Mark Levine

Pianist, trombonist, composer, and American educator specialized in jazz. Born in Concord, New Hampshire, he developed a distinguished career as a performer and teacher. He played with jazz greats like Mongo Santamaría, Cal Tjader, Woody Shaw, and Joe Henderson, blending traditional jazz with elements of Latin music.

Levine is widely known for his educational books, especially The Jazz Piano Book and The Jazz Theory Book, considered fundamental texts in the training of jazz musicians worldwide. These works deeply address topics such as modern harmony, improvisation, modes, reharmonization, and advanced chord structures, and are valued for their clarity, rigor, and practical approach.

In addition to his career as an author, Levine was a professor at institutions like the Jazzschool (California Jazz Conservatory) and San Francisco State University, where he helped shape several generations of musicians. His style combined solid technique with great melodic expressiveness. Mark Levine left a lasting legacy in jazz education, being remembered for both his music and his dedication to teaching the fundamentals of the genre.

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