Mark has won the Canadian Open Fiddle Championship, Pembroke and the Grand Masters. However, I asked him to be part of the project, not just because of his technical brilliance, but because his playing is powerful and convincing in a more visceral sense.”
- Canadian composer and fellow ‘band-mate,’ Brian Pickell

"I could tell from just meeting Mark that he was going to be a perfect match for our school, and none of us were disappointed. Each day I talked with another group of people (fiddle students, other students, adults, administrators, etc.) about Mark's teaching, performing, and compatibility with the IMC philosophy. Without exception, all were pleased and excited about Mark's presence and what the fiddle school adds to the IMC line-up. With Mark's help, we structured a substantial and fun fiddle program for those who attended." - Director of Operations, Dwight Vaught, International Music Camp, Minot ND, USA.

”Three-time Canadian Fiddle Champion, Mark Sullivan, a new member of this years Christmas Show at AMT, will thrill those young children in their early strings years in elementary school, and inspire the older strings students to keep at it. The rest of us were simply fighting the urge to stand and yell ‘BRAVO’ after each of his performances throughout the show.” – excerpt from the Arts/Leisure section of the Lancaster County Woman Magazine, Lancaster PA USA – Nov/Dec 2006

"Mark, it has been a pleasure to watch your progress as a performer of Old-Time Fiddle Music.  You are an excellent ambassador for your musical tradition and for this community." - John R. O'Toole, MPP Durham.

Making his mark in the fiddle community

Jun 7, 2005

By Jillian Follert

appeared in the Canadian Statesmen This Week

CLARINGTON - While he's most often billed as an Old Time fiddle player, Mark Sullivan points to a dizzying CD collection as evidence that his musical tastes and influences are anything but singular.

From Bach and Vivaldi, to jazz and classic rock, the 23-year-old Bowmanville resident says immersing himself in a variety of styles helps bring modern flare and unusual twists, to Old Time fiddle tunes.

"One day, I'd like to harness all those different influences and work them into my playing," he muses, cradling a 16th century Italian violin. "You wouldn't think a fiddle could sound like an electric guitar, but people have done it. I want to be the kind of musician that keeps things interesting, and isn't afraid to be different."

Despite being a relatively young face in the fiddle community, Mr. Sullivan has four albums to his credit and is at a point in his career where experimentation and reflection seem appropriate.

He was only 7 years old when his parents encouraged him to continue a cherished family tradition by picking up a fiddle, and not much older than that when he began playing at local dances and events.

"It's hard to explain, but I've always loved the social aspect of playing the fiddle. It's so lively and expressive and you meet so many interesting people," he says looking back on the last 15 years. "I have great memories of impromptu jam sessions at festivals, where people just talk and play together. Some of them have amazing life experience that you can learn from."

While his first passion was Old Time music, Mr. Sullivan also studied classical as a young player, which he says gave him the foundation to begin playing competitively,

Last year alone he was named Ontario Open Fiddle Champion, Canadian Open Fiddle Champion, and Canadian Grand Masters Fiddle Champion - all honours that he has received in previous years as well.

Hitting such high notes at a young age might leave some wondering where to go from there, but Mr. Sullivan says he has big plans for the coming years.

With a freshly completed degree from the University of Toronto in hand, he hopes to head for teacher's college next fall and eventually teach high school history. He says the fiddle will stay in the picture, with plans to teach workshops and private lessons, judge competitions, and explore new directions for his own music.

"Because I eventually want to be a teacher, giving fiddle lessons is really rewarding and challenging," he says, adding that he currently has six students ranging from children to teenagers.

"When one of my students plays something and it sounds just right, it's a great feeling."

He says that judging competitions is another way to offer the benefit of his experience, and help a new generation of musicians gain recognition.

Last month he sat as a judge at the Brooklin Spring Fair, and later this summer will be heading to the 30th annual Old Time Fiddle Contest and International Music Camp in Minot, North Dakota.

As for his own work, he plans to delve into composing and arranging original pieces, and keep experimenting with different musical influences.

"After being busy with school for the last few years, it's going to be nice just to be able to pick up the fiddle every day," he says. "It's something you really miss, even if you just go a couple days without it."