Mariel Berger started playing piano when she was 4 years old, and at age 5 was featured on Iowa City Public Television playing piano with an orchestra. She attended Indiana University, studying jazz piano, and went on to receive an M.A. at William Paterson in composition and jazz arranging, studying with Jim McNeely. In 2005, Mariel had the honor to arrange charts that featured jazz legends Joe Lovano and Kenny Garrett. In 2006 she was a member of the BMI Jazz Composers Workshop, and in 2007 her music premiered at the Renee Weiler Concert Hall for the Women's Work Series. In the summer of 2009 she opened up for Mos Def, playing keyboard with the singer Lilla D'Mone. Mariel was a recipient of the 2011 Young Jazz Composers Awards and played piano at the Aaron Davis Hall with the Tamar-Kali group. In 2012, Mariel subbed in the pit for the Broadway musical, Evita, playing accordion and synthesizer. She currently curates a concert series promoting women musicians.