RESPECTS FROM PAST STUDENTS!!
Mark taught close to 400 students over his tenure in Hong Kong between 1998-2004 at various English School Foundation (ESF) and International Schools. A few of these students are still in contact with Mark and have sent in a few messages about their lesson experiences.....
Most of these students learnt drums with Mark while doing their Primary and/or Secondary Education as part of their Music Studies at School....
They are now scattered across the Globe at University or in Full time employment
Most of these students learnt drums with Mark while doing their Primary and/or Secondary Education as part of their Music Studies at School....
They are now scattered across the Globe at University or in Full time employment
DANI HOWARD (Kennedy School/Bradbury School/South Island School - Hong Kong)
I was very keen to start learning my first instrument when I was very young, and Mark was kind enough to start teaching me the drums when I was 5 years old regardless of my age! I always loved my drum lessons, and I continued for as long as I could before he moved to NZ. I found that he gave me the perfect balance between theory and practical, and always made sure that playing stayed fun! I now study Music Composition at the Royal College of Music in London, and hope to pursue a full-time career in music. What I learnt from those early years have been key to getting me where I am now. I’ve known Mark for 15 years now and we still keep in touch, I think it’s wonderful how he cares so much about ALL his students, regardless where they are in the world and what they are doing! Thanks Mark for everything!
Dani's website: http://www.danihoward.com. You can view all her performances and achievements
I was very keen to start learning my first instrument when I was very young, and Mark was kind enough to start teaching me the drums when I was 5 years old regardless of my age! I always loved my drum lessons, and I continued for as long as I could before he moved to NZ. I found that he gave me the perfect balance between theory and practical, and always made sure that playing stayed fun! I now study Music Composition at the Royal College of Music in London, and hope to pursue a full-time career in music. What I learnt from those early years have been key to getting me where I am now. I’ve known Mark for 15 years now and we still keep in touch, I think it’s wonderful how he cares so much about ALL his students, regardless where they are in the world and what they are doing! Thanks Mark for everything!
Dani's website: http://www.danihoward.com. You can view all her performances and achievements
VIVIAN CHIU (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong) Taking lessons with Mark was a big part of my life and being in a band as a drummer was so much fun. It was pretty empowering to be a young female drummer and I wished I had kept it up after I graduated (though I still air drum on the subway in New York on my way to work - quite embarrassing)
I still remember how to play that Bon Jovi song haha.'
I still remember how to play that Bon Jovi song haha.'
MARCUS CHIU ( Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong) I began to play drums when I was in fourth grade after hearing my sister Vivian play. Mark was her teacher and soon he was mine, and since then I have always had a passion for music. It was a very sad thing when Mark had to leave as no other teacher was able to replace Mark who was able to understand my weaknesses, playing style, and music preferences that I had a passion for. I stopped playing because of college and because I would refuse anyone to teach me other than Mark. Anyone who has the opportunity to learn from him should do so.
Thanks for the many years Mark
Thanks for the many years Mark
AYLA TSE: (Kennedy School/West Island School, HK) - I started drums with Mark at the age of 7 at my Primary school and continued till Mark left for NZ in 2005. I think it took some time for me to discover on my own a deep deep passion for music, and I am without doubt hoping to get back into playing drums, now with the background skill but also with more musical inspiration. As for now I have taught myself guitar and trying to learn some keyboards, but there are so many days when I truly miss playing drums, and this is what I hope to accomplish in the very near future! I am also learning how to produce music electronically for which all my drumming experience with you and my understanding and feel for rhythm and beats are coming back.
MIRAY SHIRAKAMI: (Kowloon Jr School/ King George V School - Hong Kong) Mark is not only a talented drummer but a gifted teacher too. He prepares great lesson plans that make each session fun and interesting. I've learned all sorts of styles and variations over the years and I had the privilege to perform in many different venues & shows. No matter what level you are at - I would highly recommend Mark. It's hard to find a geunine, passionate, and fantastic drummer like Mark.
