Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Lynch.
Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Mark Lynch, a saxophonist originally from South Africa. I was born in Johannesburg but grew up in a city called East London. I found music the my grandfather’s love of jazz artists like Louis Armstrong and Nathan King Cole. This lead me to jump at the opportunity to play an instrument when asked in 2nd grade. Although it was my idea to pursue trumpet, it was the saxophone the became my path from then onwards. Fast forward through the years, after being exposed to and obsessed with music I could t see myself studying anything else. I then earned my bachelor’s and masters degree in saxophone performance from the university of Stellenbosch, in the western cape of South Africa. It was during my graduate degree that I interviewed Dr Michael Shults, the professor of applied saxophone at the University of Memphis, during which I inquired about taking online lessons with him. Dr Shults the suggested I audition at the school to pursue my Doctoral Degree in Saxophone performance, and long story short, that is how I got to Memphis all the way from South Africa, and I couldn’t be more grateful for it. It has been one of, if not the most, impactful events of my life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life is always full of obstacles, and everyone faces challenges daily. But as the great stoics say, ‘the obstacle is the way’. The journey of earning something worth having is usually first started on a difficult path. Before I speak in abstractions for too long, there have been some challenges. Some administrative, like managing finances and offsetting the exchange rate from South African rands to US dollars, adjusting to the differences of culture and interpersonal dynamics, to personal, like building a network and investing time with friends. The road to Memphis presented many challenges. From life, to loss, to cherished people and the distance currently between us. However, I am grateful for my Memphian friends, colleagues and professors. They say a good friend is the best defence against life, and I am grateful to those who have kept me sane and provided impactful company and comfort. Thanks to Alex, JP, Rebecca and of course, Brendan (Who definitely still needs to practice his pickleball skills). Above all else, without my Father’s support, none of this would be possible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a saxophonist from south Africa. I’m currently pursuing my Doctoral Degree (DMA) in music performance at the university of Memphis under the the tutelage of Dr Michael Shults.
My passion is pursuing the saxophone in both classical and jazz art worlds within music and this has led me to share musical moments in all sorts of scenarios.
Besides being a graduate assistant in the saxophone studio (which has some of the most talented and hard-working saxophonists I have ever encountered) at the university of Memphis and pursuing my DMA.
One of my proudest achievements is being a part of the award winning South African Jazz group, the Sun Quintet. We started our group together in Stellenbosch, and won the 2023 Stellenbosch National ensemble competition, which led to us recording our debut album titled ‘Embrace the path’. This album won ‘Best Jazz Album’ at the 2024 Mzantsi Jazz awards and one of the tracks inside titled ‘Makhathini’ named after the great Jazz pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, won the award for ‘Best Jazz Song’
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Persistence, perseverance and absolute self-honesty. If I don’t know something, I want to find ways to learn more and developed my knowledge pool. Self development, while focussed on improving our own qualities, also serves those around us. I want to be in an environment where I feel like I can contribute as much as I am absorbing.
I once asked one of my previous teachers why they chose to educate. And there response was along the lines of: ‘over the years, one gains a wealth of knowledge through lessons and experience, it is not our job to hoard this, but to pass it on just like those who passed it on to you.’
Pricing:
- No pricing, but feel free to check out ‘Embrace the Path’ by the Sun Quintet on all streaming platforms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.markmichaellynch.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marklynchsax?igsh=MTBkMm1sYzE1eGhodA==
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/album/1m9qcUkHSUHMaVlfzd4SOW?si=urzP82HWSsCoEEhBw64FIQ
