Pianist - Musical Director - Accompanist - Vocal Arranger - Vocal Coach - Teacher

Hi - my name is Mary Sugar. I have been a musician since I was three years old, and reached "professional" status soon after.

I grew up in Syracuse, N.Y.  At my third birthday party, my godmother bought me a little chord organ.  I went to the radio, heard "Bill Bailey", went back to the organ, played the song, and the party stopped.  My parents looked at each other, said "do that again", I did, and my party started. The next day, we bought my first console organ, and I started taking lessons. When I was five, I was featured in a concert by Bob Ralston  of the Lawrence Welk< show, and I was hooked.

All through my school years, I continued, taking lessons from the famous silent movie organist Carlton James, adding clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, and piano by age 10.  I became the organist at a local church when I was 12, and pianist in a local dance band when I was 13. Along the way I was privileged to attend master classes with some wonderful musicians like Chuck Mangione, Gap Mangione, and Darius Brubeck.

I received a degree in piano performance, and then decided that if I wanted to be a music director, I needed to learn how to act, sing and dance, so I went on to receive a BFA in Musical Theater from Syracuse University, under such wonderful teachers as Brent Wagner, Arthur Storch and Richard Fancy.

Three months after I graduated, I moved to New York City, and three days later was rehearsal accompanist and assistant musical director for my first off-Broadway show. Broadway itself came four months later.

As a freelance musician in NYC, I was privileged to work with many wonderful people, going around the world with Leslie Uggams, playing country music with Larry Gatlin, and so many others. I also became a teacher and vocal coach.

Since returning to my home town in 1996, I've been the pianist for many Pops concerts with the Syracuse Symphomy Orchestra, as well as The Irish Tenors, Connie Francis, and many national touring shows. I've also worked extensively at Syracuse Stage at many other local venues.

I continue to perform around the world as a freelancer, as well as teach and coach in my home.

Email me at marysugarmusic@gmail.com.