JACOB BURK VIOLIST

Jacob Burk's journey through the world of music began in his early years, and since then, it has been an integral part of his life. Hailing from Texas, Jacob embarked on his viola studies at the age of five, immersing himself in the Suzuki program. His musical pursuits blossomed as he participated in youth orchestras and viola ensembles, showcasing his talent at prestigious events like the American Viola Society Festival at Oberlin and the Suzuki Association of the Americas in Minneapolis, all under the guidance of mentors such as Susan Pugh and Amy Tomlinson.

During his formative years, Jacob was an active member of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, achieving recognition at Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-State. In 2022, he graduated with an undergraduate degree in viola performance from Texas Christian University, where he studied under the tutelage of Dr. Misha Galaganov on a full scholarship. Currently, Jacob is pursuing his graduate studies in viola performance at the University of Delaware, benefiting from an assistantship under the esteemed direction of Dr. Elias Goldstein.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Jacob fosters a thriving studio of violinists and violists while regularly collaborating with various quartets and regional symphonies across Texas. He is deeply committed to community engagement, having volunteered for initiatives such as Through the Staff organization and provides music lessons to passionate students in need.

Jacob's dedication to his craft has afforded him invaluable opportunities to study with distinguished artists like Matthew Lipman, The Rolston Quartet, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Paul Silverthorne, and Rumen Cvetkov. His artistic endeavors have been recognized with accolades such as the Critic Award at the George Gershwin International Music Competition and an honorable mention in the NSO Betsy L. Kent Youth Concerto Competition. Additionally, Jacob is a Virtu Foundation scholar, showcasing his talents on a viola generously loaned by the organization.

A multifaceted musician, Jacob extends his passion for music beyond traditional boundaries. He excels as a chamber music faculty member at festivals, conducts masterclasses on orchestral and solo repertoire, and organizes fundraising concerts. His curiosity knows no bounds, as he explores diverse musical avenues, from arranging and transposing music for the viola to delving into electronic music production. Jacob's quest for artistic growth has led him to embrace different musical genres, including jazz, enriching his spiritual connection with music.

If you are interested in hearing more of Jacob, click here to access his YouTube page: YouTube