Classically-trained pianist, violinist/violist, and composer/bandleader GEORGE BURTON began his musical studies at a young age, and has performed all over the world with such renowned and diverse acts as Thandiswa Mazwai, Me'Shell NdegéOcello, Odean Pope, the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops, Patti LaBelle, Christian McBride, and the Sun Ra Arkestra, among others. 

Though he excelled through childhood as a classical violinist and violist — even making his debut as violinist with the Philadelphia Orchestra at age 16 — George found himself drawn to the piano, and as a teenager he sought out and became a student of the vibrant Philadelphia jazz scene. Soon after graduating from Philadelphia’s High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (whose alumni included Boyz II Men, Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots), he became something of a protégé to jazz organist and fellow Philadelphian Shirley Scott. George then studied at Temple University, where his abilities as a jazz pianist flourished under the direction of piano instructor Tom Lawton and jazz bandleader Terell Stafford. In 2002 George was awarded First Prize at the prestigious Peter Nero Piano Competition, for which he performed as a guest soloist with the Philly Pops. In 2003, George joined bassist Gerald Veasley and violinist Diane Monroe as one of the featured artists on the opera “Vanqui,” written by Leslie Burrs; that same year, he was also brought on as the pianist for Odean Pope’s world-famous Saxophone Choir, with whom he performed for over 10 years; from there, Burton went on to spend 7 years as the piano chair in the Sun Ra Arkestra. Today, George can be found leading his own acts in New York City and beyond. 

George is a teaching artist committed to promoting arts education and appreciation in his community. He instructs private students of all ages at his home studio in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, and performs locally throughout the year.