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.
Featured scholarly/creative works
- Clinician and Guest Director, Austin High School Region Guitar Concert Event.
November 11, 2025.
Performances:
- Austin High School Region Guitar Event. November 11, 2025 Austin AISD Performing Arts Center, Austin, TX.
- Guitar Quartet Arrangements of Eight Popular Songs from the 70's. October 24, 2025, Classical Guitar Quartet.
- Clinician, Adjudicator, Masterclass teacher/faculty, Soloist, Houston Classical Guitar Festival.
June 9, 2025 - June 14, 2025.
Performances:
- Houston Classical Guitar Festival. June 9, 2025 - June 14, 2025 St. Philip Presbyterian Church, Houston, TX.
- Cruz, M. A. (2025). Rhapsody Waltz. Lévis, Quebec, Canada: Les Production d’Oz.
- Director, 2025 Hill Country Classical Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition.
March 28, 2025 - March 29, 2025.
Performances:
- Hill Country Guitar Festival. March 28, 2025 - March 29, 2025 TXST University School of Music, San Marcos, TX.
Featured service activities
- Clinician
Professional Development at Corpus Cristi ISD
- Coordinator / Organizer
2024 Hill Country Classical Guitar Festival and Competition
- Other
- Adjudicator
Indiana Fingerstyle Guitar Competition
- Coordinator / Organizer
Hill Country Classical Guitar Ensemble Festival and Competition
- Participant
Public Relations Committee