John Burge was born in Dryden, Ontario. While in public school in Calgary he received an Associate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Toronto [piano]. He achieved Bachelor and Master degrees in composition and theory from the University of Toronto, and a Doctorate from the University of British Columbia. Dr. Burge has written many vocal, chamber, orchestral and choral works. He currently teaches at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is in demand as an adjudicator. After raising two sons he finds himself a much better adjudicator and more sympathetic teacher. His compositions for children reflect these experiences.