Mark Schilders (31) is a drummer, composer and multi-instrumentalist producer based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

A born natural, Mark began drumming at 5 years old and went on to seamlessly integrate into the established Dutch Jazz scene at the young age of 18. He began his studies at The Codarts Conservatory of Rotterdam, and later went on to continue as a guest teacher there, as well as at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague at the remarkably young age of 22. While a student, he won the prestigious Prinses Christina Jazz Concours (2008) and the Erasmus Jazz Prijs (2011).

In 2012 he was awarded three grants simultaneously to study at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York where he studied under the guidance of Amir Ziv, Jim Black, Reggie Workman and Ben Street.

In 2014 Schilders was selected as ‘Nieuwe Maker’ by the Dutch Performing Arts Fund in collaboration with Stichting Jazz International Rotterdam which marked the start of his career as a composer and producer of original music.

In the years following, his first album FABRIK (2016) saw the light of day. Followed by commissioned works for a.o. the New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra (2017) and the infamous contemporary dance company Conny Janssen Danst (‘KIEM’ 2019/2020).

Schilders is teaching drums and more at the Codarts Conservatory of Rotterdam.

Schilders plays Istanbul Agop Cymbals exclusively