Drawing heavily on his previous career as professional record producer, Mark Mynett has worked in some of the world’s foremost studios (including Davout Studios, Paris – frequented by The Rolling Stones/U2/Rihanna), produced albums for various major labels, and has collaborated with and interviewed some of the world’s foremost producers, including Andrew Scheps (Adele, Metallica), and Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters).
This puts him in the unique position of being able to act as the bridge between practitioner and academia. Largely based around a digital-multitrack treasure-trove of pedagogical assets and tacit knowledge gained through these collaborations – and his ongoing professional practice in the field – he has a highly ‘inspirational’ pedagogical style. By illuminating the inter-relatedness of theory and high-level professional creative practice, his methods and resources significantly reduce theory/professional-practice disparities, delivering particularly high vocational relevance.
The reach, value and transformative impact of his teaching and learning excellence was evidenced by the ‘Inspirational Lecturer of the Year’ award, which ran from 2012-2018. A students’ union initiative allowing students to nominate staff whose ‘outstanding teaching’ made a positive difference, the annual awards received over 700 entries. As well as being nominated every year, and finalist in 2013, Mark won the ‘Inspirational Lecturer of the Year’ award three times, in 2014, 2016 and 2017 (the only lecturer to receive the accolade more than once).
A key aspect of his work is developing teaching and learning in metal music production (MTP). As the world’s only practice-based MTP academic with the necessary understanding, knowledge and experience, he has founded and shaped metal music production education as a legitimate and valuable international field. From academic scholarship, practitioner-based articles/publications, the world’s first book on the subject and the world’s first research funding in the area (from the Arts and Humanities Research Council), he has provided a unique, renowned national and international contribution to academic literature in this specific field of practice, transforming student learning and teaching profession perspectives alike.
Mark’s passion and excitement for teaching and learning – more specifically music technology and production education – emanates from a deeply held belief in its capacity to enhance and transform lives through the opportunities it creates.