In 2007 Marek Novotný received his PhD in music theory. Also in 2007 he received the Norwegian Government’s scho¬larship for jazz piano studies at the University of Stavanger – Norway. From 2002–2008  was in position of assistant professor at the department of music University of J.E.Purkyne (CZE).  In 2010, Marek finished his masters in jazz composition at the University of Massachusetts Amherst – USA, where he received a full scholarship under the tutelage of Grammy award winner Jeffrey Homes.

Marek’s compositions could be placed somewhere between worlds of jazz and classical music. Czech and World folklore music is also another source of inspiration for him. Marek wrote many compositions for all varieties of music ensembles. Not only for jazz combos, but also for big band, vocal ensemble, saxophone quintet, studio orchestra, and string quartet. He graduated with his “Summer Suite” consisting of five movements for reduced  symphonic orchestra.

Marek toured with many music projects and ensembles such as Feng – Yün Song he toured China and competed at the music festival in Chang – Sha/CHINA and received the main prize). He cooperated also with such musicians as David Dorůžka, Epoque (string) Quartet, South Bohemian Philharmonic orchestra, Aubrey Johnson, Carl Clemens, Paul Lieberman,Bob Weiner, Crystal Monee Hall, Marcella Camargo, Michael Mayo, Chris Kazarian, Pam Steeber, Jason Robinson, Phil McDarmott, Inbar Fridman, Marco Peretti, Marion Solivan, Rachel Luz, Luciana Pires. Marek toured Germany, Norway, Denmark, Great Britain, USA and China with his various projects.

Mark Novotny’s compositions straddle the boundaries of jazz and classical music, which he first immortalized on his original recording Leland Dream (2013) and Fresco (2019), in collaboration with the string quartet EPOQUE QUARTET, which was nominated for the PRAGUE CLASSICAL AWARDS – best album of the year in the crossover category!