Mark Portmann on SoundBetter

Credits include Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, and Celine Dion. Mark is a versatile musician with 700+ experiences in producing, arranging, songwriting, and playing piano for albums, films, and TV shows. Earned five Grammy nominations and several number one radio hits in Latin/Pop. He is recognized for his genre-hopping skills

Mark Portmann is an accomplished musician with a wealth of experience in producing, arranging, songwriting, and playing the piano. He has an extensive portfolio of over 700 recordings in various genres, ranging from classical/pop crossover to adult/contemporary pop to classic, contemporary & Latin pop. He has worked with a diverse range of successful musicians and producers, including Selena Gomez, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Michael Buble, Luis Fonsi, and Luis Miguel.

Mark's skills as an arranger and composer have been recognized with five Grammy nominations, and he has had several number one radio singles in the Latin/Pop category. He is known for his ability to jump between different genres of pop music, and he values collaboration and serving the music to the best of his abilities.

In addition to his work with successful artists, Mark has also contributed his talents to movies, TV shows, and production companies such as Disney. He has received several awards and nominations for his work, which is a testament to his talent and dedication to the music industry. Hear examples: markportmannmusic.com/albums/

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Credits

13 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Mark Portmann

by Magnus H.
Verified
In this gig, Mark helped me evaluate two new songs and provided suggestions on how they could be arranged and produced. His insights were excellent, and I now know how to proceed with the songs. Working with Mark is truly inspiring.
by Magnus H.
Verified
Working with Mark was a fantastic experience as he recorded a piano track for a new song. The result was simply beautiful. Communication with him was friendly, generous, and clear. I will definitely seek his services again in the future. I highly recommend Mark for the services he offers.
by Brandon Chase
Verified (Client)
Mark was great to work with! I hope it was the first of many!
by Dr. Pipe Perez
If you're looking for a music producer who can take your sound to the next level, look no further than Mark. His years of experience in the industry and a keen ear for what works, Mark has a proven track record of creating the best music experience.

What sets Mark apart from the rest is their ability to work with artists of all genres and styles. He has the skills, expertise and passion for music to help you craft a sound that's uniquely your own.
He has a way of making artists feel comfortable and confident, which is essential when it comes to creating great music.
by Mina Tulchinsky
Working with Mark as producer on my vocal album was one of the most unique and exciting opportunities of my life. He turned each and every song into a masterpiece, and yet at the same time was equally concerned with portraying my feelings as an artist. He made my project feel more like a collaboration which made it even more enjoyable. Mark is a genuine and meticulous producer who will make you feel like your project matters just as much to him as it does to you. He is both a consummate musician and creator, and I hope I will get the opportunity to work with him again in the future.
by Molly Kaye
I manage songwriters & composers & Mark Portmann is both (not to mention one of the most accomplished, amazing & talented pianists I've had the pleasure to work with)! We've worked together on numerous projects over the years, from writing & producing songs for Josh Groban to writing/producing cues for Universal, Paramount & other film studios' trailers. Mark served as md for internat'l artist George Perris' PBS live special. What's incredible about working w/Mark is his diverse abilities....whether it's songwriting, composing, performing or producing, he's a pleasure...a consummate pro.
by Carlos Castro
Mark and I have worked together on different projects over the last 23 years, I have recorded and mixed several projects in which Mark has been the main producer as well as the lead arranger and taste maker. His ability as a musical tailor, allows him to create a unique musical canvas around any given artist by putting them right in the center of a song without ever loosing the listener's attention. Mark not only brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to any given project, but he also brings his humanity and great attention to detail.
by Brian Diederich
I work in the movie advertising business and have worked with Mark for many years. He has composed custom music for many of my trailers and tv spots. He is extremely talented and very easy to work with. I can always rely on his creative spirit and he goes above and beyond on every project. I'm continually impressed by him and his many musical talents. He just blows me away!
by Mark Blanchard
Mark and I have worked together over the past 30 years in many different forms. From helping him with lyrics to Hiring him as my composer of A World Away, an award winning family film. He is incredibly hardworking and a pleasure to work with. He is also a binafide genius in the music field. I can't wait till we collaborate once more!!!
by Edgar Cortazar
Collaborating with Mark Portmann and experiencing his exceptional music craftsmanship has been one of the biggest artistic highlights of my career.
He always delivers and surprises in each project we’ve contacted him to produce and that’s why it’s been more than two decades that he’s been the person we’ve sticked to on any musical endeavor.
by Ariana Savalas
Mark Portmann is a master. He has the rarest of abilities to hear an acoustic, raw song and breathe a life into it which is both entirely reflective of the artist he's producing and, somehow, also all his own. Mark is kind, gentle, and has never-ending patience for the creative process. His genial nature, coupled with his unparalleled talent, makes him truly one of a kind. His production sessions are perfect grounds for creativity to thrive and flourish. I could not recommend him higher.
by Denise DiPaola
I've had the great pleasure of working with Mark Portmann many times over the past 30 years. He has always been one of my go to composers for custom tracks used in Product launches and show reels for Corporate events. Mark takes direction well, has always understood what we were looking for and was able to deliver exactly what we needed.
by Andre Rocke - Four K Videos
Mark Portmann has consistently provided custom tracks for our video projects that are so much nicer than anything we heard from stock music services. Not only is he pleasant to work with, but his decades of experience over a wide genre of musical styles make him our first call when we are going into production.

