Mark Maarder, composer

Mark Maarder is an American composer, poet, and soldier. Born in the former Soviet Union, he studied music and literature in Europe and in America, lived in numerous countries, and served in a multitude of places while in the United States Army.

Starting his musical education at the age of six, Mark studied theory of music, piano, and violin with Vladimir Mevius for the next ten years. As a teenager, he moved to the United States, where he studied with Randall Woodfield before starting a long and successful military career.

During his time in the U.S. Army, Mark served in the Special Operations Command, Airborne Infantry, Military Intelligence, and the Foreign Area Officer Corps. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, the Ranger Tab, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and many others.

After leaving the service in the rank of Major, Mark returned to music. During the last few years, he has worked with musicians from all over the world, his compositions have been performed and recorded both in Europe and the United States, and his videos have received millions of views. He is happy to join the concert series as a Composer-in-residence and looks forward to writing for the great musicians of Union Square Suaree!