John Mock is an artist and the ocean and its coasts are his muse. From his native New England to the shores of Ireland and Scotland, John captures in music and story the heritage of the sea.

Whether appearing solo or with a symphony orchestra, John shares this heritage through his captivating concert program which include both traditional and original instrumental compositions performed on guitar, concertina, mandolin, and tin whistle. Audiences are charmed not only by John’s music, but also by his narration and storytelling, which bring to life the characters and places upon which the music is based. A multimedia version of the concert is also available, in which John’s own photography is projected, providing a beautiful backdrop for the music.

Widely sought after as a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist, John has worked with such notable artists as the Dixie Chicks, James Taylor, Dolly Parton, Nanci Griffith, Maura O’Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and Mark O’Connor. John’s credits as composer and featured soloist include performances with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, the Nexus Chamber Orchestra, the Nashville Philharmonic, the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, and the National Orchestra of Ireland. He has also worked extensively across the country as a solo performer.

John’s CDs (The Day At Sea, and The Keeper's Companion), can be found in many of America's maritime museum shops, as well as at all major online retailers, and on this website.

Concert Programs:

Tales of Sea & Shore - with Musician & Storyteller John Mock
“Tales of Sea & Shore” is an elegant blend of original and traditional music and stories hailing from Ireland, New England, and the waters between.

From Sea to Shore - Music, Image, & Narrative with composer John Mock
“From Sea to Shore” is a multi-media version of "Tales of Sea & Shore". This program is available with John Mock performing solo, or as a guest artist with an orchestra, and includes projected images (John's own photography) to go along with the music and stories. Note: All the photographs on this website are John's as well.

Concert Reviews:

"John's process of tying photographs of unique places along with original music is simply phenomenal. Through sound and image, he is able to create encompassing atmospheres that capture these special landscapes and stories. Whatever your age may be, a concert of John's is a wonderful experience."

- Robert Forloney, Director of Education
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
St. Michaels, MD

“Wow, what an experience.  John Mock delivered the perfect balance of stunning photography, elegant and evocative music and storytelling. The audience truly felt as if they became part of the setting and part of the music; and that old Martin guitar of his has a voice like no other.”

- Jason Morin
Director of Public Programs
Maine Maritime Museum

“What a great concert, I had never heard John before and I am hooked!! His slide show with the concert is mesmerizing. Bought the CD and am enjoying it immensely.
Looking forward to next year!!!”

- Dot Black
Board of Directors
Maine Lighthouse Museum

“… wonderfully evocative and beautifully written and performed. Audience reaction was very positive. The orchestra also really enjoyed the concert, not least because the orchestrations were superb and the materials exemplary.”

- Robin Fountain
Music Director
Southwest Michigan Symphony

“John Mock is a composer who knows how to feature the orchestra while fusing classical, folk and popular styles into powerful new works.”

- Paul Gambill,
Music Director
Nashville Chamber Orchestra

“John Mock’s pairing of his music with his photography was truly a delight. He has captured the essence of the sea, and is able to portray that through his work. The Mariners’ Museum can’t wait to have him back for another performance.

- Caroline C. Leyden,
Manager of Indoor Special Events,
The Mariners' Museum
Newport News, VA

"John Mock's concert was original, with beautiful music played on a variety of instruments. His presentation at New Jersey's tallest lighthouse, Absecon Light, was the perfect setting for his maritime, multi-media experience. It also made everyone in the audience want to travel to Ireland and other nautical places of interest featured in his concert. Bravo John! You are always welcome to perform at Absecon Lighthouse."

- Jean Muchanic
Executive Director
Absecon Lighthouse
Atlantic City, NJ

“On Sunday, August 30, about 50 members and guests of the New London Maritime Society met at the New London, Ct. Custom House, the oldest continuing functioning Custom House in the nation. There they were entertained... more accurately spellbound... by the music, photos and personal stories of John Mock, renowned multi-instrumentalist, photographer, and very generous great guy who made his home for many years on these Southern New England shores. Since then, his muse has been the sea and shores of New England, Virginia and Ireland.

In recent years, John and his lovely wife, also a professional musician, have resided and worked in Nashville with the many other musical luminaries of that area. But after experiencing his captivating concert, the organization's President expressed the desire of all in attendance: "JOHN, COME HOME."

- George Sprecace
Board president
New London Customs House Maritime Museum