About
The Story Behind Marcus and his music
My music career has been varied and adventurous over the last 30 years, from music theatre to live band gigs, through composing my own music and back to music theatre.
piano lessons
Musical beginnings
My musical journey began with traditional piano lessons at a young age, immersed in classical repertoire and the structure of AMEB examinations. At the time, I had little appreciation for the influence those early years would have, but they quietly laid the foundation for the music I would one day compose.
Like many teenagers, I eventually traded the piano for what seemed like the much “cooler” instrument, the saxophone. When I decided to stop piano lessons, my mum insisted that I tell my teacher, Mrs Weight, in person. Rather than simply wishing me well, she asked me to sign the statement pictured here, declaring that I would one day regret giving up the piano. Decades later, that handwritten reminder still hangs on my wall.
As it turns out, Wendy Weight was absolutely right.
music theatre
Performance, Composition, Connection
During secondary school, I discovered the world of musical theatre—not only as a performer, but also as a composer. It was while creating music for a school production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that I wrote my first original piano composition, marking the beginning of a lifelong relationship with storytelling through music.
I continued this journey at university, studying a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre at the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts. During my second year, I was given the opportunity to compose the score for an original children’s musical, further developing my passion for creating music that supports and enhances narrative.
Following my graduation, I was offered the role of Musical Director for a production of Only Heaven Knows at Chapel Off Chapel in Melbourne. With no score available, I undertook the challenge of transcribing the entire musical score from the original soundtrack, an experience that deepened my skills as both a musician and a musical storyteller.
musical collaborations
creation, collaboration and friendships.
In 2009, I met Daniel Brennan, beginning a friendship and musical partnership that would shape the next chapter of my creative journey. Together we wrote original music, performed throughout Geelong and Melbourne, and toured Tasmania and Western Australia. Although our time performing live came to an end when Dan relocated to Perth, our collaboration was far from over.
In 2020, technology bridged the distance between us, allowing us to continue writing together despite being on opposite sides of the country. Hope Blooms in the Strangest Places emerged, an album born from years of friendship, perseverance, and shared creativity, set for release in 2027.
During this same period, I began exploring a more personal musical voice through instrumental composition. I experimented with orchestral and choral arrangements ultimately finding the piano best expressed the stories I wanted to tell. Over the years that followed, these compositions gradually evolved into The Lighthouse, an album that reflects a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and hope.
music theatre strikes again
a dramatic return to music theatre
In 2023, an unexpected opportunity drew me back into the world of musical theatre, something I had never imagined would happen again. A fellow graduate of the Ballarat Academy of Performing Arts, whom I hadn’t spoken to in over 25 years, re-entered my life and invited me to become the Musical Director at a local performing arts school.
What followed was the beginning of a renewed friendship and creative partnership. Together, we produced three musicals over two years, working with more than 140 students and witnessing the confidence, creativity, and growth that the performing arts can inspire.
Although our time at that school eventually came to an end, the experience laid the foundation for something even greater. In 2026, Justine Schnellbeck and I co-founded PRFRM ARTS Academy in Geelong. By combining our backgrounds in health, wellbeing, and the performing arts, we are committed to creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where students can develop their skills, discover their potential, and thrive both on and off the stage.
ORIGINAL MUSIC
A YEAR OF FIRSTS
2026 has become a year of embracing new challenges. From co-founding a performing arts academy to releasing my debut album, The Lighthouse, it has been an exciting and unpredictable journey, one that has continually pushed me to grow as both a musician and an artist.
And this is only the beginning.
Following the release of The Lighthouse, my focus will turn to Hope Blooms in the Strangest Places, a collaborative album with Daniel Brennan. And beyond this I am already developing another instrumental album that tells the story of a couple’s life together, exploring the joys, hardships, and defining moments that shape their journey.
Discover the music
