MARK CRUZ
As a composer and arranger, Mr. Cruz is published by Mel Bay, Clearnote, Shawnee Press and Soundboard. He was the first prize-winner of the Austin Classical Guitar sponsored composition competition in 2006, '07, '08, '10 and '17. He has received several commissions from large institutions, DMA students and private artists. Mr. Cruz's Triptych No. 1 for solo guitar has been performed internationally by guitar virtuoso, Adam Holzman. Such notable artists as Presti Trio, TXGQ, Austin Guitar Quartet, Kossler Duo and the Hanser/McClellan Duo have also performed his work in addition to numerous high schools and universities across the US and abroad. Several of his pieces are included in the state of Texas UIL prescribed music list (PML). As a performer, Cruz placed 1st in the 2022 Indiana State Fingerstyle Competition and in the 2013 Winfield International Fingerstyle Competition. He has been a feature artist at many important guitar festivals across Texas as a performer, teacher, and lecturer. He has performed concerti with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Five of Cruz's CDs have been featured on the nationally syndicated radio program, Classical Guitar Alive. Two of his all-original CDs received positive reviews in the scholarly periodical, Soundboard.Mr. Cruz has been professor of guitar at Texas State University - San Marcos since 1999 and resides in San Marcos, TX with his family.