Marc Balo-Smith began playing piano at a young age and developed a passion for improvisation early on. During his college year he began composing. He is especially drawn to improvisation and is adept at creating music in a wide range of styles, both historical and contemporary. Marc finds inspiration in an eclectic mix of sources, from the medieval sound world of composers like Guillaume de Machaut to the modern resources of Slominsky Thesaurus of Musical Scales. Marc is particularly drawn to the works of late-20th Century American composers.

Over the past decade, Marc has developed a distinctive musical voice rooted in exploring the relationships formed by specific interval combinations,  while aiming to incorporate lyricism and accessibility. His current works reflect an exploration of this direction as he continues to expand his musical language across different forms and ensembles.

In addition to composing, Marc has worked in international education and exchange programs for nearly 15 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Seattle in International Affairs and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Marc lives in Davis, California with his partner. Outside of music, he is also an avid gardener.