About

Our Vision

Is to provide music educational opportunities to all at-risk students that desire more learning opportunities, to provide supplemental income for local music professionals pursuing their careers.

Mission Statement

Beat 4 Beat develops confidence and community in underserved youth in Central Texas through after school music education. Taught by local musicians, our curriculum is inspired by students’ interests, providing opportunities for expression and empowerment.

Mark Turk, Executive Director

Born and raised in rural Alice, Texas, Mark Turk grew up immersed in music. After graduating high school, he attended Texas State University in San Marcos to study business—but music never let go. He began performing with local bands and, after earning his degree, moved to Austin to pursue life in the Live Music Capital of the World.

For the next decade, Mark performed, recorded, and toured with fellow musicians. In 2007, he earned certification in audio engineering from MediaTech and expanded into music production and instruction. Since then, he has taught music in public and private schools and provided private lessons in bass, guitar, piano, and voice.

Beat 4 Beat Is Born

Growing up near poverty and later working with at-risk students in Austin ISD, Mark saw firsthand the powerful impact of music education. Students built friendships, improved attendance, and became more engaged academically.

In 2014, Mark founded Beat 4 Beat (formerly Beyond the Grade) to meet the growing needs of at-risk students in the Austin area. As the organization expanded, he brought fellow musicians on board—creating opportunities for both students and artists pursuing their craft.

Rhanda Luna, Development Director

Rhanda Luna holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Business from West Texas A&M University and a master’s in Nonprofit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University. A dedicated fundraising professional, she has spent more than a decade supporting Texas opera companies and is an active member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. She is currently pursuing her CFRE certification.

Rhanda joined the Beat 4 Beat team with a deep love for music and a strong commitment to community impact, officially making Austin her home in the process. An arts advocate at heart, she is passionate about connecting people to meaningful causes and strengthening the communities they serve.

Outside of work, Rhanda is a proud mom to her son, Adam, and her Labrador-beagle mix, Kai.