Arizona born, five octave range singer Mark Sanstead can definitely be called one of a kind.  Following his love for music he taught himself piano and guitar, playing by ear, and learning difficult classical pieces just for the challenge.  Although music and arts were not encouraged in high school from teachers, he continued to play piano and guitar, writing music, and singing regardless of the obstacles.  Singing in almost every church band and auditioning for any school production was able to give him the confidence and stage presence that he holds today. 

Mark Tyler produced and recorded his first CD in 2000 titled “On My Own” including a remake of the Eagles song Desperado.  In 2001, Mark Tyler moved to the Decatur, Alabama to study with acclaimed vocal instructor Brett Manning in Nashville, TN.  He was able to finance his lessons by selling all of his possessions and working 80 hours a week waiting tables at a small restaurant in Decatur, Alabama.  After finishing instruction and completing all lessons at the vocal school in 7 months, he was asked to intern by Brett Manning to become a certified instructor.  Brett Manning says that Mark is one of, or if not the highest singing male vocalists he knows. 

He has shared the stage with Fantasia Barino opening up for her Martin Luther King concert in Phoenix AZ in January of 2005.  Over 60,000 people attended that concert.  As a result of his performance this past year, he has been asked back to perform again each year.  He sang at Jubilee Balloon Festival in Decatur, Alabama for over 40,000 people in 2002.  Mark Tyler was in the producer’s choice group on 2002’s American Idol, going all the way to Hollywood and back to compete for two open spots on the Wild Card Show.  Mark Tyler also traveled with a gospel group, Eddie James and Colourblind on their Break the Walls tour throughout the US in 2001. 

Mark Tyler continues to sing and push forward towards his dreams of touching people’s lives and hearts.  Holding himself to a higher standard of love and compassion, combined with an amazing personal spirituality, makes this truly talented artist a breath of fresh air.


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