I'm truly thankful that I learned how to play the drums from you. I've been part of a new praise band at the church I'm attending, here in Boston and it's been so awesome playing for them :) I've also had the privilege to teach other students the fundamentals. I'm also thrilled that you taught us how to read drum notation cause I use them to make my own notes for my performances. It's so helpful, so thank you!
Thanks Mark.
I'm truly thankful that I learned how to play the drums from you. I've been part of a new praise band at the church I'm attending, here in Boston and it's been so awesome playing for them :) I've also had the privilege to teach other students the fundamentals. I'm also thrilled that you taught us how to read drum notation cause I use them to make my own notes for my performances. It's so helpful, so thank you!
Thanks Mark.
NADIA HARILELA ( King George V School - Hong Kong) I started learning to play when I was 11 years old with Mark at my secondary school KGV. I loved my experience! I felt like the coolest kid being able to play the drums at such an early age. Mark was a lot of fun, I got to play my favourite songs which he helped me record to practise at home. He also helped coach me through school music performances. He’s a great teacher, you get so much one-on-one exposure which helps you focus on getting better each week.
AARON TSOI: (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong) I first started taking lessons with Mark in primary school, his expertise and passion for drumming inspired me at a young age to develop a musical drive. The ability to love music is one thing, but to be able to pick up an instrument and play and perform what you desire is a real gift and privilege, and I have Mark to thank for this!"
AKI YONEYAMA: (Kennedy School/West Island School Mark was instrumental in my development from a beginner at the drums to a proficient percussionist, who instilled in me the confidence to join a band, an orchestra, and almost become a subway street performer, though other engagements halted that exciting but short-lived aspiration. His relaxed, amiable and friendly character and unrivalled ability to teach me the fundamental basics to the complexities of chart reading helped me immensely and I would recommend Mark to anyone looking to learn how to play the drums!!
LAUREN BELL: (Bradbury School/South Island School - Hong Kong) I throughly enjoyed all of Mark's lessons, he always made sure that as well as learning and practising skills that I was also playing to contemporary music I liked to listen to. Mark was always patient and fun and his lessons inspired me to continue playing once I had moved back to the UK.
CELINE RUSSELL: (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong) Drum lessons with Mark are one of the very few things I vividly remember and look back on from primary and early secondary school, which really says something. I had a lot of fun then while adjusting to new friendship groups, hormonal changes and life challenges. Drum lessons with Mark stuck out from the daunting and the awkward; they were pure enjoyment. I would highly recommend him as a teacher of music and of life. When he moved to New Zealand, I was very saddened to lose him to another drum teacher, who despite his jokes just wasn't the same. I am confident any student will enjoy playing the drums with his guidance. Piano sucks!
PARTH SHAH: (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong) It took passion to start drums, but you were the catalyst in keeping me playing. Drums are a creative skill, I had the creativity, but you had the guidance to harness it. Your instructions and lessons not only harnessed what I had, but got more out of me than I thought I had. To teach, whilst being fun, passionate, and open is rare. But coupling that with commitment and the ability to engage any student is impossible, and somehow you did. Thanks a lot for the lessons, wish you were in Hong Kong to continue them.
KATE ALLEN: (Kennedy School/ West Island School - Hong Kong) In the several years I learned drums with Mark I gained a really great friend! I gained so much experience and confidence while being taught, and was given an opportunity to really express my creative side. Mark really helped me channel my energy and focus on progressing and improving my skills all while having a fantastic, fun time doing it! I'm so happy to have studied under such a great teacher, and I still use these talents 13 years later in acting! Thank you so much!
PHOEBE TO: (West island School - Hong Kong) I was fortunate to be introduced to Mark through my music teacher at school. I didn't know what to expect when I started drum lessons, but quickly learned that there was a lot more to playing drums than random hitting!
For me, Mark is an excellent teacher. During my time with him I found that he would happily adapt his teaching style to benefit my learning style, always ensuring I understood everything that he was sharing with me before moving on. Mark would always gently but firmly encourage me to let loose and be brave with my playing. HIs patience, good humour and open-ness made me very comfortable, and also made me forget most the time that I was in a lesson. He would always prepare exceptionally detailed material for me to refer to when not in class and was always generous with his time.
