"Jazz is not easy to teach. Some people say that it can't be taught, but I know from experience that that's not true. If you're looking to learn jazz and improvisation I can't recommend anyone more than Mark Brandt. I studied with him for two short years in high school. I put in my practice time and listened to his instruction and by the time I graduated I was able to play with professional jazz musicians and had the privilege to study piano at Berklee College of Music on a merit scholarship. Jazz isn't something you can learn from anyone if you aren't willing to devote yourself to it, but Mark will show you what to listen to and point you in the direction you need to go. Mark really motivated me to immerse myself in jazz, and thanks to those lessons back in high school, jazz piano will bring me joy the rest of my life."
Nick P.
......................
Dear Mr. Brandt,
Thank you for EVERYTHING! I have learned so much from you over the past four years, and I am so blessed for our time together. You showed me what it takes to be a true musician, going beyond just notes and rhythms. I went from liking music to wholeheartedly loving it, and I know this is what I want to do with my life. I cannot thank you enough for all you have taught me.
Most sincerely,
Jessica H.
......................
"Mark Brandt is one of the most amazing people I know. His tenacious appetite for musical excellence and devotion to the craft remains unmatched in my experience. His passion for the craft is equaled by his passion for life. To him they are one in the same. Never before in my professional experience have I run across a person who is such an absolute slave to his craft. Mark's goal is not to make money or boost his own ego. His goal is to honor the true nature of Jazz - innovative, spontaneous expression of life through the instrument of choice. For this he is a true warrior. It takes an extraordinary amount of courage to forge your own path amongst the throng of the many. It would seem like a lost cause were it not for the grounding from his ultimate motivation."
Jacob McCray,
Woodwinds, Professional Military Band Member, Washington, D.C.
......................
"I have been with Mr. Brandt for 4 1/2 years. Mr. Brandt is a very nice teacher and he encourages you to like piano more. When I first started piano I hated it, but now it's ok. I recommend you pick him as a teacher. He also makes original music too."
An N. 10 years old
......................
"I have been taking lessons from Mr. Brandt since I was 6. Mr. Brandt is so nice. He's patient with me when I don't get the notes right. But, most of all he is a wonderful teacher. He explains things so I can understand. Even though a song looks complicated at first, he makes it so simple for me. I can't believe how much I've learned!"
Natalie M. 9 years old
......................
"Dear Mr. Brandt,
I wanted to let you know that I really appreciated how you taught me the piano, and not only that, but you taught me many important things that I'm sure will be useful later in my life. It was nice of you to take an interest in my life, and I thought it was neat that you were interested in running and Labrador retrievers, just like me. Thank you for understanding when I was busy and being patient with me when I could not always practice properly. I noticed you like lions, so I thought I'd draw you one as a going away gift to show my appreciation. Thank you again."
C. J. G. 16 years old
......................
"I've been doing piano for four years and it has been a pleasure to learn from my teacher Mr. Mark. He has taught me a lot about piano. Piano helps my math skills and lets me express myself in many different ways. I love Mr. Mark."
Amanda K. 10 years old
......................
"Mr. Brandt is the greatest teacher in town. My 7 year old daughter Thumay has only been with Mr. Brandt for a year and she can play really well now. We recommend Mr. Brandt to anyone. He is the best!"
Uyen Vu
......................
"Mark you taught me music with the same techniques I used to teach my pilots. I had no idea that it could be this easy for an old bird to learn something new. Thank you for everything."
Tim O'Neil 70 years old
Colonel USAF Retired/Fighter Pilot/Combat Veteran
......................
"Mark Brandt is the first person to call regarding Jazz Piano Education. Mark's pedagogy teaches his students to understand the theory behind all music. Although primarily a piano teacher, Mark has shared his approach to theory (in particular harmony) with students of all instruments and he has helped them learn to improvise with the depth and freedom that is consistent with seasoned players. In all of the years that I have been the director of the high school band at Chantilly, every one of Mark's students has succeeded. Over the years the Chantilly bands have enjoyed many successes. Among the more noteworthy distinctions: 4 time Down Beat Magazine Student Achievement Award recipients, 2 time finalist for the Essentially Ellington Jazz Festival, and featured performance at the Virginia Music Educators State Convention. These successes are due in large part to private instructors like Mark Brandt. To be specific, Mark is an incredible teacher!"
