Born in Denver, Colorado in 1968. During childhood studied violin, cello, piano, trombone, guitar, electric bass and double bass. Began working as a professional musician at age twelve. Studied music at Brown University (B.A. Music 1990) and Yale School of Music (1990-91).

From 1990-93 toured US, Canada, and Sweden as member of the Artie Shaw Orchestra. In 1993 toured U.S. with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. In 1994 as a member of the Glenn Miller Orchestra, toured US, Hawaii, and Japan.

Based in New York City from 1992 to 1996. During this time performed at major jazz clubs including the Blue Note, the Village Gate, Sweet Basil (presently Sweet Rhythm), Knitting Factory, Augie's (presently Smoke), 55 Bar, Zinc Bar, La Famille, and was member of house band for jam session at Small's. Guests there included Barry Altschul, Evelyn Blakey, Ray Bryant, Roy Hargrove, Rick Margitza, Wynton Marsalis, Sam Newsome, Nicholas Payton, Larry Willis, and Bernard Wright.

Based in Tokyo area since 1997. Presently active as acoustic and electric bassist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and educator.

MT6, The Mark Tourian Sextet, formed in October of 2011. Presenting original compositions and arrangements of standard jazz repertoire in concert and jazz club venues throughout Japan.

Arcoband formed in June of 2014. Jazz quartet performing standard repertoire featuring bowed bass as the lead voice along with piano/bass/drum rhythm section.

Sun and Moon Orchestra formed in January of 2022. Seventeen piece big band performing original compositions and arrangements alongside standard repertoire paying tribute to the great bands such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones and Mel Lewis, Woody Herman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey and Glenn Miller.

Member of Akio Sasajima/Randy Brecker Quintet. First album Aranjuez Suite release and Japan tour in September of 2018. Second album Blue Horizon released September of 2023.

"Window", CD of duets with guitarist Tomoya Hara, released January 2005. August 2007 released CD "Hamon", recorded live during September 2006 tour with Hara and New York drummer Brian Floody. Window Trio toured Japan in fall of 2008 with singer Melissa Morgan, and in 2010 performed at Small's in New York and the Brooklyn Conservatory.

Member of Candela, Tokyo-based jazz and world music band. Released critically acclaimed CD "Mogami" in 2002. Second CD "Rise Above" released in 2004. Performed at Toronto Jazz Festival and Joe's Pub (NY) in 2003 and New York Blue Note in 2004. Toured extensively in Japan, including many school concerts and appearances at Yatsugatake and Noto Jazz Festivals.

Has performed with Randy Brecker, Richie Cole, Herman Foster, Billy Eckstine, John Faddis, Nneena Freelon, Paul Jeffrey, Tom Harrell, Eddie Henderson, Joe Henderson, Terumasa Hino, Victor Jones, Ralph Lalama, Dave Liebman, Eric Marienthal, Valery Pomonorev, Lew Tabackin, Bert Seager, Pete Yellin, and many others.

Has performed with many of the leading musicians in Japan including Yasuko Agawa, Junko Akimoto, Ayako Fuji, Nobuo Hara, Hiroshi Itsuki, Toshihiko Kankawa, Mitsuaki Kishi, Eiji Kitamura, Norio Maeda, Seiko Matsuda, Homei Matsumoto, Seiichi Nakamura, Ken Nishikiori, Judy Ongg, Masahiko Osaka, Masahiko Sato, Asako Toki, and Hiro Tsunoda.

Will appear in "The Dangerous Detectives are Back!" (Nippon Television, May 2024 release) starring Hiroshi Tachi and Kyohei Shibata.
Appears as the character "Cymbals" in "Nodame Cantabile- the Movie" (Toho, December 2009 release) starring Hiroshi Tamaki and Juri Ueno.
Appears in "Lost Love" (Shochiku, June 2007 release) starring Masakazu Tamura and Misaki Ito.
Performs Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in motion picture "Baruto no Gakuen" (TOEI, June 2006 release) starring Ken Matsudaira and Bruno Ganz.

Lecturer and instructor at Senzoku Gakuen College of Music since April of 2019. Instructor for International Youth Orchestra at Tokyo College of Music since April of 2022.