Faculty Profile for Mark A Cruz
Mark A Cruz
Professor of Instruction — School of Music
MUS 248
phone: (512) 245-3398
Biography Section
Biography and Education
Mark Anthony Cruz is represented by many important national publishers in addition to managing his own company, MAC Publications. He was the first prize-winner of the Austin Classical Guitar Society sponsored composition competition in 2006, '07, ’08, ‘10 and '17. He has received several commissions from large institutions, DMA students and private artists. Mr. Cruz’s Triptych for solo guitar has been performed internationally by guitar virtuoso, Adam Holzman. Such notable artists as Presti Trio, TxGQ and the Hanser/McClellan Duo have also performed his work in addition to numerous high schools and universities across the country and abroad. Cruz placed 1st in the 2013 Winfield International Fingerstyle Competition. He has been a feature artist at many important guitar festivals across Texas as a performer and lecturer. Five of Cruz's CDs have been featured on the internationally syndicated radio program Classical Guitar Alive. Two of his all-original Cds received positive reviews in the scholarly periodical, Soundboard.Selected Scholarly/Creative Work
- Soloist and Collaborative.
December 23, 2023.
Performances:
- Woodstock Christmas Guitar Night. Woodstock Opera House, Woodstock, Illinois.
- Concerto Soloist, Concerto in D by Vivaldi.
October 7, 2023.
Performances:
- Starlight Orchestra Concert. October 7, 2023 Hays Performing Arts Center, Kyle, TX.
- Soloist and Collaborative.
July 28, 2023.
Performances:
- Indiana State Fingerstyle Guitar Festival. July 28, 2023 Brown County Playhouse, Nashville, Indiana.
- Concerto Soloist, Concerto in D by Antonio Vivaldi.
May 13, 2023.
Performances:
- Smart Orchestra Concert. May 13, 2023 First Baptist Church, San Marcos, TX.
- Soloist.
March 25, 2023.
Performances:
- Hill Country Classical Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition. March 25, 2023 TXST School of Music, San Marcos, TX.
Selected Service Activities
Guest Director
November 30, 2023-December 1, 2023
Adjudicator
Indiana Fingerstyle Guitar Competition
July 29, 2023
Coordinator / Organizer
Hill Country Classical Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition
March 24, 2023-March 25, 2023
Participant
Public Relations Committee
September 9, 2019-Present
Member
Upper-Level Performance Interview Committee
October 10, 2015-Present