Mark H. Filsinger, Ph.D.

B.M., Eastman School of Music

M.M., Eastman School of Music

Ph.D., Eastman School of Music 

Trumpeter, educator, and composer, Mark Filsinger joined the faculty at SUNY Buffalo State in 2012. He supervises student teachers and teaches courses in instrumental music education, jazz, composition, improvisation, and arranging. Prior to his appointment at Buffalo State, Dr. Filsinger taught courses, lessons, and ensembles at The University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, Temple University, University of Rochester, Greece Central School District, and Hamburg Central School District.

Dr. Filsinger earned a Ph.D. in Music Education and a Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media at the Eastman School of Music. At Eastman, he assumed numerous teaching assistant positions and was awarded the prestigious Donald J. Shetler Prize in Music Education in 2010. Dr. Filsinger also taught trumpet lessons, composition, and the Junior High Jazz Ensemble through the Eastman Community Music School.  

Dr. Filsinger has presented research and best practice workshops on the roles of improvisation and composition in music teaching and learning at many state, regional, national, and international music education conferences including the International Society for Music Education 30th World Conference in Thessaloniki, Greece; 2012 Biennial Music Educators National Conference in St. Louis, MO; Suncoast Music Education Research Symposium in Tampa, FL; and National Association for Music Education conferences in New York, Massachusetts, Maryland, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.     

A versatile trumpet performer, Dr. Filsinger has performed with many orchestras, ensembles, and artists including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, The Temptations, Irish Tenors, Harry James Orchestra, and orchestras for several Broadway National Tour Shows. He has recorded for GIA Publications, Inc. and has been a guest jazz artist and clinician for Area-All State festivals, All County festivals, school concerts, and competitions around New York State. Dr. Filsinger’s intermediate-level jazz ensemble arrangements have been performed around the United States.