Mark Steinert is a senior at the Governor’s School for the Arts, a secondary performing and visual arts school based out of Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He has been studying piano since he was seven and jazz since he was twelve. His teachers have included Andy Pencola, Dave Adams, and Liz Barnes. Over the past three years he has been studying independently, including opportunities with pianists Otmaro Ruiz, John Toomey, and Barney McAll.

In 2001 and 2002 Mark performed in the Telluride Jazz Celebration (Colorado) as part of the Young Razzcals Jazz Project (headed by Dave Adams). In 2003, he was selected as Best Soloist in VMEA’s District VIII Jazz Festival, and in 2005 he was voted Best Rhythm Section Player in the JMU Tri-State Jazz Competition. In 2006, he was selected as Best Pianist in the JMU Tri-State Jazz Competition and Best Soloist in the Cape Henry Collegiate High School Jazz Competition.

In January of 2006, Mark was invited to play with saxophonist Alex Han as part of the 11th annual Festival de Jazz de Lapataia, Uruguay. The group was so well received that the lengthy encore included two of Steinert’s own compositions. Last July Mark was one of four pianists internationally selected to participate in the second annual Grammy Camp, where he also played at a private fundraiser honoring the mayor of Los Angeles. Last August Steinert was the only pianist in North America chosen for the Telluride Student All-Stars (headed by Bob Montgomery and John McNeil). During that week, he performed with five other chosen musicians at the Telluride Jazz Celebration and played his own composition on the main stage. Mark intends to pursue music in college and make it his profession.