I would highly recommend Mark as a drum teacher for students at any ability, be it a novice or someone looking to improve their skills. I will always be grateful to Mark for his time and his lessons.
For me, Mark is an excellent teacher. During my time with him I found that he would happily adapt his teaching style to benefit my learning style, always ensuring I understood everything that he was sharing with me before moving on. Mark would always gently but firmly encourage me to let loose and be brave with my playing. HIs patience, good humour and open-ness made me very comfortable, and also made me forget most the time that I was in a lesson. He would always prepare exceptionally detailed material for me to refer to when not in class and was always generous with his time.
I would highly recommend Mark as a drum teacher for students at any ability, be it a novice or someone looking to improve their skills. I will always be grateful to Mark for his time and his lessons.
ELSON TONG: (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong) Mark taught me the drums for 5 years when I was 8 to 13. I was a bad-tempered boy back then and how he managed to do so (as well as please my demanding Chinese parents!) is an immense testament to his professionalism! But most importantly, he has given me a permanent passion for music and the drums, which is why I continue to play today, not as a hobby but a necessity in life!
ARUN SUJANANI: (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong Mark taught me not only how to be the kind of drummer that can show up to any performance last minute and replace an injured drummer never having practiced with the band…
But most importantly: how to listen – how to listen to other musicians, how to listen to the audience, and how to listen to myself, during performance and collaborating as human beings, so that the team creates the best musical product possible.
But most importantly: how to listen – how to listen to other musicians, how to listen to the audience, and how to listen to myself, during performance and collaborating as human beings, so that the team creates the best musical product possible.
FAIZ ABBAS: King George V School - Hong Kong In the 10th grade I wanted to explore learning how to play the drums. When I asked my classmates who the best drum teachers around were, Mark's name repeatedly came up. I remember my first session with Mark, learning about all the different drums, the cymbals, how to hold the drum sticks with correct technique. When Mark would demonstrate and play, I could see his love for the instrument and for music. He told me to be able to be good at anything I needed practice, practice, practice. This is one lesson I've carried with me to this day. To excel at anything you need Patience, passion and practice. It's crazy what else learning how to play the drums can teach you.
NIDHI RATHI: (West Island School - Hong Kong) Drum classes with Mark were awesome! He provided fun songs to work with. Mark is very easygoing and personable, he was the first teacher to lead me into the world of percussion and I really appreciate his encouraging classes.
STRUAN FARQUHAR: (King George V School - Hong Kong The thing I always remember about lessons was at the time I wanted to be able to drum really fast and Mark told me the best way to do it was doing rudiments and I never believed until he showed me and then I spent ages practicing paradiddles all the time. I now annoy my girlfriend when i'm day dreaming as I still slip into rudimental practice, tapping away at the desk. All the best Mark!!
KRISTINA LIM: (Kennedy School/West Island School/KGV - Hong Kong) Mark knows how to bring the best out of his students regardless of their musical abilities. He pushes his students to the fullest of their potentials, and makes his lessons remarkably enjoyable. Any student would be lucky to have Mark as a teacher.
SHEHAN PEIRIS: (Kennedy School/West Island School - Hong Kong) My Mom decided that I would enjoy learning the drums after she was fed up with my banging on empty tins and cans to create "music." To get some peace and quiet she signed me up for classes with Mark at my primary school, and I'm so happy that she did. Mark was my teacher for 6 years till he left for New Zealand. My lessons with Mark have forever changed the way that I listen to music. He was patient enough to teach me the songs I wanted to play and he made it fun to learn theory. He prodded me enough in different directions to gain an appreciation for new styles of music and learn a variety of techniques. Mark's passion for music was always evident but it is his patience and kindness that made him one of the best teachers I've ever been taught by.
BRENDAN IRELAND: (Kowloon Jr School/King George V School - Hong Kong)
Learning the drums from Mark was one of the best experiences of my life. It helped me make friends and enjoy a part of life that could never be explored without his help from learning the drums and music.
Learning the drums from Mark was one of the best experiences of my life. It helped me make friends and enjoy a part of life that could never be explored without his help from learning the drums and music.
