Martin S. Marks

Martin S. Marks Professor Emeritus Butler University, 81, of Indianapolis, died October 25 at Indiana University Hospital. For more than 50 years including 44 years at Butler University, Martin taught the art of the piano to thousands of students. A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, Martin was born on February 25, 1923 to Isaac and Leah Marks. His early music teachers in Indianapolis included Bomar Cramer and Ozan Marsh. He was graduated from Shortridge High School in 1941, and he attended Chicago Musical College from 1941-1942 and 1946-1948 where he studied with the composer Rudolf Ganz. He received his Bachelor of Music in 1952 from Jordan College of Music at Butler University and a Master of Music in 1954 also from Butler. Martin served honorably in the U.S. Army in World War II. He married Geraldine Mosely, of Shreveport, La in 1948. She was also a fine pianist and teacher. She preceded him in death in 1977. Martin Marks' reputation as a teacher and performer was highly regarded. A distinctive component of his performance and teaching was his intelligent and sensitive musicianship and artistry. His greatest contribution in his musical career was the high level and standard of piano playing that he gently cultivated in his students. Many have gone on to successful careers as teachers and performers of the piano. Mr. Marks was also instrumental in introducing the Indianapolis community to many piano works of 20th century classical composers. Martin Marks was a professor of music at Butler University for 24 years until his retirement in 1997 at which time he became professor emeritus. He was the president of the Indiana Music Teachers Association from 1979 to 1983, and he received Teacher of the Year honors from IMTA in 1992. He was a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music honorary society. Two brothers, Henry and Arnold preceded him in death. He is survived by, his son, Jeffrey D. Marks, and daughter-in-law, Christine Stewart, of Poland, IN as well as his sister Sarah Elizabeth Trinkaus, of Ann Arbor, MI as well as several nieces and nephews. Calling will be held on Friday October 29 from 4-8 pm at Crown Hill Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home on Saturday October 30, 2004 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Martin S. Marks Scholarship Fund at Butler University, 4600 Sunset Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208 or to the Indiana University School of Medicine Foundation, 1110 West Michigan St., LO 506 Indianapolis, IN 46202.