Keith Taylor
Mr. Taylor was director of Bands at Chantilly High School in Chantilly, Virginia until 2009. Mr. Taylor is the former President of the International Association of Jazz Educators, a nominee for President of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Association, a frequent adjudicator at Educational Jazz Festivals including The Apple Blossom Festival, VMEA District Jazz Festivals, and in 2009 he accepted the position as Director of All Bands in Fairfax County, Virginia.
......................
"I want to offer the following lines in praise of Mark and his ongoing commitment to the musical education of all of his students. Those parents who are fortunate enough to be introduced to Mark and his methods and techniques find a set of standards very rarely seen in the musical education offered to children today.
My youngest son Ciaraan studied with Mark for a little under five years. My son Cailean has been a piano/theory student with Mark now for almost 10 years. He is doing exceptionally well in all of his academic fields and I attribute this to Mark's methods of discipline and focus.
My wife and I feel that Mark Brandt has been very instrumental in stimulating in both of our sons, a need and a desire to try things that we as their parents never expected."
William Roche,
Tour Manager for David Sanborn
......................
"If you want to KNOW jazz, Mark is the first choice. He has extensive knowledge of theory, from early swing to bebop to modern complex harmonies. Plus he can actually play what he knows. It's not just an intellectual exercise with him; he has the chops to match! If it's improv you want to learn, Mark understands the relationship between discipline, freedom of expression and creativity.
I first began to learn from Mark when I joined his trio in the mid 1990's. I can attest to the fact that he grooves. He helped me refine my time and my feel and I am a drummer! If you want to KNOW jazz inside and out: theory, composition, improvisation, rhythm, chemistry, listening and feel, Mark is the one to go to."
Nate Panning,
Drummer with the Mark Brandt Trio
......................
"We have been taking lessons from Mark Brandt for several years and have learned much more than we originally anticipated. Starting with little to no experience, we now have the ability to play a variety of songs because of Mark's great teaching techniques. Another important part of our sessions is song writing and composing. Mark has an incredible ability to listen to a song and quickly transcribe it to written sheet music. He is a very talented and seasoned composer. We currently have several original tunes in progress and we are working towards releasing our own CD. Mark has the unique and impressive ability to tailor his method of teaching for each student's needs and style of learning.
Mark is the upmost encourager which results in an increased desire and motivation to learn more, practice, and even share what we've learned with others. Mark comes highly recommended."
James and Janet H.
......................
"As a classically trained pianist, finishing up my masters degree in piano pedagogy, and already teaching at a reputable academy, I thought it would be kind of neat to take a few lessons with a "jazz teacher" in order to get that extra little fun thing for my students. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Mark knew more about the inner workings of my repertoire than I did! He had insights on anatomy, posture, hand position, theory, and ear training that I had never heard of! Within a few lessons I was playing with more freedom and greater joy than I would ever have thought possible. Never judge a book by his cover."
Stephanie L. Age 25
......................
"I am a saxophone player and I began taking improvisation and theory lessons from Mark before my senior year of high school. After just a few lessons my creativity and confidence while improvising increased dramatically. Mark is the complete package as a teacher because he brings an enormous knowledge of music theory, jazz history, practice techniques, and he has the skills to demonstrate everything he teaches."
Sam B. 18 years old
......................
"Mr. Brandt, I thought you might like to know that when I went for my audition at Shenandoah Conservatory, Dr. Larson, the head of the jazz department, found out that you were my private instructor and his response was "Good Job." Thanks for everything!"
Ryan B. 18 years old
......................
"Mr. Brandt, I played for Doctor Carroll, the head of the jazz program at George Mason University, and he told me that I played really well. When I told him I was studying with you he said "No wonder."
Kevin E. 18 years old
......................
Dear Mr. Brandt,
"Mark you are directly affecting the artistic base in America in a positive way one person at a time! Amazing!"
Devel G.
......................
