Mark Close began playing the trombone in Christchurch at the age of 10, playing with the Christchurch Symphony and the Woolston Brass Band. After completing a BA (Hons) in International Politics he went on to study trombone performance at Victoria University with Marc Taddei, and then in the United States, primarily with John Engelkes (bass trombone, San Francisco Symphony)and David Langlitz (principal trombone, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra).

Mark returned to New Zealand in 1994 to take up the position of 2nd trombone with the Auckland Philharmonia.

Mark's spare time is spent on home renovations and running around after his 2 young boys.