Mark Stone

Mark Stone, one of the most renowned players of the bodhran, has performed and taught with many of today’s top Irish musicians across the United States and in Canada. 

Mark began his professional music career at the age of fifteen, playing keyboards in local dance bands and doing studio work. He later focused his attention on Irish music, playing ceili piano. His knowledge of chord movement and structure has been transferred to the bodhran, resulting in a unique blend of rhythm and tones that has established Mark as a top player in this country. He has a reputation as an accompanist with a subtle touch that can bring about a sense of power when the tune warrants it.  

As a teacher, Mark has taught workshops and master classes across the continent. He has taught for many years at the Augusta Heritage Center’s “Irish Week” in Elkins, WV, The Swannanoa Gathering’s “Celtic Week” in Asheville, NC, and The Mississippi River Celtic Music Festival’s “Tionol” in St. Louis along with classes in Nova Scotia, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Dallas. Mark teaches both beginning and intermediate/advanced classes specializing in techniques involving the use of both hands to fully explore all of the intricacies of a tune with the ultimate goal of “playing” the tune along with the lead instruments.  

Mark Stone got his start in Irish music with the All-Ireland winning band, St. James’s Gate. He is best known for his work with renowned Irish fiddler James Kelly and guitarist Zan McLeod. Mark’s recording credits include James Kelly’s critically-acclaimed solo fiddle album for Capelhouse Records and with the group Ceoltiori on their award-winning Women of Ireland CD for Maggie’s Music Records. Mark produced “The Curlews” for Irish hammer dulcimer player Cliff Moses (www.cliffmoses.com). 

Mark is a college physics professor who also plays the accordion, often sitting in with Czech and German polka bands.