Tom Burritt is a renowned percussionist and educator in the world of classical music. Born in 1964 in Wichita, Kansas, Burritt grew up in a musical family and began playing the drums at a young age. He went on to study percussion at Wichita State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree in 1986. After completing his undergraduate studies, Burritt continued his education at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. There, he studied with renowned percussionists John Beck and Gordon Stout, and earned his Master of Music degree in 1988. Burritt’s career as a professional musician began in earnest in the early 1990s, when he joined the percussion section of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He quickly established himself as a versatile and skilled percussionist, capable of playing a wide range of instruments and styles. In addition to his work with the Rochester Philharmonic, Burritt also began performing as a soloist and chamber musician. He has collaborated with a number of prominent composers, including John Corigliano, Michael Torke, and Augusta Read Thomas, and has premiered numerous works written specifically for him. One of Burritt’s most notable performances came in 2001, when he was invited to perform as a soloist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He played the marimba concerto “Strange and Sacred Noise” by John Adams, and received rave reviews for his virtuosic performance. Burritt’s talents as a performer have been recognized with numerous awards and honors over the years. In 1998, he was awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, and in 2009 he was named a Yamaha Performing Artist. He has also been a featured artist at several international percussion festivals, including the Zeltsman Marimba Festival and the Leigh Howard Stevens Summer Marimba Seminar. In addition to his work as a performer, Burritt is also a highly respected educator. He has taught at a number of institutions, including the Eastman School of Music, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of North Texas. He is currently a professor of percussion at the University of Texas at Austin, where he has been on the faculty since 2000. Burritt’s contributions to the world of percussion education have been significant. He has written several instructional books and DVDs, including “The Art of Marimba Playing” and “The Art of Vibraphone Playing,” which are widely regarded as essential resources for aspiring percussionists. He has also served as a clinician and guest artist at numerous universities and music schools around the world. Despite his many accomplishments, Burritt remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to perform, teach, and inspire others with his passion for percussion and classical music. His contributions to the world of percussion have been significant, and his legacy as a performer and educator will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of musicians.

More....