Scott Burns

Alto Saxophone | Chicago, IL

Scott Burns is a highly regarded saxophonist and educator who has been an influential presence on the Chicago jazz scene since 1998. As both a bandleader and sideman, he performs regularly at leading jazz venues throughout the region. Mr. Burns has shared the stage with a remarkable roster of international jazz icons, including Christian McBride, McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal, Kenny Barron, Benny Green, Monty Alexander, Joshua Redman, Clark Terry, Ira Sullivan, Tom Harrell, Kenny Werner, Nicholas Payton, Roy Hargrove, Wycliffe Gordon, Tony Bennett, Rene Marie, Kurt Elling, and Harry Connick Jr.

Mr. Burns has performed at many prestigious festivals and venues across the country, including the JVC Jazz Festival, Newport Jazz Festival, Chicago Jazz Festival, Ravinia Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Chicago's Symphony Center, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. His work has been featured on more than 35 recordings, and his album Passages, released on Origin Records and featuring his original compositions, has garnered widespread critical acclaim.

In addition to his performing career, Mr. Burns is a passionate educator. He currently serves as the Director of Jazz Studies at DePaul University, having previously taught at Loyola University Chicago, North Park University, and Columbia College Chicago. Since 2013, he has also been a faculty member and Assistant Program Director at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center’s summer jazz academy. A sought-after clinician and soloist, Mr. Burns has been invited to work with high school and university jazz programs nationwide, sharing his expertise and inspiring the next generation of musicians.

 Website: scottburnsjazz.com