Mark D. Dunnett – Film Composer & Private Music Instructor
Mark D. Dunnett is an award-winning film composer and multi-instrumentalist offering personalized, high-quality music lessons in the Los Angeles area and online.
With over 15 years of teaching experience, Mark specializes in guitar, piano, ukulele, composition, orchestration, and music production. He works with students of all ages (5 to adult) and all levels — from complete beginners to advanced students pursuing music professionally. He also has extensive experience teaching students with special needs.
Mark’s teaching style is engaging, patient, and fun-first. He believes that enjoyment is the key to long-term progress and genuine musical growth. Lessons focus on building strong foundations in:
• Ear training
• Music theory
• Technique
• Creativity
• Musical expression
Many of his students stay with him for 3–4 years (and often much longer), going on to pursue music in college, perform publicly, write their own songs, or simply enjoy music as a lifelong passion and creative
“I focus on teaching the instrument in a fun, approachable way—particularly with younger students—while cultivating deeper musical understanding through ear training, theory, and the technical elements that define great music. Fun is the most effective path to lasting learning.”
Professional Background
Mark holds a B.A. in Film Scoring and Composition from Berklee College of Music, where he studied with renowned composer John Bavicchi. His formal training began with classical piano and theory at the Royal Conservatory of Music. He was also featured in Guitar World Magazine’s “Hometown Heroes” for his guitar work.
As a working film composer, Mark has scored more than 70 films (including over 30 feature films), with work appearing on Netflix, Amazon Prime, AMC, and Amazon/MGM. In 2025, he received five international festival awards for his score to the action/crime feature Escobank, including Best Composer at the Paris Art & Film Awards and Best Score at the Pisa Cinema Carnival International Film Festival.
Students benefit from Mark’s real-world experience as a professional composer and multi-instrumentalist, gaining practical knowledge that goes far beyond traditional lessons.
