Mark Richardson started playing piano by ear at 9 before deciding to enroll in drum lessons at 11 years old.  He continued to be self taught at piano for the next 10 years or so, since he was writing music on early midi software, just playing around and exploring. 

In 5th grade he joined the school music programs on percussion where he played drum set, concert percussion and mallets.  Being in the band, the bells and mallets really helped him further his self-study on piano as it has a keyboard layout.  Αs a high schooler he would continue in the school ensembles, but also join community bands, starting with the Belchertown Community band, in the percussion section playing alongside adults (retired musicians, teachers and long time hobbyists). He stayed with them for over 20 years. 

Mark studied at Holyoke Community College in the Music Performance programs as a percussion principal leaving with his Certification in Percussion Performance. During this time he finally enrolled in formal piano classes, deciding to learn proper technique and improve his skills in a more formal capacity. He would play in multiple ensembles including Percussion Ensembles, as accompanists for the schools guitar ensembles and others, and the Holyoke Civic Symphony on percussion and mallets, which he continued for 14 years.  After college, he also joined the Ludlow Community Band for 4 years and the Valley Light Opera in the pit orchestra percussion section for 10 years.

As keyboardist for the metal band, Vacant Eyes, Mark toured all over New England and Maryland performing at events such as Death Fest in Baltimore, MD and RPM (Rock, Punk, Metal) Fest in Massachusetts. He remained with the band for 6 years until his move to Florida, when he stopped performing, but remained on as a songwriter with the group.  Mark also performed as drummer and keys in another metal band ECHOS which toured around MA and CT for about 2-3 years and as drummer for Vanguard Disaster, a rock & pop/punk band. 

Heavily focused on performance, he never really thought about teaching until his orchestra and band mates over the years would see how much he would help other musicians, lending a hand with his knowledge. Numerous people told him he should try teaching, so he did.  Mark started teaching at Falcetti Music and found the experience exceptionally rewarded, but allowed him to grow so much as a musician himself.  He taught for 5 years before moving to Florida in 2022. After settling down, he found the Rock box and has been teaching here since 2023.  

With years of performing under his belt,  Mark’s goal for all his students is to encourage utilizing all their creativity, all while being strong at the fundamentals and a confident music reader.

Mark Richardson started playing piano by ear at 9 before deciding to enroll in drum lessons at 11 years old.  He continued to be self taught at piano for the next 10 years or so, since he was writing music on early midi software, just playing around and exploring. 

In 5th grade he joined the school music programs on percussion where he played drum set, concert percussion and mallets.  Being in the band, the bells and mallets really helped him further his self-study on piano as it has a keyboard layout.  Αs a high schooler he would continue in the school ensembles, but also join community bands, starting with the Belchertown Community band, in the percussion section playing alongside adults (retired musicians, teachers and long time hobbyists). He stayed with them for over 20 years. 

Mark studied at Holyoke Community College in the Music Performance programs as a percussion principal leaving with his Certification in Percussion Performance. During this time he finally enrolled in formal piano classes, deciding to learn proper technique and improve his skills in a more formal capacity. He would play in multiple ensembles including Percussion Ensembles, as accompanists for the schools guitar ensembles and others, and the Holyoke Civic Symphony on percussion and mallets, which he continued for 14 years.  After college, he also joined the Ludlow Community Band for 4 years and the Valley Light Opera in the pit orchestra percussion section for 10 years.

As keyboardist for the metal band, Vacant Eyes, Mark toured all over New England and Maryland performing at events such as Death Fest in Baltimore, MD and RPM (Rock, Punk, Metal) Fest in Massachusetts. He remained with the band for 6 years until his move to Florida, when he stopped performing, but remained on as a songwriter with the group.  Mark also performed as drummer and keys in another metal band ECHOS which toured around MA and CT for about 2-3 years and as drummer for Vanguard Disaster, a rock & pop/punk band. 

Heavily focused on performance, he never really thought about teaching until his orchestra and band mates over the years would see how much he would help other musicians, lending a hand with his knowledge. Numerous people told him he should try teaching, so he did.  Mark started teaching at Falcetti Music and found the experience exceptionally rewarded, but allowed him to grow so much as a musician himself.  He taught for 5 years before moving to Florida in 2022. After settling down, he found the Rock box and has been teaching here since 2023.  

With years of performing under his belt,  Mark’s goal for all his students is to encourage utilizing all their creativity, all while being strong at the fundamentals and a confident music reader.