Mark Nowakowski began experimenting with sound at an early age. A native of Chicago, he is currently a Professional Studies Student in Composition at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studies with Margaret Brouwer. Mark is also the composer-in-residence for the Canton Symphony Orchestra, and recently received a commission from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Previously, he earned an M.M. in Composition from the University of Colorado, where he studied with Daniel Kellogg, John Drumheller, and Michael Theodore. He completed his initial studies at Illinois State University, graduating with honors in both Music Composition and Arts Technology, studying with Steven Taylor, Jim Boitos, and David Feurzeig.
The son of Polish immigrants, Mark's music derives its philosophical influences from the interplay between his Polish and American upbringings as well as the dynamics of a bicultural existence. In addition, he is deeply influenced by the long history of Roman Catholic Mysticism, always seeking the transcendent elements which must be present in truly useful art. A strong believer in the power of art and cultural education, he has taught at every level, dedicating his free time to promoting educational experiences in the interrelated fields of music, faith, and culture.