Composer Mark Lackey has garnered premieres from the Eastman Wind Orchestra, Definiens Ensemble in Los Angeles, and violinist Courtney Orlando. Dr. Lackey is an Assistant Professor of Music at Samford University's School of the Arts where he teaches music theory, aural skills, form and analysis, and composition. He previously served on the faculty at Towson University and at Johns Hopkins University, with courses in music theory, musicianship, American music history, and an introduction to computer music. He has received awards including a Johns Hopkins University Arts Innovation Grant and an Encore Grant from the American Composers Forum.  
Lackey earned the degrees Doctor of Musical Arts in composition, Master of Music in theory pedagogy, and Master of Music in composition from The Peabody Conservatory where his teachers included Christopher Theofanidis and the late Nicholas Maw. He is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda national honor society in music, the American Composers Forum, the Birmingham Art Music Alliance, and the College Music Society.