About

I started playing keyboards 46 years ago, at the tender age of 5 years old. I recall vividly, spending time in my Grandfather’s Auckland keyboard shop and being utterly transfixed by these black and white things and what happened when I pushed them down in different shapes and configurations!

I still am to this day! Music never ceases to amaze and delight me. It’s food for the human soul, and I feel very privileged to be able to speak the language and help bring joy to people through my playing.

I’ve been lucky enough to have played with some of New Zealand’s finest musical acts and artists over the course of my career (I’ll respectfully refrain from name-dropping!). I love the variety that a career in music brings – sometimes your dressing room is fully decked-out and awesome – other times it’s a broom cupboard out the back of the venue, but the job itself is always amazing in one or more ways and I always try to learn something new with every show or session.

Over the years, I’ve played in many different genres, from jazz, through reggae, funk, soul, RnB, pop, rock, folk all the way to metal (admittedly when I was a teenager trying to be a rock star!) and some genres I wouldn’t even know how to describe! I love all kinds of music and am always up for a challenge!

I am eternally fascinated by harmony, and rhythm, and the interplay between musicians on stage performing or creating magic in the studio. These are the things that bring me joy – my happy place!

What can I do for you?

  • Freelance or contract-based keyboard playing
  • Recording sessions
  • Remote recordings sessions (I’ll record keyboard parts at my studio and send you high-quality individual stems for your project)
  • Keyboard lessons (conditions apply)
  • Backing track production
  • Songwriting collaboration
  • Audio production
Every musical experience is an opportunity to meet new people, learn new stuff and experience more musical enjoyment!

If you think I might be able to help you with a musical project, please get in touch – I’m intrigued already!

Mark Steven