Markus Burger facts for kids

Markus Burger is a talented German pianist, composer, and music teacher. He is known for his work in jazz and classical music. Although he was born in Germany, he has lived in California since 2001. He teaches music at Fullerton College and San Diego University.

Learning the Piano

Markus Burger started playing the piano when he was only six years old. To become a professional musician, he studied at the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany. There, he learned from famous musicians like Peter Herborn and Simon Nabatov.

He later earned a Master's degree in Performing Arts. In 1993, he also studied in Canada at the Banff Centre, where he met the well-known musician Kenny Wheeler.

Music Career

Markus Burger has had a successful career making music both by himself and with other artists. He has recorded many albums that mix different styles, like jazz and classical music.

Famous Albums and Groups

One of Burger's important projects was an album called Accidental Tourists, released in 2016. This album was a tribute to his friend Kenny Wheeler and featured several other famous musicians.

Burger also started a music trio called Accidental Tourists and a group called the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance. He worked closely with saxophonist Jan von Klewitz on a project called Spiritual Standards. Together, they released five albums that blended jazz sounds with classical ideas.

Teaching Music

Besides performing, Markus Burger is a dedicated teacher. He is a professor at Fullerton College, where he is also the director of the Music Technology program. He has also taught music business, piano, and composing at San Diego State University.

Awards and Honors

Markus Burger's talent has been recognized with several awards.

• 1993: He was a finalist in the Martial Solal Competition, a major piano contest in Paris.
• 1997: He was a finalist in the Jazz Composers Competition in Monaco.
• 2000: He won the Bach Prize from the city of Erfurt, Germany.
• 2019: The famous piano maker Bösendorfer named him one of their official artists.
• 2020: He received the Culture Prize from his home county in Germany, Bernkastel-Wittlich.

Discography

Here is a list of some of the albums Markus Burger has released:

• 1996: Fishing for Compliments
• 1999: Spiritual Standards – with Jan von Klewitz
• 2000: Spiritual Standards [Secunda] – with Jan von Klewitz
• 2001: The Smile of the Honeycakehorse
• 2002: Ultreya
• 2004: Genesis – with John Tchicai and Matt Marucci
• 2005: Inside.Outside – with Jan von Klewitz
• 2006: NAJA – as the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance
• 2007: Tertia – with Jan von Klewitz
• 2008: Quarta - Spiritual Standards from the New World – with Jan von Klewitz
• 2012: Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions – with Joe LaBarbera and Bob Magnusson
• 2016: Accidental Tourists: The Banff Sessions – with Kenny Wheeler, Jan von Klewitz, and Norma Winstone
• 2018: Spiritual Standards Quinta, Songs inspired by Martin Luther
• 2019: Accidental Tourists: The Alaska Sessions – with Bob Magnusson and Peter Erskine
• 2022: The Vienna Sessions – a solo piano album