Meet your instructor

Promethean Studios was founded in 1991 by Mark Black with one goal: to turn our students into musicians, singers, and players using practical methods that maximize their enjoyment without sacrificing the quality of their education. We believe that a personable instructor that gives equal time to music theory and technique create an atmosphere of excellence, accomplishment, and enjoyment. Our teaching methods allow new musicians to learn effectively, so they become quick and thorough students of music. With locations in Plano and Richardson, alongside globally-accessible online lessons, there’s never been an easier time to become a musician at Promethean Studios.

What Makes Our Program Unique?

Mark Black has taught more than six thousand students since 1978. His teaching methods have helped many students become successful in the music field. Both teach and students had a blast learning more about playing instruments and making music.

Mark attended Loyola University in New Orleans as a double major in oboe performance and music composition/theory. He was a member of the Loyola Orchestra, Loyola Jazz Band, Loyola Chorale, and the Loyola Band, as well as several woodwind quintets. He traveled for a year with the contemporary Christian music group Majesty, has led worship for 39 years, and spent 14 years as a music director of various churches. Mark studied privately with Fred Korman, Dr. Pat McCarty, Helen Erb, Dr. William Horne, Michael Carubba, Dr. Thomas West, and others. He has performed in Christian, rock, classical, and jazz ensembles and as a soloist in cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Miami, Minneapolis, New Orleans,New York City, St. Louis, and Washington D.C.

Mark's musical skills include professional performance in guitar, voice, sax, piano, keyboards, bass, flute, oboe, and other instruments, as well as professional composition, arranging, and orchestration. He has taught in seminars, conferences, and led bands throughout the southeast and southwest. He taught applied instruments, voice, theory, conducting, and song writing for 6 years at Christ for the Nations Institute, where he enjoyed teaching students from dozens of countries. The diverse students came from countries such as Bhutan, Iceland, Japan, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, and Switzerland. While there, Mark was also the instrumental director and led the orchestra. With his extensive career and knowledge, Mark can improve the musical skills of just about anyone. You bring the passion, and he’ll bring the lessons.