Mark Cabaniss
Mark Cabaniss is a music publisher, writer, producer, broadcaster, and speaker. As an ASCAP composer and arranger, Mark’s published compositions have been performed nationally and abroad, and include choral anthems, musicals, cantatas, and instrumental pieces. His stage adaptation of the film “It’s a Wonderful Life” titled Miracle In Bedford Falls (co-written with Lowell Alexander) was premiered by the Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre and has been subsequently performed throughout the United States and Canada. Other musicals include The Homework Machine, co-written with Tony-nominated composer Keith Herrmann and premiered by the Boston Children’s Theatre and The Stardust Supper Club (featuring the music of Hoagy Carmichael) co-written with Alan Bailey and given an Off-Broadway workshop production by The York Theatre Company.
Mark is the author of three books: Confessions of a Shameless Name-Dropper, Music Business Essentials: A Guide for Aspiring Professionals and Miracle of The Music Man: The Classic American Story of Meredith Willson.
Mark is a multiple recipient of ASCAP’s Popular Music Award, the NAMM Believe in Music Award, and is a Dove Award and Angel Award-winning producer. He is a member of The Recording Academy, The Dramatists Guild of America, and serves on the Board of Advisors for The Music Man Square, a museum and foundation in Mason City, Iowa, dedicated to furthering music education and honoring the legacy of Meredith Willson (creator of Broadway’s The Music Man). Mark was named Outstanding Alumnus of the Year by Mars Hill University and serves on the University’s Board of Trustees. Mark is also the founder/donor of The Helen Cole Krause Music Scholarship, awarded annually to qualifying students who choose music as a college major. Govenor Wallace Wilkinson of Kentucky commissioned Mark as a Kentucky Colonel.
Mark also serves as a correspondent for Hollywood 360, a weekly nationally syndicated entertainment radio show based in Chicago.
Mark’s work in music business and broadcasting has led to collaborations with television icons Bob Barker, Kathie Lee Gifford and Andy Griffith; Academy Award-winner Shirley Jones; legendary entertainer Steve Allen; composer Charles Strouse (Annie/Bye Bye Birdie); Broadway/pop songwriter Rupert Holmes; jazz pianist/composer Loonis McGlohon; gospel singer Cynthia Clawson and others.
Mark also serves as an Adjunct Instructor of Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education and Communications from Mars Hill University and The University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Mark resides in Nashville.
