• Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Original String Master
• International Recording Artist
• World-Renowned Electric Violinist
• Award-Winning Composer
• Music Education Advocate

Mark Wood’s dexterity, ferocity, texture, and attack of playing almost invariably lead to comparisons with some of the rock era’s most renowned guitarists. Comparisons, however, cannot come close to capturing the electricity, passion, and innovation exhibited in all his unique music.

In an industry where originality is a highly prized commodity, recording artist, performer, producer, inventor, Emmy award-winning composer, and music education advocate Mark Wood is truly an original. Mark Wood has spent the past four decades electrifying the orchestra industry – literally. Dubbed The Eddie Van Halen of the Violin World by PBS, Wood is the premier electric violinist of his generation who pioneered and innovated the entire genre.

Wood is a world-renowned performer who rose to fame as original string master of the internationally acclaimed multi-platinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A successful solo artist in his own right, he tours with his band The Mark Wood Trans-Siberian Experience (MWTSE) which features his wife and partner, vocalist Laura Kaye, and has released seven solo albums showcasing his unique approach to the electric violin, playing on his own line of patented instruments. Additionally, he writes and records original music for film and television and has released albums featuring his collections of his dramatic and inspirational scores.

Wood began his career with a full scholarship to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and had the privilege of studying under Maestro Leonard Bernstein at the Tanglewood Music Program. 

Mark’s true passion is music education. His groundbreaking Electrify Your Symphony (EYS) music education program, now celebrating its 25th year, is an immersive workshop and concert series that boosts student self-esteem, fosters creative intelligence, and helps raise much-needed funds to support school music departments. Mark and his team of Artist Mentors visit upwards of 75 schools per year and have worked with thousands of young musicians; raising millions of dollars for the districts who host the program. Since its inception, EYS has been featured on NBC-TV’s The Today Show, CBS Evening News, CBS Morning News, and countless regional media outlets. 

Mark has dedicated his career to providing educators with the opportunity to ignite their students’ passions and to inspire students to open their minds and unlock their potential. His book “Electrify Your Strings: The Mark Wood Improvisational Violin Method” is regarded as the definitive electric violin method book. Wood is passionate about providing educators and students with the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. His curriculum, “Rockin’ Strings,” developed with assistance from Dr. Bob Gillespie from Ohio State University, is changing the way prospective music educators are taught at the college and university level.

In addition to EYS, Wood runs the annual Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp and Festival (MWROC), now in its 16th year, as well as The Mark Wood Music Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting music and the arts in America’s underserved communities.

Wood first turned the string establishment on its head in the early 1970’s with his invention of the first solid body electric violin. His company Wood Violins is the premier manufacturer of electric violins, violas and cellos worldwide, and he holds the patent for the first-ever self-supporting violin. The company stands behind its claim to have made the most important change to the violin in 400 years and is often referred to as the “Stradivarius of electric violins.” Mark’s signature electric violin invention, the Viper, is the instrument of choice for many of the world’s top string players.

In the capacity of composer, Mark started Mark Wood Music Productions, a company which focuses mainly on creating dramatic and inspirational pieces of music for television and film markets (particularly sports productions, network specials, and commercial spots) and has earned Mark a number of impressive video and audio production credits.  

He received his Emmy award for music he composed for CBS-TV’s coverage of the 2002 Tour de France bicycle race and has been nominated twice before for music for the Winter Olympics on CBS-TV and a documentary for ABC-TV. Most recently, Mark won Best Music Video in the 2024 Cannes World Film Festival and Prestigious Music Video Award in the 2024 IndieFEST Film Awards.

In addition to his continued solo and commission work, Wood has collaborated with and appeared alongside some of the biggest names in music such as Billy Joel, Celine Dion, and Lenny Kravitz. Wood had the honor of performing with the legendary Billy Joel for both historic final concerts at Shea stadium, sharing the stage with Paul McCartney, Steven Tyler, and Roger Daltry. He also starred in a national Pepsi TV commercial and has appeared on the world’s most venerable stages including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Madison Square Garden. His commission credits include The Juilliard School and extensive TV broadcast music including The Winter Olympics and The Tour de France (for which he won his Emmy). He is featured in his own TED talk, and his YouTube channel has over 7 million views.

Mark Wood has proven himself a man of ideas, action and results. Showing no signs of slowing down, the multi-faceted visionary continues to write, perform, record, invent and inspire. As a matter of fact, Mark Wood is just getting started. 

Connect with Mark on socials:
Website: markwoodmusic.com
Facebook: @markwoodmusic
Instagram/TikTok: @markwoodexperience