Mara Barker

Mara Barker is a professional double bassist and music educator with over 30 years of experience. She performs as a section bassist with the Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Roanoke Symphonies and is principal bass of the Salisbury Symphony. She teaches private bass lessons in her home studio, is the Lower School Music Teacher at Canterbury School in Greensboro, NC, and she regularly works with bass students of all ages in sectionals and masters classes. Mara received a Bachelor's degree in double bass performance from Ball State University and a Master's degree in double bass performance from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Principal teachers have included Kevin Piekarski, Dr. Philip Albright, and Winston "Jack" Budrow. Mara has performed as a soloist with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Blue Lake Festival Orchestra, Ball State University Symphony, the Salisbury Symphony, and in master classes with several world renowned bassists. She performs on an award winning bass made by American luthier Chris Roberts.