Mark Upton began learning the trumpet at the age of six encouraged by his parents who were both professional trumpet players.  

Growing up in Deal, Kent, Mark spent his early years playing in local Brass Bands, Orchestras and Big Bands and soon developed a passion for playing the trumpet. 

At the age of 17 Mark joined the Royal Marines Band Service where over the years he has honed his skill in many different musical genres becoming a principal trumpet player for the Royal Marines Band Service and ‘go to’ lead trumpet player producing outstanding performances on the world stage and in the recording studio. 

Mark has studied with the British trumpet legend, Derek Watkins and New York jazz trumpet player Richard Boulger amongst others which has led to a busy freelance career.  He has recorded on over 25 albums including ‘Girl in Blue’ by the Session 8 Band and ‘I’m a Dreamer- Aren’t we all’ with international jazz singer Jill Keating.  

In 2012 Mark was endorsed by Eclipse Trumpets- the UK’s leading trumpet maker and worked closely with Leigh McKinney in developing an Artists Series model trumpet, now available at Eclipse Trumpets U.K.  He has also been endorsed by Robinson’s Remedies lip renewal which has been formulated for musicians. Mark is also endorsed by Barkley microphones.

In recent years Mark has been lead trumpet for the James Bond Tribute Band ‘Q The Music’, various West End Shows, The London Film Festival and has also performed with the Syd Lawrence Orchestra, The Gordon Campbell Big Band and ‘Back to Basie’ Band. 

Mark has performed with many artists including Gary Barlow, James Blunt, Ed Sheeran, Rod Stewart, Shirley Bassey, Jamie Cullum, Derek Watkins, David Garrett, Catherine Jenkins, Beverly Knight, Laura White, Alesha Dixon, Andrea Bocelli, Lesley Garrett, Alfie Boe, Gordon Campbell, Ravenscroft, Lulu, Sheena Easton, Sheridan Smith. Joss Stone and Kylie Minogue. 

Mark has performed numerous solo performances in venues all around the world and at many renowned events including the London Olympics, was leader of the trumpet section for ITV’s BAFTA winning live broadcast of the Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th Birthday celebrations and a featured soloist on the BBC broadcast of the D-Day 75 celebrations.  

Of his frequent solo performances at The Royal Albert Hall his iconic rendition of ‘A Trumpet Legacy- A History of the Jazz Trumpet’ is one of his most notable performances to date, paying tribute to some of Mark’s idols including Louis Armstrong, Harry James, Miles Davis, Maynard Ferguson and Dizzy Gillespie.  This was prestigiously introduced by the Jazz legend Arturo Sandoval.  

Mark’s virtuosity and versatility has led him to give many masterclasses around the world including Japan, Singapore, Brazil and the UK.

He is a well-respected music educator and is currently an Instructor at the Royal Marines School of Music.