Mark O'Keeffe

Mark O'Keeffe serves as Assistant Lecturer in Trumpet at the Cork School of Music, Munster Technological University, and has held the position of Principal Trumpet with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra since December 1996. His extensive orchestral career includes guest principal roles with the London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Opera House Orchestra, and other major ensembles across Europe. As an educator, he maintains teaching positions at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (Glasgow), Royal Northern College of Music (Manchester), and NESMS Aberdeen.

O'Keeffe's professional focus centers on advanced trumpet performance techniques within symphonic and chamber music contexts. His work emphasizes interpretative depth in orchestral repertoire and collaborative artistry in ensemble settings, particularly through his involvement with Scotland's Red Note Ensemble. This dual career as performer and pedagogue positions him at the forefront of brass performance education in the UK and Ireland.

Awards and Recognition

• Creative Scotland bursary (2004) for collaborative project with Theatre Cryptic
• Distinguished Alumni of Cork School of Music (2018)

Through his ongoing performances with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and guest appearances worldwide, O'Keeffe maintains active engagement with contemporary orchestral practices while shaping the next generation of brass musicians through his multi-institutional teaching commitments. His career exemplifies the integration of professional performance excellence with academic instruction in music conservatoire settings.