Colleague
Accolades:

MICHAEL LEHMANN BODDICKER
synthesist, composer

LARRY A. HOPKINS
sound designer, composer at Formosa Group

CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON-BAZZOLI
composer, orchestrator

KATHERINE SVISTOONOFF
pianist, lecturer

GEORGE RADAI
bassist, engineer

LEO CHELYAPOV
clarinetist, composer

JAY ALAN
songwriter

I worked with Mark V Sheldon on many music projects over the years. Mark is truly a gifted songwriter, composer/arranger, and an all-around highly gifted technical savant. He is a professional Pro Tools instructor who can get you up and running and where you want to be quickly. Many of his past students are now working professional music jobs. I highly recommend hiring him if you are interested in any of the many services he offers. His past student and client success rate speaks for itself. He sets the highest standards when it comes to your success. Mark is a rare commodity who can teach, compose, engineer, and inspire.

ANDRE BARRETTO
sound technician at Skywalker Sound

TIM MOURE
(TIMUR MURTUZAEV)
bassist, composer

MVS TIM MOURE

POWERMAN M.C.
producer, artist, record label owner

I am a friend and fan of Mark V Sheldon. He is an incredibly talented music producer and composer with an extremely high IQ as an engineer of sound —  so much so that he became a teacher at the music school, LA Recording Workshop/School. I am a proud colleague  of Mark V, also known as the artist Havoc Razor in the USA and internationally for music soundtracks. I must say, few can master as many instruments as Mark V and teach music with a down-to-earth understanding.

Client Accolades:

JEAN M.
Pro Tools

Mark V Sheldon is THEE Go-To-Guy-For-PRO-TOOLS!!! This guy knows everything about PT and is excellent at trouble-shooting any issues. Whether you’re dealing with equipment glitches, learning PT or something else… Mark helps you figure out everything. And believe me, SO much can come up while working with PT!  Just save yourself a lot of painstaking headaches and work with Mark to get it right.

LORI B.
accordion

To say that Mark is a musical genius would be a gross understatement. It is incredible how he can just play whatever, and makes it so easy for me to follow along. I have had many music lessons in my life, but never with a teacher who was so much fun, and made things so easy. I was apprehensive about learning the accordion, but he’s showing me how to rock my inner weirdo and enjoy the process of learning an instrument that is not very common. Mark, you are amazing, and you will be my teacher for a long time to come (it’s cheaper than therapy)!

KIM P.
synthesizer

I’m excited to begin my adventures in synthesis with Mark! Had our first lesson today and got some good recommendations on where to start. Next I just need to pick up a synth and get going 🙂

ELINA M.
composition & arrangement

I like Mark’s approach in teaching, he gives a lot of useful information within the time of the lesson, and it keeps me busy until the next lesson. I love the classes!

CHAD S.
Pro Tools

Mark is among the most caring, inspiring, and engaging instructors with  whom I’ve worked (and I’ve studied with quite a few, having earned a  PhD. in music composition).  He has an encyclopedic knowledge of music, production, and technology.  As well, he’s quite a talented musician. Most importantly, Mark values and honors the aims and creative  contributions of his students.  His intent, truly, is to make you better at what you do. To that end, I can’t think of a better instructor.

JORDEL
piano

Mark V. was great. He knew how to keep class fun and engaging. He truly cares and teaches piano in a way that is intuitive and can be applied to more than one instrument.

IRWIN
harmonica

I’ve taken several lessons from Mark and he has taught me harmonica basics and the “secret” methods of the great harmonica musicians. The lesson time flies by so I know I’m enjoying his teaching expertise. My harmonica playing ability has improved 1000% with the help of Mark!

STEVE L.
accordion

A very gifted instructor. I have been taking lessons from Mark for over 4 months now. I really enjoy the classes. Mark is very consistent and patient. He never gets upset or critical, other than to tell you what you are doing wrong, which I appreciate. I have learned a lot and on my way to playing some conventional music. The hardest thing to me has been learning the techniques of playing 2 different keyboards with different hands. Mark uses melodies and exercises to allow for the development of the techniques required. It really makes learning the accordion unique in that regard. Training your hands, your ears and your brain is challenging but fun and Mark is the best teacher for this by all means.

EDWARD J.
Pro Tools

Mark is an amazing instructor. He is a master at Pro Tools and has fun, intuitive memory tricks to help you navigate Pro Tools efficiently and effectively. Not only is he great at Pro Tools, but he has a lot of experience in all facets of music production. He certainly has a lot of interesting anecdotes related to any of the music topics at hand. He is extremely knowledgeable, yet he breaks down complicated concepts into something that anyone can understand (and more importantly remember). I really enjoyed the time I spent with Mark. I strongly encourage you to sign up for lessons with him. You’ll learn not only about the topic at hand, but also gain an interesting perspective on things you wouldn’t have thought of before.

TIM B.
accordion

Mark has been an excellent teacher. Although I haven’t played the accordion very long, my steady improvement, following his lessons, has been very enjoyable. I can feel my confidence building as well. I’m looking forward to continued progress with Mark.

