Mark Mazzatenta

Performer • Composer


ABOUT
AUDITION
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PERFORMANCES
CDs
ARCHIVED NEWS

Mark Mazzatenta is among the cherished few musicians to excel in both the jazz and classical worlds as performer and composer. He earned his M.M. at Florida State University in 1987 and began teaching at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where he heads the guitar program and teaches Jazz Appreciation. Mr. Mazzatenta's concerts feature contemporary and original music--everything from solo classical guitar pieces to improvisatory electric guitar synthesizer. He also performs in a duo with twin brother Michael on piano/harpsichord/keys. Mark's favorite musicians include John Williams, the Assad Duo, Pat Metheny, Allan Holdsworth, and Paul Winter.  Mark has played in workshops with Teri Lyne Carrington, Fred Wesley, Byron Stripling, and Robin Eubanks, played with Mike Stern and performed concerts as a guest musician with Chris and Dan Brubeck. You can read his article "Expanding Your Horizons with Horizontal Scales" in the Winter/Spring 2001 issue of Soundboard magazine. See below for information on booking and CDs. 


Mark with Mike Stern in February 2006

AUDITION INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE GUITAR MAJORS

If you are thinking of auditioning to become a guitar major in the UNCG School of Music, here is some useful information:

For a student desiring the traditional (classical) performance degree:
1) most auditionees have had at least 1-2 years of lessons with a classical teacher to prepare for the audition.
2) the audition consists of classical music played on a classical guitar (fingerstyle. No pick).
3) self-taught guitarists will probably not pass the audition.  I know this is a generalization, but the audition panel will be evaluating things like: correct sitting position, left and right hand positions,  and tone from the right hand fingernails.  These are specialized techniques which require a teacher's guidance.
4) play at least 2 pieces from the standard beginning classical repertoire.  This might include pieces by Sor, Carcassi, J.S. Bach, etc.  We may also ask to hear a Major scale of your choice (at least 2 octaves).  You will be given a short sight-reading example during your audition.

For a student desiring the jazz studies performance degree:
1) you will have 2 auditions: 1 classical (see above requirements), and 1 electric
2) choose at least 2 tunes from the standard jazz repertoire.  On one tune, play the melody, then chords, then improvising.  (You can use a play-a-long CD).  On the other tune,  play it in a solo, fingerstyle manner (playing melody and chords together like a pianist).   We may also ask to hear some modal scales.  You will be given a short sight-reading example during your audition.
3) bring a guitar cord; we will provide an amplifier.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

"Orange Light," the second CD by MAZZJAZZ, is now available for $10.  (See below for inquiring by email.)  It is a simply-produced ("just the band playing live, no overdubs") trio project with 2 special gtr/pno duets included.  The tunes definitely stray from the usual song formats in jazz, but are very melodic.

PERFORMANCES


L-R: Dan Brubeck, Chris Brubeck, John Salmon, Craig Whittaker, Mark Mazzatenta

I am now playing a solo jazz guitar gig every Friday from 6:30-9:30pm at the Greensboro Country Club.  If you are a member, come to the dining room on Fridays!

Dec 10, 2006
Jazz Nativity concert, Starmount Presbyterian Church, (3501 W. Market St, Greensboro)
10am, FREE

Seeing double?

The Mazzatenta Duo plays classical and jazz music by Claude Bolling, John McLaughlin, Manuel Ponce, Charlie Parker.
Also featured are originals by both Mazzatentas.

Click here to listen to the Duo in Calming Touch from the MAZZJAZZ Orange Light album.

Mark Mazzatenta and the Mazzatenta Duo are available for concerts and workshops.

For booking information:
Mark Mazzatenta
(336)334-4065
mamazzat@uncg.edu

MARK MAZZATENTA & MAZZJAZZ CDs

Dream of the Immigrant

An original film score for solo classical guitar.
Melodic with a Spanish/Folk style. Very Relaxing. 

Click here to listen to Mariuzza's Dream from
Dream of the Immigrant

From Sunrise to Sunset

Incredible sound textures from the Roland GR-30 electric guitar
synthesizer. Original music with some improvisation.

Click here to listen to from sunrise to sunset from
From Sunrise to Sunset

The Balance

Original modern jazz. An electric/acoustic band
playing a wide variety of styles.

Click here to listen to Sunset Clouds from The Balance

Orange Light

Second CD from MAZZJAZZ.

Click here to listen to Freeland from Orange Light

 
 


TO PURCHASE CDs:

Please send all inquiries/orders to Mr. Mazzatenta's email: mamazzat@uncg.edu


ARCHIVED NEWS

Fall 2002
"The Balance" is Mark's new jazz recording.  There are 10 original tunes covering a wide range of styles. ($15)

"I wanted to get away from the traditional ways of writing jazz tunes," says Mark in describing his latest CD, "The Balance."

He continues, "There is a lot of variety on this recording--which I love. I used different combinations of instruments, different beats, and the guitar synthesizer to give each song its own personality. I avoided the "AABA/head-solo-head" approach on most tunes. You'll hear touches of Metheny, Holdsworth, and Scofield here and there, but hopefully some unique ideas of mine will emerge, too!"

The band consists of Steve Haines (acoustic bass), Wolfgang Planz (electric bass), John Wilson (drums), Seth Carper (saxes), and special guest Michael Mazzatenta (piano).  "I'm really proud of the band's performance--the recording was made with the entire band playing at once (NO overdubs) and everyone played their parts just right--I love the combination of precision and freshness that was captured."

" ..Congratulations. The compositions are all so creative and each have a character of their own; and your playing (and the band) is great." --Gene Bertoncini, internationally famous jazz guitar veteran

" ..a splendid new recording." --Jim Steele, host of "Jazz Place" (WFDD, 88.5 FM, Fridays from 8-11pm)

UNCG School of Music