Nonprofit Executive & Musician

Part I: Nonprofit Executive and Arts Advocate

Markus Gottschlich currently serves as the Executive Director of the Warehouse Arts District Association (WADA) in St. Petersburg, Florida—home to the #3 arts district in the U.S., as ranked by USA TODAY during his tenure. Under his leadership, WADA was also voted the top arts advocacy organization in the Tampa Bay region, reflecting his transformative impact on the local arts landscape.

A dedicated nonprofit executive and passionate arts advocate, Markus is committed to broadening access to the arts through educational programming that reaches diverse and underserved communities. At WADA, he has played a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant, sustainable artistic ecosystem. His leadership supports hundreds of local artists while producing culturally rich, community-centered programs that engage and inspire.

Markus's impact on the arts extends far beyond Florida. As Artistic Director of the Miami Beach Jazz Festival until 2016, he elevated the festival to international recognition while launching youth programming and concert series that enriched the cultural fabric of the city year-round. He later revitalized the New Mexico Jazz Workshop as Executive Director, enhancing its festivals, concerts, and educational offerings to reenergize the regional jazz scene.

Internationally, Markus helped shape the next generation of music professionals by founding and chairing the Music Business Department at the Vienna Music Institute in Austria. There, he taught Jazz Piano, Classical Composition, Branding & Advertising, and Computer-Supported Composition—blending classical training with modern creative entrepreneurship.

Across all his roles, Markus Gottschlich has consistently demonstrated a vision for inclusive, impactful arts programming. His career reflects a deep belief in the power of the arts to educate, empower, and transform communities.

Part II: Composer, Steinway Artist, and Educator

Markus Gottschlich's musical journey began in Vienna, Austria, where his early immersion in music, particularly at the historic Pasqualati House—once home to Beethoven—shaped his unique artistic voice. His sound, described as a blend of "old world" and "new world" elements, has captivated audiences around the globe.

Recognized as "a lyrical, high-energy, and risk-taking pianist" by Albuquerque Magazine, Markus has been lauded for his adventurous and passionate performances. His compositions, praised for their elegance and melodic richness by The Standard, Austria, reflect his prowess as both a composer and performer. Miami Magazine has identified Markus as a pianist on the verge of becoming “one of the country's leading jazz performers.”

Markus's work has been featured in numerous prestigious publications, including Downbeat Magazine, the Albuquerque Journal, and German World, cementing his reputation as a prominent figure in the jazz scene. His performances have graced renowned jazz festivals such as the Vienna Jazz Festival, Jarasum Jazz Festival, and Saulkrasti Jazz Festival, leaving a lasting impression on the global jazz community.

In addition to his performance career, Markus is a respected educator and mentor. His academic journey, which included intensive study under South Florida pianist Mike Gerber and education at Admiral Farragut Academy, Concordia College-NY, and Western Connecticut State University, has informed his teaching philosophy. Markus has curated concert series in Miami, collaborating with esteemed venues such as the Design District, Fisher Island, and the Faena, while continuing to nurture the next generation of musicians through his work as an instructor and mentor.

Markus has released three albums, collaborating with Grammy Award-winning artists such as Federico Britos and Jose Javier Freire. His 2020 release, “Found Sounds,” featured guest artists like the legendary trumpeter Bobby Shew. His music has also been featured in the Egyptian blockbuster “Ras El Sana” and the music documentary “This is Us.”

Markus Gottschlich's multifaceted career as a nonprofit executive, musician, composer, Steinway Artist, and educator showcases his unwavering dedication to the arts and his ability to inspire and leave a lasting impact on the arts community.