Born and raised in Sooke, B.C., Dylan Marks is a Montreal-based musician recently relocated to Vancouver Island. He has completed a Bachelor of Music in Jazz, with a Minor in Music Education, from McGill University. Throughout his studies at McGill University, where he studied music for early childhood, Dylan learned the practical skills of developing age and skill appropriate music games and activities, as well as Orff, Dalcroze, and Kodaly pedagogical practices. In 2015, Dylan earned a Diploma in Jazz Studies from Camosun College and the Victoria Conservatory of Music. This formal academic training has given him the confidence and expertise to teach a wide range of instruments, such as guitar, mandolin, voice, piano, brass, woodwinds, western percussion as well as various non-western percussion traditions. Notably, Dylan dutifully studies Hindustani Classical Music and the tabla in the Benares baj (the style from modern day Varanasi, India).
Dylan has developed excellence in the field of childcare, with over a decade of work experience. He has taught music classes privately, as well as leading children’s summer camps and swimming lessons in community settings. Furthermore, he has gained a strong understanding of children’s mental, physical, and emotional development and has the knowledge to support each accordingly. Dylan values creating safe and accepting spaces as well as fostering integrity, growth, and curiosity. He believes that exposure to music greatly benefits everyone, especially children, aiding to develop their creativity, confidence, and communication. Dylan is eager to share the life-enriching practice of music with the next generation of musicians.