Sylvan Music Staff

Albert Markasky
(founder, retired)

Sylvan Music's humble beginnings started with Al in a small shop in downtown Santa Cruz. Since then, he has built over 20 acoustic guitars and repaired & restored thousands of instruments. Come on in and he'll give you a Buckeye hello.

Mike Sparber
​(owner)

Mike is a lover & admirer of all stringed instruments, especially the old ones.  When he's not busy greasing the wheels of Sylvan, he is usually playing with his daughter or seeing some great music.

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Aidan Collins-Smith

Don't adjust your screens, Aidan is left-handed! He plays bass in several local bands including the legendary Coffis Brothers Band.

Patrick Ray
(luthier)

Patrick is a lifelong guitar enthusiast who has plunged headfirst into the world of luthiery and shows no signs of slowing down. He's been building EP Custom Pickups for several years, and now is building acoustic guitars under the name Aberdeen that can be found adoring the walls here at our shop. 

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Skyler Hughett

Skyler is currently studying guitar at UCSC and has been active in the music community since early high school. He can often be found playing local shows with his band Climbing Trees or doing performances with various UC ensembles.