Academy
of Music
Dr. Mark Hornbaker, Director
308 Buchanan St.
Charleston WV 25302
Welcome to my website
Vocal Lessons
Fulfil your petential.
Learn to sing. Let your voice be heard
Piano Lessons
For Kids and Adult
Have fun learning. Any level.
Guitar Lessons
Learn to play the popular instrument. classic and electric
Sing Live
Experience singing in front of a real audience on a live performance!
Read music notes
Learn to read notes and play along
any song you like
Buy Music Books
We sell a collection of music books, to beginners to experts
I am Mark Hornbaker, a musician in Charleston, West Virginia.
If you’re in Charleston, perhaps you already know about the Academy of Music.
My primary field of interest and expertise is TEACHING SINGING! I also compose and conduct. The Academy Hall is located on 308 Buchanan on Charleston’s West Side.
About 75 people come to the Hall each week to study Voice, Piano and Guitar. Academy Hall is a small venue that offers recitals and concerts of local musicians. It is also the home of the Academy Ensemble.
Wanda the Pig
What a day... a fun recording session with Dr Mark Hornbaker
Composer
Mark Has been composing since he was a teen.
Busy as a professor of voice for most of his career, only recently has he begun to focus on his talent and dream to compose.
Through his work as a church musician, Mark began actively composing for the choir at First Presbyterian Church of South Charleston about ten years ago.
At this website, you will find many of his compositions for SATB chorus and Piano. His Choral Sacred Music is practical and challenging. It’s traditional but innovative. There is the influence of classical, traditional modal, a cappella, SSA, TTBB, and solo vocal.
Almost all of the works utilize the Bible as texts. There’s seasonal, communion, and anthems for regular services. There are also original anthems that feature the influence of Jewish folk music. Interested in Opera or Art Song? Dr. Hornbaker is currently at work composing two operas.
Find samples of songs within that you can also purchase! There’s Wanda Petunia, a musical for children and Warlock Concert, an opera about witches and goblins. These two works feature two of Charleston’s writers: Amy Williams and Caroline Chamness.
A world of Vocal Sounds
Discover the art of singing with Dr. Mark Hornbaker, a distinguished vocal coach and composer whose passion for music and education has inspired students for over two decades. Whether you are a beginner finding your voice or an experienced performer refining your tone and technique, Dr. Hornbaker offers a personalized journey designed to unlock your full vocal potential.
Each lesson blends the precision of classical training with the freedom of modern performance. Students explore breath control, tone production, diction, and stage presence while learning how to connect emotionally to every song. Dr. Hornbaker’s holistic approach focuses not only on the mechanics of singing but also on developing confidence, musicality, and authentic expression.
Under his guidance, singers discover that every voice is unique—an instrument capable of power, subtlety, and beauty. Lessons are tailored to individual goals, whether preparing for auditions, performances, church solos, or simply learning to sing for personal joy.
Dr. Hornbaker’s background as a composer and pianist enriches every session with insights into melody, harmony, and phrasing. His calm, supportive teaching style creates an atmosphere where students feel inspired to take creative risks and grow beyond their expectations.
From soloists and choir members to young students discovering music for the first time, Dr. Hornbaker helps each singer develop a lifelong appreciation for their voice.
Join the studio and experience what it means to sing with purpose, artistry, and heart. With Dr. Mark Hornbaker, every lesson becomes a step toward finding not just your sound—but your story through song.
Solo Men Vocal Lessons
Discover the depth and power of your voice—express emotion with every note.
Solo Women Vocal Lessons
Unfold your true sound—where grace, passion, and strength come alive.
Kids Vocal Lessons
Sing, laugh, and grow! Inspiring young voices to dream with music.
Sing as a Choir
Many voices, one soul. Feel the harmony that connects hearts through song.
Our Student Voices
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"When I found the Academy of Music, I hadn’t sung in years and had never sung a solo before, and now I am regularly performing."
"He gave me the confidence to sing in solo recitals and audition for musicals after a few sessions”
Allison Butcher
“Mark had the patience to teach me piano even when I started at age 47.
He never gave up on me, no matter how slow the progress.”
Or Stern
Start your lessons soon
Jan 1st 2026!
Learn why Academy of Music can change your life.