Markus was trained as a classical pianist in Germany before studying jazz on a scholarship at Berklee College of Music. In addition, he earned a Master’s degree in choral conducting from the Boston Conservatory. He also completed the three-year Music Leadership Certification program administered by the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in collaboration with the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM).
Markus has conducted big bands, vocal ensembles, orchestras, rock groups, jazz combos, and over 80 musical theater productions, including a national tour of Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano. He has also lived in four countries, figured out the meaning of life, played keytar in a rock group while dressed in a neon pink jumpsuit, co-founded an opera company, and released two CDs of his piano compositions; his music has been featured on nationally syndicated German network radio and on the album le classique abstrait, published worldwide by Universal Music.
Markus has been serving the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair since 2012. He believes in the power of communal singing, dismantling white supremacy, and smashing the patriarchy.
Blog
Sermons
Meet Me in Galilee
March 24, 2024"Meet Me in Galilee"— led by the Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. In this Palm Sunday service we remember the real message of the Christian gospels - to give abundantly so that all can be fed.
Thrown Out with the Snakes
March 17, 2024"Thrown Out With The Snakes" — led by the Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, senior co-minister. St Patrick was canonized, reportedly for throwing the snakes out of Ireland. Snakes are a metaphor for the pagan people and practices native to Ireland. Yet - when Patrick first came to Ireland, there were no snakes. So - what gives? Join us as we examine this troubling history.
How Unitarian Universalists Can Change the World
March 10, 2024"How Unitarian Universalists Can Change the World"— led by the Rev. Xolani Kacela, guest worship leader. Are Unitarian Universalists realizing our full potential as world changers? We'll examine a three-part strategy that will infuse our spiritual practice and community engagement with renewed vigor and vision.