NIKOLAIS
piano

My nine year old son was very excited in his first class and liked Mark’s method to teach music. We are looking forward to this wonderful experience.

DANIEL L.
Pro Tools

Mark is the best at what he does. I took a Pro Tools class with him and left feeling like a master. His hands-on teaching style is unbeatable.

STEPHEN
Pro Tools

Phenomenal experience. Mark is not only a consummate expert when it comes to Pro Tools, he is a highly skilled teacher, extremely professional, and a great guy. As someone with a PhD and a background in teaching and instructional design, I know something about effective teaching and Mark is truly a cut above–organized, patient, engaging, articulate, focused, helpful, illustrates his points with colorful anecdotes, offers useful ways of remembering the information… Mark, thanks for sharing your knowledge as well as your enthusiasm for Pro Tools.

CHAZ
Pro Tools

Mark is a fantastic teacher. His lessons run from deeply technical to deeply spiritual. Thanks to him my eyes have been opened to the grace of Pro Tools, and I feel confident with my new found skills to step out into the post production world.
Thanks Mark!

OCTAVIO
Pro Tools

Mark is an amazing instructor. His knowledge, skills and understanding combined with his patient and warm demeanor makes learning a pleasant experience. You’ll learn multiple aspects in Pro Tools including: shortcut commands, signal flow, plug-ins, mixing, editing, midi, recording, melody, sound designing, industry work flow…Lessons are informative, creative, and fun by injecting humor whenever possible. Thanks again, Mark, for sharing your knowledge.

JOHN C.
accordion

Mark is very knowledgeable regarding the Accordion—–knows it like the back of his hand. He helped me identify a problem with the accordion that I purchased, as a used musical instrument, giving me ideas on how to address the problem with the seller. I personally like the man and expect him to be a very good teacher. Mark has a set system for imparting musical knowledge regarding the accordion, but he allowed me to interrupt his lesson so that I could make sure that I was getting what he was attempting to impart to the unskilled listener. I have been provided with a few concepts to practice, in anticipation of our next session. He has a great deal of confidence that I will get it——-hopefully he is more right about this than I am. Yet, this is only lesson two and I have set up this new learning experience so that I am only chewing on small bits of the new learning materials a time. He knows his stuff and is patient with newbies like me who know less than nothing. He knows what he wants to get into your head and how to gt it there——sooner or later.

ROBERT O.
piano

Mark has been my teacher, mentor and friend for almost 10 years now. It all started at The Los Angeles Recording School where he was the instructor of my class, Digital Audio Essentials. I attended the school to further my skill sets as an electronic dance music producer/songwriter and synthesis programmer. My mission was/is to broaden my classical and musical pallet (musicianship) with music theory and play fluently (intuitively) on the piano. Mark heard me out and continues to provide priceless knowledge which guides me in the direction of success. I see immediate results. It is amazing what you can learn in 1 hour. The teaching does not stop at just piano or music theory — I ask questions about anything music or audio related and receive rich insight (synthesis, sound design, philosophy, tech, workflow, arrangement, song feedback, mixing, mastering, and composing, etc.)
After I graduated school, the education continued, and I started to take Piano/Composition/Songwriting lessons in his studio (The Synatarium). That was when my skill set and knowledge skyrocketed. Not only that but his studio is INCREDIBLY inspiring to just sit and look at, if you are a gear fanatic.
I realized that learning music is a constant evolution and I will always be improving and raising the bar.
Most of all, Mark works with you and not for you. He tailors the curriculum custom to an individual’s visions, goals, personality, schedule and teaches you knowledge you can apply immediately.
I would recommend this teacher to anyone!

STEVEN W.
Pro Tools

I have been in the “music business” and performing for more than 50 years. I started performing and recording in 1964. In 2005, I moved to Beverly Hills and wanted to build a digital studio. I had produced only in analog and had a very minimal knowledge of computers. When I decided to go with Pro Tools, I called friends that had already produced many hit projects on that system. Although they had their own creative knowledge and “tricks”, as teachers they left me more confused than capable. Then, one day, a member of Tupac’s crew called and, upon hearing my problem, recommended me to Mark. Right away Mark advised me as to which components would become compatible with the studio I had in mind. The gear he recommended back then remains

“studio standard” quality today. Mark, patiently , began with the basics. First he taught “troubleshooting” and “keyboard commands”. I learned to “back-up” and protect my music. Eventually I could use all the moves I learned to maneuver creatively through recordings. In sessions, problems occur, and, amazingly I can handle most of them. When I can’t, I can always call Mark. That alone is invaluable. We have remained friends for over 15 years, and now that it is time to upgrade my system, Mark is still the one person whose advice I trust .

JENNY
accordion

Mark is a fantastic teacher and I am so happy we found him. My 14 year old has been wanting to learn accordion for years and we finally found an instructor that he just loves. Mark is patient and very kind and has a great teaching style. He had my son learning a song he had always wanted to play on the accordion after the first lesson. He really teaches in a way that makes learning interesting and fun and not a chore. I highly recommend him to anyone wanting to learn he is truly fantastic!!!