Interview with Mark Portmann

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Yes, I'll add to this as I spend more time on SoundBetter.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both, mostly digital. The digital converters, coding, software, hardware I use is so good that the analog vs digital is not as relevant anymore. The best mixers, mastering, producers I know use all the same gear I do. What's most important is the music, the song, what the listener receives when listening to the music, technology should not get in the way of that.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I always give my best. When I feel that I can't, no charge and I will turn down the job. This is my integrity. I don't do this for the sole purpose of monies.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Everyday is different, variety! I love a musical challenge and I love to share and help others achieve their music dreams.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: New clients ask me much do I charge and what type of tracks do I return when finished. I also get asked for other musician referrals from talent that I work with.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: Grew up on a Midwest farm in Ohio. Open spaces, simple, quiet, intimate, nature. Music filled the spaces. Small close family. Discovered by music professor at Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He nurtured by talent and I studied and won many music scholarships. It formed how I thought about music, stories and the personal nature of the emotion being expressed. At the same time I had a middle school band teacher who pulled me out of class and turned me onto Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Jeff Lorber, Tower of Power, Doobie Brothers and more. It was where I got my jazz, soul, and pop references. So I liked all of it, classical, jazz, soul, pop. I gigged at 14-15yo in Cincinnati with rock bands and was turned on to the jazz by Frank Vincent He was living the life of a jazz musician and taught me so much while sharing valuable life lessons that would help me later on. Here I won a scholarship to study in NYC and Eastman School of music. Changed my life and met so many encouraging professional musicians. Moved to Los Angeles after college, and Toured the world and met many great musicians. Met David Foster and worked for him as session musician and arranger. This opened the door to become a seasoned LA Session musicians working 500+ records, tv and films during this period. Meanwhile I was writing songs, producing.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Many styles and genres of music. I will be very direct if your music is not something I can deliver and give my best. I don't take every job that comes in. A great song is always a good start!
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I will bring all my experience, talents, knowledge, abilities to make your song the best it can be. Music at its best reveals and communicates what’s inside the heart, soul and spirit of the creator to the listener. Let’s make great music.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Start by listening to my client and your song. Understanding exactly what you need. Listening to any references and ideas you have. We discuss everything up front to be on the same page within budget and deadline. If you’re unsure of what you’re looking for, I’ll do my best to work with you at the beginning before we get too far into the work.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have Yamaha Concert Grand C7 MKIII Disklavier piano with great mics and mic preamps. This is my first love. In addition, I have a Pro Tools Ultimate DAW and customized PC Slave computer that allows me to call up any sound at the touch a fingertip. I own and stay current with most all VI (virtual instruments VSTs), FX plugins, Sample libraries.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I've been fortunate to work with many of the musicians and artists I grew up listening to. And have learned and been inspired by all of them. What’s most inspiring is the work ethic and dedication they put into their career and talents.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: The work I do ranges from playing piano part, to building a rhythm section, adding electronic/orchestra arrangement or a full production in the style of your music.
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: My first major recording session in Los Angeles: make a demo for David Foster for Barbra Streisand’s “Back to Broadway” album. The direction was ‘Herbie Hancock’ meets the future orchestra with synthesizers, wild rhythms. That was “Luck Be A Lady” my first Grammy nomination, 100 of the top musicians at Todd AO Soundstage and started my career as session musician and arranger in LA. Blast off! It was a dream come true.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Over planning, over discussing, having unrealistic expectations can hurt the music. Casting the right musician for your project is so important. I don’t have an ego about what I do. I’m there to serve the music. I give my all to every project. If I don’t feel I can do my best, I will not take on the project.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is your vision for your song/music? Do you have any examples of music similar that you love? What’s your deadline? What do you want your listener to feel when they listen to your finished music?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Communicate clearly. Sometimes less is more, meaning leave space for the professional musician to do their job. Let the player add what he hears first, that first impression can be magical. The more one here’s the music, the newness and originality may wear off. You can always add comments to change the direction. But you never get back that first impression and reaction of a player. Always be in record!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Acoustic piano (German Steinway D or Fabioli, if I’m choosing), ATC SCM100ASL Pro Speakers, Pro Tools Ultimate, Mac Pro maxed out with all my sample libraries (counts as ONE right?), Bricasti M7
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Frank Sinatra, Ed Sheeran, Lady Gaga, Sting, Maurice White, Marcus Miller, George Michael. I just love their artistry and style.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Choosing the proper key of the song is so important. Each key has a different sound, color to it. Finding the sweet spot for the vocal or lead instrument is key!
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Coming up with the right parts for what the song needs. This is the skillset I’ve developed as a veteran studio musician. I’ve learned from the best producers, artists, studio musicians, A&R execs. I bring those abilities to our working together.

Various Artists

I was the Kybds, arr, prog in this production

PianoAverage price - $200 per song
Keyboards - SynthAverage price - $200 per song
Pop-Rock ArrangerContact for pricing
String ArrangerContact for pricing
Full instrumental productionContact for pricing

Current delivery 2-4 days. Work for hire. Credit, legal docs, videos request discussed up front please. Rush order upon request. Reasonable amount of revisions.