Mark Fitzgibbon

“Mark Fitzgibbon is one of the most underrated talents in the country… a consistently sympathetic accompanist, a repository of a vast repertoire and an impeccable touch. He can produce blistering solos and lift the music to another level.”
— Adrian Jackson, The Age

“Mark Fitzgibbon’s playing is relentless, inventive, respectful — but most importantly, it swings like hell. He’s one of the finest artists in Australia, one of the most incisive musical minds out there.”
— Simon Tedeschi, ABC 24 Hours

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One of Australia’s most accomplished jazz pianists, Mark Fitzgibbon has performed across the globe and earned his place among the country’s jazz elite. With a career spanning decades and continents, he brings not only virtuosity but deep musical insight and swing to every performance.

Based in Melbourne and now teaching from Ivanhoe, Mark is currently accepting piano students — offering a rare opportunity to study with a pianist of international stature.

Born into one of Australia’s great musical families, Mark is the son of beloved Melbourne entertainer Graham “Smacka” Fitzgibbon, nephew to acclaimed singer and actress Maggie Fitzgibbon, and brother to celebrated jazz vocalist Nichaud Fitzgibbon. His grandfather, Min Fitzgibbon, was a vaudevillian and pianist — making jazz a family tradition.

Mark honed his skills under piano greats Fred Thomas, Marie Driscoll and Trevor Barnard, and studied alto saxophone with Peter Clinch. In the 1980s, he was a fixture in the Melbourne jazz scene, performing with Vince Jones and Wilbur Wilde’s “Blowout” before relocating to the UK.

During more than a decade abroad, Mark became a sought-after pianist in London, appearing at legendary venues including Ronnie Scott’s, the 606 Club, and Pizza Express. He performed and recorded with many of the UK and Europe’s finest jazz musicians, including Tommy Chase, Alan Barnes, Jean Toussaint, Clark Tracey, Don Weller, Henry Lowther, Claire Martin, Tina May, and others.

Since returning to Australia in the 1990s — after winning the prestigious Wangaratta Jazz Festival piano prize — Mark has remained in constant demand as a soloist, accompanist, composer, and recording artist. His collaborators include iconic Australian artists such as Dale Barlow, Bernie McGann, Grace Knight, and James Morrison. He has also toured nationally with jazz legends from abroad including Lee Konitz, Scott Hamilton, John Stubblefield, Mark Murphy, Patti Austin, and Veronica Swift.

Mark’s playing is featured on numerous recordings, including his own quartet album Closer, released on Jazzhead Records. He continues to perform regularly throughout Melbourne with his own trio and as accompanist to many of the city’s finest vocalists.

As an educator, Mark has lectured in jazz and piano studies at WAAPA (Edith Cowan University), and currently teaches at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS) and Ivanhoe Grammar School. He offers private lessons for dedicated students of all levels — from intermediate players to advanced pianists preparing for tertiary study or professional careers.

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To learn with one of Australia’s best: contact Mark Fitzgibbon directly for jazz piano lessons in Ivanhoe.