Marvin Gaspard

Marvin Gaspard is an active performer, composer, arranger, and recording artist. He began studying piano at the age of five and was playing organ and piano and directing his first children's choir in his home church by age 13. By college, he was proficient in piano, organ, harp, trumpet, French horn, and melodic percussion, and had begun writing and arranging music for area schools and churches. His career as a professional musician began in Houston in the 80s earning him recognition as one of the city’s leading musicians.

He is the Director of Music, Organist/Choirmaster of St. Luke's Presbyterian Church where he directs the Chancel Choir and Ensemble (chamber choir), and oversees St. Luke's Ringers (handbell choir). St. Luke's Chancel Choir has appeared twice in New York City's Carnegie Hall, once to perform the Fauré "Requiem" and again to sing in the Shawnee Press 70th Anniversary Gala Concert, which included the performance of Mr. Gaspard's arrangement of "America the Beautiful." They performed at Lincoln Center for the world premiere of Mark Hayes' "Requiem"; then traveled to Rome to participate in a series of concerts with the Continuo Arts Festival Chorus, including Mr. Hayes' "Requiem" and a High Mass at the Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City.

As resident pianist for The Lyric Centre in Houston's Theatre District, Marvin provides daily lobby entertainment and performs monthly concerts which feature the building's Steinway D concert grand piano. As a skilled jazz pianist, he leads the Marvin Gaspard Trio, a well-known ensemble in the Houston music community. His keyboard mastery and improvisational abilities place him in great demand as conductor for musical productions, entertainer for social and charitable events, and artistic consultant to other artists.

Mr. Gaspard's choral arrangements have been performed and recorded by ensembles around the world. His published works include children's folk songs, choral octavos, and organ/piano duet books (collaborations with Mark Hayes), and organ arrangements (also in collaboration with Mark Hayes). Marvin has released five solo piano albums and has performed as accompanist to various artists on their recording projects.