Marcus DeJesus is a young guitarist originally from Brazil that currently lives in the Dubuque Tri State Area. He is a professor of guitar and general music at Clarke University in Dubuque, IA. In addition Marcus is the music director at Chavez elementary school in Madison WI. In the spring of 2016, he finished a master’s degree in guitar performance from Southern Illinois University (Carbondale, Illinois) and in the spring of 2014, a bachelor’s of arts in music performance from Clarke University. Living in the US since 2007, Marcus has studied the guitar with Dr. Zane Merritt, Dr. Isaac Lausell, Dr. Miles McConnell, composition with Dr. Amy Dunker and voice with master John Lease. In Brazil, he has collaborated with the master Moacyr Teixeira Neto who teaches at the FAMES Music Conservatory situated in Vitoria, ES. He plays guitar made by the world renown Brazilian luthier Sergio Abreu and Florida luthier ​Augustino Loprinzi. 

Marcus began his studies on the instrument at the age of ten, having his father as one of his first teachers. The Brazilian guitarist has strong roots in classical guitar, Brazilian jazz and a variety of other styles. He was a soloist with the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and the Southern Illinois Symphony and, has performed in variety of jazz ensembles such as the Larry Busch Big Band, Hunter Fuerste Vintage Jazz Group and the Mistletones. In addition Marcus regularly performs with his own group the “Blu Flame Duo”, which it features Marcus on the guitar and Brian Eiffes on vocals. The group released their album in 2018 "Just Jazz" featuring original compositions and jazz standards by Antonio Carlos Jobim. In the fall of 2019, the guitarist released the album "Retratos" featuring pieces from Bach to Bossa Nova. 

As a teacher of guitar, Marcus has worked with students of all ages and levels. From college students that are now beginning a career as professional musicians, to young guitarists and adults who never played the instrument before. "It's never too late to begin and there is always something new to learn on both ends of the spectrum: student and teacher."

During his free time, he enjoys running, watching movies, attending other art events, cooking and spending time with family and friends. His philosophy of teaching and life is that is important to “be yourself because everybody else is already taken.” Music allows humans to express what is between sentiments and what words cannot describe.