Music Lessons
Interested in Venezuelan Music Genres, Music Theory, or Specific Instruments?
No matter where you live—Mark Brown offers personalized, 50-minute private lessons online
or in person in Houston, Texas, tailored to your interests and goals.
These sessions are completely customized. There’s no rigid curriculum and no prior knowledge
required. Together, you and Mark will build a learning path that suits your needs, your
experience level, and your curiosity. You also choose how often you’d like to take lessons, at a
time that works for both of you.
Mark teaches both adults and children from age 9 and up. All lessons are one-on-one, so you get
the full benefit of focused, individualized attention.
Here are some of the areas where it can help you expand your musical knowledge:
Understanding and Performing Venezuelan Music
Would you like to dive into the roots and unique characteristics of Venezuela’s most iconic
musical genres? In these lessons, you can explore a variety of traditional styles researched by
Mark in El Libro Real de la Música Tradicional Venezolana—including merengue caraqueño,
joropo, danza zuliana, vals, bambuco, golpe larense, and more.
Whether you’re focused on a specific genre, region, or composer—or looking to discover new
musical paths—Mark can tailor each session to deepen your understanding and help you grow as
a performer.
Professional use of the FINALE application for editing written music
If you want to learn how to write and document music methodically, in these classes, Mark will teach you how to get the most out of FINALE. It’s a practical, professional-level editing program that allows you to generate scores for your own compositions or transcribe pieces you need to work on individually or share with your group. Knowing and using this tool will broaden your horizons as a writer and performer.
Music Theory for Improvisation:
Improvisation may be spontaneous, but it’s rarely accidental. Behind every great solo or brilliant
improvised arrangement lies a deep understanding of musical language. In these lessons, Mark
will guide you through a focused exploration of harmony, chord symbols, and melodic
development—equipping you with the tools to reinterpret music in real time.
These skills are not only essential for crafting better arrangements; they also greatly enhance the
expressive potential of both instrumentalists and vocalists.
Saxophone, Double Bass, Bass Guitar, Cuatro, Mandolin, and Guitar
Choose your instrument! These lessons are fully adapted to your current skill level—whether
you’re starting from scratch or continuing from prior experience, Mark will guide you step by
step to help you grow as a musician.
You can explore the genres that interest you most, refine pieces you’re already playing, correct
technical habits, and get answers to your questions. The goal is to sharpen your skills as a
performer and provide you with practical tools and insights to improve your overall mastery of
the instrument.