Bertl Mayer

Bertl Mayer is a Lecturer for Harmonica & Improvisation at the Faculty of Music, JAM MUSIC LAB Private University for Jazz and Popular Music, and serves as Head of the Institute for Improvisation. He has held this position since 2012 alongside teaching at the Friedrich Gulda School of Music. His artistic training includes studies at the Prayner Conservatory Vienna (1979) and workshops with Michael Mantler (1982) and Enrico Rava (1984).

Research interests focus on improvisation techniques, harmonica performance, and cross-genre musical collaboration. His work bridges classical, jazz, and experimental traditions through projects like KLANGBUCH and collaborations with artists such as Flip PHILIPP and Camerata Salzburg.

Performance highlights include soloist roles at Vienna Konzerthaus, Konzerthaus Vienna's 'In Memoriam Karl Hodina,' and international festivals like Beijing's '9 Gates' Jazz Festival. Notable awards include the 2016 GLOBAL MUSIC AWARD for contributions to the BLUE ROAD CD.

He has produced multiple albums spanning jazz, soul, and orchestral fusion, with a focus on interdisciplinary projects combining music with literature and visual arts. Additional work includes educational initiatives and community-focused performances through Vienna's Kultursommer Grafenegg and the 'Arts for Health' program at JAM.