Mark Gubler: Congratulations!!!

I want to recognize a couple of outstanding students who placed in this year's USU Spring Piano Festival.

A big congratulations to:

Thatcher Ellis - who received TWO second place awards. One in the method book division, and the other in the Baroque/Classic/20th Century division.

Micah Stephenson - who received an honorable mention in the method book division.

Well done to both of you!!! I am so proud of you!

There are a few other outstanding students and performers in my studio who did not end up placing. You know who you are. I want you to know that I'm proud of you as well! Keep working hard and hopefully we can get you some recognition next year!

About Mark

Mark's musical journey began in St. George, Utah at the young age of 3. His early studies were guided by the loving Charnell Manson who, until his early teenage years, brought out the love he has for music. At age 13 his talent and outstanding musicianship became manifest as he studied with Dr. Lynn Dean of St. George. Under Dr. Dean's mentorship he began to see his true potential, and the difference he could make as he strived to achieve it. He won many performance awards during his teenage years, including the honor of performing in the Roy L. Halversen Young Artist Concert with the "Orchestra of Southern Utah" (2006), and stole the show in the "South West Symphony’s" Salute to Youth (2007). Mark took leave from his piano studies to serve a 2 year mission for the LDS church in Toronto, Canada where he continued to serve others. Mark earned his Bachelor's Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy in the Spring of 2015. He has the honor of studying with world renowned piano pedagogue, Professor Gary Amano. Mark received USU's Youth Conservatory Teacher of the Year award in 2014, and the Edward McCallson Memorial Award in 2015. He is working hard toward a Masters Degree in Piano Performance and Pedagogy at USU. Above all else, is his desire to help others reach their full potential while striving to achieve his own.