# Markus Burger

Markus Burger (born September 30, 1966) is a German pianist, composer, and music educator. He directs the Music Industry Studies program at Fullerton College and is best known for blending classical music, jazz, and improvisation in his work.

## Early life and education

Markus began playing piano when he was 6 years old. He studied at the Folkwang University in Essen, Germany, under Peter Herborn, John Taylor, Simon Nabatov, and Uli Beckerhoff.[citation needed] Burger also received a scholarship to the Banff Centre in Alberta, Canada.

## Career

Burger has performed as a soloist and in collaborations spanning jazz, classical music, and other genres. In 2016, Challenge Records released a live recording of one of his concerts featuring Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Stefan Lottermann, Jan von Klewitz, Felix Astor, and Martin Gjakonovski.
Burger has founded several musical projects, including the trio Accidental Tourists, which recorded for Challenge Records. He also established the European Quartet Septer Bourbon, which recorded for Jazzline Records, and the North Atlantic Jazz Alliance. His collaboration with saxophonist Jan von Klewitz, under the name Spiritual Standards, has produced five album releases on Jazzline and Challenge Records, blending jazz with classical influences and spiritual themes.

## Academic career

Burger is a full professor at Fullerton College and serves as the Music Industry Studies program director.[citation needed] He has also worked as an adjunct professor of music entrepreneurship, piano, and composition at San Diego State University (SDSU).

## Awards and recognition

In 1989, Burger won the Jazz Piano Competition in Rhineland-Palatinate.[citation needed] In 1993, he was a finalist at the Martial Solal Competition in Paris, and in 1997, he was a finalist at the Composers Competition in Monaco. In 2000, Burger received the Bach Prize from the City of Erfurt, and in 2020, the Culture Prize of his home county, Bernkastel-Wittlich.

## Health struggles and artistic development

From 1999 to 2002, Burger experienced a serious illness that influenced his artistic direction. During this period, he recorded the solo piano album Ultreya, an introspective work reflecting his experiences.

## Legacy

Burger remains active in contemporary jazz as a performer and educator, focusing on blending genres in his compositions and performances. In 2019, Bösendorfer recognized Burger as one of its featured pianists.

## Discography

* 1996 Fishing for Compliments – Septer Bourbon
* 1999 Spiritual Standards – with Jan von Klewitz
* 2000 Spiritual Standards [Secunda] – with Jan von Klewitz
* 2001 The Smile of the Honeycakehorse – Septer Bourbon
* 2002 Ultreya
* 2004 Genesis – Markus Burger, John Tchicai & Matt Marucci (Cadence Jazz Records)
* 2005 Inside.Outside – with Jan von Klewitz
* 2006 NAJA – North Atlantic Jazz Alliance
* 2007 Tertia – with Jan von Klewitz
* 2007 Vesprae – Ensemble Katharsis
* 2008 Quarta - Spiritual Standards from the New World – with Jan von Klewitz
* 2012 Accidental Tourists: The L.A. Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Joe LaBarbera (drums), Bob Magnusson (bass) (Challenge Records)
* 2016 Accidental Tourists: The Banff Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Kenny Wheeler (trumpet), Jan von Klewitz (saxophonist), Norma Winstone (vocals) (Challenge)
* 2018 Spiritual Standards Quinta, Songs inspired by Martin Luther (Challenge Records)
* 2019 Accidental Tourists: The Alaska Sessions – Markus Burger (piano), Bob Magnusson (bass), Peter Erskine (drums) (Challenge Records)
* 2022 The Vienna Sessions – Markus Burger Solo (Challenge Records)