Mark Walker
![Mark Walker](https://necmusic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Mark-20Walker-738x936.png)
Education and Training
MM, University of Massachusetts Amherst and studied privately with Roy C. Knapp.
Mark Walker
Division: College
Department: Jazz Studies
Instrument: Drums
Mark Walker (b. 1961) is a Grammy/Latin Grammy Award-winning drummer, a Grammy Award-nominated composer, and a renowned author and educator originally from Chicago. Currently a member of Cuban trumpeter Arturo Sandoval’s group, he is one of the only American drummers equally at home with authentic South American and Caribbean rhythms, straight-ahead jazz, rock, funk and studio drumming.
Since 1989, he has performed around the world, touring extensively and/or recording with the group Oregon (with Ralph Towner), Paquito D’Rivera, Lyle Mays, Michel Camilo, Cesar Camargo Mariano, Randy Brecker, Steve Khan, Mike Mainieri, Andy Narell, Eliane Elias, the NDR bigband, the WDR bigband, the HR bigband and the Caribbean Jazz Project. He released his critically acclaimed debut album in 2019 entitled “You Get What You Give,” featuring Paquito D’Rivera, Alain Mallet, Oscar Stagnaro and many others. He is currently writing a big band project to be recorded in summer 2023. Walker is a Yamaha, Paiste, Vic Firth, Remo, Meinl and Prologix artist.
Curriculum Vitae
MM, University of Massachusetts Amherst and studied privately with Roy C. Knapp.
Affiliated Departments and Programs
Jazz Studies