Mark Kroos

Growing up in Lansing, Michigan, Mark Kroos was prone to seasonal depression, acne and awkwardness. He found solace in music. At 16, Mark was introduced to the work of Michael Hedges. This guided him down a listening path of other ground-breaking guitarists like Tommy Emmanuel, Don Ross and Andy McKee. When Mark first heard pianist George Winston's album, “December,” he was astonished at the emotion, the passion, polyphony…and Mark was inspired to look at the guitar as if it were a piano, adopting exercises to increase hand independence. In 2009, Mark bought his first double neck guitar with the intention of playing both necks simultaneously. Through hours of practice, determination, the influence of his role models and the sheer joy of creating, Mark found his style, which is most characterized by compositions like "All God's Children Have Wings" or "Pedals Press the Floor." Piano influence also brought a softer side to Mark’s music. His album, "Clarity" is a relaxing, contemplative and meditative journey recorded in 432 hz tuning. Mark was the winner of Guitar Player Magazine’s 2011 Guitar Superstar Competition. He has shared the stage with artists like Phil Keaggy, Calum Graham, Antoine Dufour, Trevor Gordon Hall, Gareth Pearson & Alexandr Misko. Notable concerts include Muriel Anderson’s All Star Guitar Night and the 2020 Acoustic Canvas Festival. Mark has had the pleasure of collaborating with artists Lance Allen, Avery Bright, Judson Hurd and Dylan Ryche.