The Zimmer Family of Musicians

Praised by audiences and critics alike for his fresh interpretations of his piano performances and for his unique and exciting contrapuntal compositions, Mark A. Zimmer has performed throughout the United States, including television performances. With honors, Mark earned a B.A. degree in Music and an M.A. degree in Music Composition with an emphasis in piano performance at California State University, Fresno. He has studied under such notable pianists as Dr. Klinder-Badgely and Dr. Andreas Werz. Mark is a published, commissioned composer and arranger. Among his compositions include solo pieces for flute and bassoon, choral works, a string quartet and woodwind quintet, a trumpet trio, a quartet for piano, violin, clarinet and timpani, symphonic arrangements and a trio for piano, horn and oboe. His trio for piano, horn and oboe premiered at California State University Fresno and received the following review “Mark Zimmer’s Trio was a relief…mainly because of three musicians who could handle the music’s difficulty, emotion and grace. It started out with a strong melody in the horn that slowly set up the entrance for the oboe part that stole the show with its beautiful lines, thrilling speed and tone. This piece ended leaving me hoping for a second and third movement with more like-minded concepts (i.e. the unique counterpoint) used in the piece.” musiccriticfresno.com

Among his numerous awards, Mark was a first prize winner in the National 10th Annual Festival of Contemporary Music Competition, in which his original score “Legends of a Distant Land” was awarded best original composition and received its world premier at the Chamber Wind Celebration in San Francisco. He was also commissioned to compose a large-scale work for the well-known San Diego performing quartet “Four-Fifths: A Quartet”.

Mark comes from a large, musical family. It was therefore inevitable that music would play a significant part in his life. He began piano studies at the age of five and has performed throughout the United States and Europe, including television appearances.

As a piano instructor, Mark is in a direct teaching lineage that dates back to Beethoven. Mark has taught piano and composition throughout California for the past 28 years and currently teaches in the Silicon Valley. He is a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers where his students consistently earn Superior ratings. He is an adjudicator for international piano competitions, notably for the United States Beacon Artist Association, which organizes and hosts international events such as festivals, competitions and concerts. He also is a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society.