary Walker
Gary
Dec 22, 2008
Gary Walker
I am in Tokyo now and headed for Guam in January I will be in LA in July and also the Pittsburgh area hope we can meet there it would be great.
Gary
Dec 22, 2008
Virgil Walters
IT WOULD BE GOOD TO PLAY WITH YOU.
Mar 24, 2009
Dr. Martin E. Rosenberg
Apr 1, 2009
Gary Walker
I headed for the main land States in September 2009
Aug 7, 2009
Gary Walker
Peace
Gary
Aug 7, 2009
Gary Walker
I will try to hit you up on you email soon stay well and be blessed my friend.
peace.
Gary
Aug 23, 2009
Ken Will
Nov 3, 2009
Ken Will
Dec 22, 2009