Jacob Burk
Hurst,Texas
Summary
Jacob Burk is a dedicated and versatile violist with a lifelong passion for music cultivated in his early years in Texas. Holding an undergraduate degree in viola performance from Texas Christian University and currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Delaware, Jacob possesses a solid foundation in music education. His journey in music is distinguished by prestigious performances and recognition, including accolades from the George Gershwin International Music Competition. Committed to community engagement, Jacob has volunteered with organizations like Through the Staff, nurturing aspiring musicians while fostering a thriving studio of violinists and violists. With expertise in chamber music, orchestral repertoire, and teaching, Jacob is poised to bring his diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact in music education.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Violin and Viola Private Teacher
Community Music School Of Delaware
10.2023 - Current
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through musical lessons.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Improved student comprehension by utilizing various teaching methods and adapting instructional materials to address diverse learning styles.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Violin and Viola Private Teacher
Self
10.2023 - Current
- Teach lessons to aspiring violinists or violists at any age group
- Focus on helping students develop skills both on music but in life as well
- Doubled studio size in 6 months.
Violin and Viola Private Teacher
Self
09.2015 - Current
- Teach lessons to aspiring violinists or violists at any age group
- Focus on helping students develop skills both on music but in life as well
- Tripled studio size in a year.
- Students performed and achieved high ranks at TMEA All-State
Church Musician - Viola/Violin
Christ Chapel Bible Church
10.2019 - 08.2023
- Enhanced worship experience by skillfully playing various musical instruments during services.
- Observed choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentations.
- Developed extensive repertoire of hymns, anthems, and other sacred music pieces to accommodate diverse church services.
- Maintained excellent working relationships with staff and volunteers to foster a positive and collaborative environment for music ministry.
- Performed outreach concerts
Freelance Musician
Serenata Strings
01.2018 - 08.2023
- Violinist and violist for various events, including recording sessions, church performances, galas, and orchestras
- Performed variety of genres, ranging from classical to jazz
- Fulfilled roles in orchestras and chamber ensembles, collaborating well with fellow musicians.
- Specialized in both classical and contemporary music.
- Adapted musical repertoire to suit specific event themes or client requests, showcasing flexibility and creativity.
- Contributed positively to community events by offering pro bono performances at charity fundraisers or local cultural gatherings.
- Wrote and arranged original compositions for live music performances.
- Built networks with local musicians to provide session support for gigs and events.
Symphony Orchestra
Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
09.2022 - 05.2023
- Section violist
- Full season featuring artists like Albert Cano Smit, Iona Batchelder, and Christopher Collins-Lee
- Outreach concerts for local schools
Education
Master of Arts - Master of Music Performance - Viola
University of Delaware
Newark, DE05.2025
Master of Arts - Master of Music Performance - Viola
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Music Performance - Viola
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, TX05.2022
Skills
- Versatile Pedagogy
- Suzuki Method
- String Instrument Maintenance
- Audition preparation
Additional Information
Music has been a part of Jacob's life since the start. Though it was not until age 5 that he began his studies on viola. He is from Hurst, Texas where he began studying viola through the Suzuki program. Jacob took part in youth orchestras, viola ensembles, and performed at events such as the American Viola Society Festival at Oberlin and Suzuki Association of the Americas in Minneapolis through the HEB ISD Suzuki program. In his youth, he studied with Susan Pugh, Catherine Forbes, and Amy Tomlinson. Jacob was also a part of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra for multiple years and attended TMEA All-State. In 2022, Jacob completed his undergraduate degree in viola performance on full scholarship at Texas Christian University studying under the direction of Dr. Misha Galaganov. Currently, Jacob is pursuing a graduate degree in viola performance at the University of Delaware with an assistantship under the direction of Dr. Elias Goldstein. Jacob maintains a studio of violinists and violists, frequently performs with various quartets, and is a part of regional symphonies throughout Texas. He has also had the opportunity to perform concerts with the Music for Food initiative as well as work with and learn from renowned artists such as Matthew Lipman, The Rolston Quartet, Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Paul Silverthorne, and Rumen Cvetkov. Jacob also volunteers for the Through the Staff organization and teaches lessons to students who otherwise could not afford lessons. Jacob has recently been hired as faculty for chamber music festivals and taught masterclasses over orchestral repertoire and solo repertoire. He is also a Critic Award winner at the George Gershwin International Music Competition. Jacob is also a recent Virtu Foundation scholar, performing on a viola on loan from the organization. The viola is of late 19th or early 20th-century French origin bearing a facsimile label of Nestor Audinot dated 1890. Jacob has recently organized fundraising concerts, enjoys discovering new music for the viola, and has arranged/transposed music for the viola. He recently began exploring different areas of music: different instruments, producing electronic music, exploring different styles of viola playing, like jazz, and is growing to have an even more spiritual connection with music. For more information about Jacob: https://jacobburk.squarespace.com/
Awards
- Virtu Foundation Scholar
- Critic Award Winner - Gershwin International Music Competition
- Honorable mention - College Division NSO Betsy L. Kent Youth Concerto Competition
References
- DR. MIKHAIL MISHA GALAGANOV, m.galaganov@tcu.edu
- DR. HAERIM LEE, h.lee5@tcu.edu
- DR. MICHAEL BUKHMAN, m.bukhman@tcu.edu
- DR. JOSEPH BUTLER, h.j.butler@tcu.edu
- DR. ELIAS GOLDSTEIN, eliasgo@udel.edu
Timeline
Violin and Viola Private Teacher
Community Music School Of Delaware
10.2023 - Current
Violin and Viola Private Teacher
Self
10.2023 - Current
Symphony Orchestra
Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra
09.2022 - 05.2023
Church Musician - Viola/Violin
Christ Chapel Bible Church
10.2019 - 08.2023
Freelance Musician
Serenata Strings
01.2018 - 08.2023
Violin and Viola Private Teacher
Self
09.2015 - Current
Master of Arts - Master of Music Performance - Viola
University of Delaware
Master of Arts - Master of Music Performance - Viola
Texas Christian University
Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor of Music Performance - Viola
Texas Christian University
Similar Profiles
Lizzy SzymanskiLizzy Szymanski
Front Desk Associate at The Music School Of DelawareFront Desk Associate at The Music School Of Delaware
Karina StombergKarina Stomberg
Front Desk Associate at The Music School of DelawareFront Desk Associate at The Music School of Delaware
Troy NussTroy Nuss
Development Officer at The Music School of DelawareDevelopment Officer at The Music School of Delaware