Jazz Pianist, Bandleader, Composer, Educator, and Author

photo by Nathan Berry

NOW OFFERING ONLINE LESSONS VIA ZOOM!

Hello Friends,

Welcome to my website, where you can learn about my upcoming performances and events. I've been performing as a jazz pianist for over 40 years and have had the great privilege of working with legends such as Gary Bartz, Benny Golson, Slide Hampton, Tom Harrell, Jimmy Heath, Brian Lynch, Charles McPherson, Frank Morgan, and Phil Woods, among others. 

I'm the co-founder and artistic director of the Milwaukee Jazz Institute (MJI), which promotes jazz education and performance for all ages. Please visit our website (www.milwaukeejazzinstitute.org) to learn about the exciting events, classes, ensembles, workshops, and concerts we offer. 

I'm pleased to be entering my third year on the faculty at Northern Illinois University (NIU) teaching jazz piano, jazz theory, and jazz history to undergraduate and graduate students. It's an honor to be part of this outstanding program.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope to hear from you. Keep music in your life!

Best regards,
Mark

Join my mailing list to find out about upcoming performances.

The Jazz Piano Method Books - Over 34,000 Copies Sold Worldwide!

 

PURCHASE HERE
Jazz Piano Method Book 1
by Mark Davis The Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Method Book 1 is a comprehensive and easy-to-use guide designed for anyone interested in playing jazz piano from the complete novice just learning the basics to the more advanced player who wishes to enhance their keyboard vocabulary. There are lots of fun progressions and licks for you to play and absorb. The accompanying audio includes demonstrations of all the examples in the book! Topics include essential theory, chords and voicings, improvisation ideas, structure and forms, scales and modes, rhythm basics, interpreting a lead sheet, playing solos, and much more!

 

PURCHASE HERE
Jazz Piano Method Book 2
by Mark Davis The Hal Leonard Jazz Piano Method Book 2 is a detailed, easy-to-use guide for anyone interested in furthering their jazz piano skills. There are many harmonic concepts, useful licks, and comping techniques for you to absorb. The accompanying audio includes demonstrations of all the examples in the book. Includes: harmonic exercises; melodic vocabulary; chord progressions and substitutions; melodic minor scale theory; locked-hands style; drop-two voicings; stride; walking bass lines; Latin styles; modern sounds; and much more!

 

Click here to listen to a radio interview about the Jazz Piano Method. UPDATE: Mark is now the artistic director of the Milwaukee Jazz Institute (MJI) and is no longer affiliated with WCM as mentioned in the interview.

Endorsements for the Books
"Mark Davis introduced me to jazz and gave me an irreplaceable foundation and knowledge of this music. With this comprehensive book, he provides everyone with that same opportunity to learn from a true master of jazz piano tradition and one of the greatest educators of our time. I highly recommend this book to both beginner and advanced players."  – Dan Nimmer, pianist with Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra

"This is a powerhouse of a book--a real 'owner's manual' for the jazz piano mind. Mark Davis presents the essential material in easily digestible packets, each building on the last, and as a whole building on the concepts from the first book. I'll be referring both beginning and intermediate students to this course." – Geoffey Keezer, multiple Grammy©-nominated pianist (has worked with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Chris Botti, Ray Brown, Art Farmer, Benny Golson, Joe Locke, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, David Sanborn, Wayne Shorter, Sting, and others)

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE BIG BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH A LITTLE SWING!

There's nothing quite like the sound of a big band during the holidays!

Join Milwaukee Jazz Institute (MJI) for an afternoon or evening of festive music as the MJI Big Band brings its signature sound to the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Featuring an all-star lineup of some of the region's finest jazz musicians, this special holiday concert puts a fresh, soulful, and swinging spin on the seasonal favorites you know and love.

From the rich harmonies of the saxophones to the bright sounds of the brass and the irresistible rhythms that make you want to tap your feet, the MJI Big Band brings the music to life with the artistry and energy of live jazz.

Whether you're a long-time jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season, this concert offers something for everyone. Bring your family, gather your friends, and enjoy the warmth of the holidays and celebrate the season Milwaukee style… and with plenty of swing!

Shows at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM - click below to get tickets through the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (MPAC) Get tickets for the 2:00 PM matinee: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07006563A35E40A3

Get Tickets for the 7:30 PM evening show: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07006563A3594091

View MPAC event details: https://www.marcuscenter.org/event/mji-holiday-big-band-concert/

MJI Big Band Features:

Donna Woodall-vocals

Jason Gillette-alto sax & director

Emmet Fettig-alto sax

Sam Fettig-tenor sax

Jason Goldsmith-tenor sax

Mike Pauers-bari sax

John Schipper-trumpet

Gabriel Wade-trumpet

Miles Franklin Smith-trumpet

Joe Niemann-trumpet

Steve Wiest-trombone

Darren Sterud-trombone

Kyle Samuelson-trombone

Mark Hoelscher-bass trombone

Paul Silbergleit-guitar

Mark Davis-piano

Jeff Hamann-bass

Dave Bayles-drums

Share

MILWAUKEE JAZZ INSTITUTE BIG BAND HOLIDAY CONCERT

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH A LITTLE SWING!

There's nothing quite like the sound of a big band during the holidays!

Join Milwaukee Jazz Institute (MJI) for an afternoon or evening of festive music as the MJI Big Band brings its signature sound to the Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Featuring an all-star lineup of some of the region's finest jazz musicians, this special holiday concert puts a fresh, soulful, and swinging spin on the seasonal favorites you know and love.

From the rich harmonies of the saxophones to the bright sounds of the brass and the irresistible rhythms that make you want to tap your feet, the MJI Big Band brings the music to life with the artistry and energy of live jazz.

Whether you're a long-time jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable way to celebrate the season, this concert offers something for everyone. Bring your family, gather your friends, and enjoy the warmth of the holidays and celebrate the season Milwaukee style… and with plenty of swing!

Shows at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM - click below to get tickets through the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts (MPAC) Get tickets for the 2:00 PM matinee: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07006563A35E40A3

Get Tickets for the 7:30 PM evening show: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07006563A3594091

View MPAC event details: https://www.marcuscenter.org/event/mji-holiday-big-band-concert/

MJI Big Band Features:

Donna Woodall-vocals

Jason Gillette-alto sax & director

Emmet Fettig-alto sax

Sam Fettig-tenor sax

Jason Goldsmith-tenor sax

Mike Pauers-bari sax

John Schipper-trumpet

Gabriel Wade-trumpet

Miles Franklin Smith-trumpet

Joe Niemann-trumpet

Steve Wiest-trombone

Darren Sterud-trombone

Kyle Samuelson-trombone

Mark Hoelscher-bass trombone

Paul Silbergleit-guitar

Mark Davis-piano

Jeff Hamann-bass

Dave Bayles-drums

Share
For booking or lesson information contact:
Mark Davis · (414) 350-5047
Go to the contact page to send an email.