Mark Kleyn is a violist, conductor, and educator who is comfortable in a variety of circles.  Born in Michigan, he received his BFA in Music Performance from Western Michigan University and his master’s in music performance and musicology from The University of Ottawa.  His masters research, which was presented at several musicology conferences throughout Canada, was focused on applying sport-based models of shared leadership to classical chamber ensembles.

As a classical violist, Mark has performed with regional orchestras, like Symphony New Brunswick, The Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, and The Kalamazoo Symphony.  Currently, Mark performs with the Fredericton-based Elm City String Quartet.  Mark has also blurred lines between classical and pop/indie with several projects like the chamber/pop duo Pallmer, the electro-acoustic project Property//, and his solo improvisational work with viola and looped effects.

Mark’s research into performance psychology has taken him to musicological conferences across Canada, where he presented his work on Shared Leadership in Chamber Ensembles.  He is currently studying to become a licensed counselor with an expertise in performance psychology in order to work one-on-one with musicians to improve their mental performance.

Mark has also enjoyed time on the conducting podium.  He has conducted the Western Michigan University Chamber Strings ensemble, the uOttawa Pops Orchestra, and has guest conducted several other projects.  Mark currently conducts the Mount Allison University Chamber Orchestra.  Mark also teaches with the El Sistema Program in Fredericton, NB.