ED
acoustic guitar

Mark is a very talented musician and a great instructor

ANDREY
accordion

Mark is a thoughtful and engaging teacher. The tip he gave me in our very first class helped me to get over the roadblock I struggled with for the last six months.

JESSICA
accordion

My 16-year-old son really enjoys his accordion lessons with Mark and has been learning quickly! Mark is very easy to schedule time with (and also to reschedule with as needed). Very glad we found Mark and this platform!!

JAMES
accordion

Mark has made the learning process enjoyable and productive. He is building my confidence with each lesson. Really enjoying this experience.

JEFF
accordion

Fantastic!

JUSTINE
accordion

Mark is a wonderful teacher and very patient!! I look forward to learning this gorgeous instrument with him as my guide!!

SUE W.
harmonica

Great first lesson and look forward to the next. Mark is very amiable, patient and easy to understand

MARGARET
accordion

Mark has been extremely helpful as I attempt to learn how to play the accordion. I have tried to learn to accordion on my own over the last several years and was always unsuccessful. Within just a few lessons I feel I’ve made great strides and am able to play several songs. He helped me to understand how to use the buttons by giving just the right tips. Great experience.

MARIE G.
accordion

Mark took the time to introduce me to the accordion and gave me some basic exercises to practice until our next lesson. I am excited to practice and build up my confidence with this instrument.
I really appreciate Mark’s teaching ability. He breathes music and makes it easy to understand. I wasn’t expecting to make that much progress or to have that depth of knowledge of music or my instrument in only 5 lessons. He gives a lot and he is eager to respond to my questions. I recommend Mark as an accordion teacher.

ANETTE G.
accordion

Mark makes the lessons intuitive and easy to follow. The lessons are varied, and he builds skills into each lesson with fun and helpful methods.

DONNA S.
accordion

Mark is a great instructor with a very intuitive approach to teaching music. He guides the student in understanding how music works rather than using rigid “play your scales” type of instruction, though he can do that if you prefer. He’s very patient and explains each concept thoroughly. If you want to make progress quickly while also enjoying the instructional session, choose Mark. You won’t regret it.

BUZZ R.
Pro Tools

Mark is a great teacher!

JULIE
harmonica

Mark was great! Huge help for my project!

MIGUEL
piano

Great Lesson!
Appreciate it a lot, Mark.
Knowledge!

ANDERS
accordion

Mark’s passion for music and teaching really comes through in his lessons. He is patient and clear with his instructions. He always makes it fun and inspires you to have a passion for the instrument too.

DMITRI H.
accordion

I really like Mark! He is a very good teacher and he is also very fun. 🙂

JEFF
accordion

Mark has been awesome. I came into the lessons knowing nothing about the accordion. He is able to break it down into something easy to understand for me. Learning a song already! I am super happy to be learning from Mark.

VICTORIA D.
accordion

Mark was patient with and attentive to my daughter with her instrument. She enjoyed her lessons and learned new skills on her accordion, including using her own musical intuition.

JAKE
piano

I’ve really been enjoying lessons with Mark! He teaches in an engaging and fun way. In the first few lessons, I have already learned far more than I expected. I would definitely recommend him as a teacher. Thank you Mark for your wonderful lessons!

RYAN
accordion

Very good and easy to follow.

BAHAR
accordion

I have been taking accordion classes with Mark for a couple of months now. I can confidently say that I’ve made the right decision going with Mark. He is very knowledgeable and the attention he gives is unbelievable. Thank you so much Mark for delivering marvelous experience.

JOSHUA J.
piano

My 7 yo daughter really likes the lessons with Mark and has been progressing well. Friendly and fun; highly recommended!!

AMY
accordion

Mark is fantastic. My son had been asking for an accordion for a year. I was so thankful to stumble upon this website for lessons. At the end of each lesson, my son thanks me for finding the online lessons. He absolutely loves the teacher and it is so exciting to see him learning more and more each week.

GIO A.
accordion

Just had my first lesson. He had very good pointers and adapts quickly to your musical knowledge. Mark also has great philosophies about music and life in general. Looking forward to next lesson!

SKYLAR
accordion

This was my first lesson with Mark, but it was easy to talk to him. He teaches more of what’s usable rather than just hours of theory and gave me a goal to work towards for next time. He’s going to be a great fit for me and what I’m looking for.

RAYMOND W.
accordion

Just had my first lesson, and I can already tell I made the right decision going with Mark. Can’t wait to keep learning from him.

ROB N.
songwriting

First lesson and can’t wait for the next and beyond. I really appreciated Mark’s insights and suggestions to a song I brought to him for feedback. He was very supportive and provided actionable ideas I can use to improve it immediately.

EMILY
accordion

After taking lessons online with Mark, I finally started making progress with the accordion I have had for 2 years and tried to learn by myself. He does a great job teaching music theory in small pieces that I can immediately use and apply to other songs and even other instruments as I go about practicing outside of lessons. I’m so glad I started taking lessons!

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