Michael Burt: Musician of the Month - January 2026

Our First (working) Musician of the Month...we're so excited to feature him!

MICHAEL BURT

Michael Burt Jr. is a dynamic American multi-instrumentalist, teaching artist, and composer living and working in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, he is from a long line of teachers; both his mother and grandmother answered the call. Michael has mentored young people for over 20 years in both public and private schools. He can be found teaching in the music departments at Nelson Mandela Charter School and Santa Fe High. He also regularly performs at historic La Fonda Hotel, Sky Railway Santa Fe, Meow Wolf, SITE Santa Fe, among other venues. 

INTERVIEW

Q: What got you into music...and how old were you?

A: One holiday I remember my mom giving me an Al Jarreau CD, Count Basie’s Best CD, a Duke Ellington CD and an Anita Baker and a Joshua Redman CD.

I started playing music when I was a kid..  I’m pretty sure my first instrument was the back of a laundry bucket jammin with my lil sis… “shoot out.. were gonna have a shoot out tonight.. lol” It was the 80’s. lol

Q: What instrument to you start on?

A:  Upright bass.. courtesy of Prince William County public schools.. shout out Ms. Simmons, and Larry Casey thank you guys!

Q: Did you take lessons or learn on your own?

A:  Self taught, until I did a couple years of conservatory(music school).. I had a ton of experience though, my 3 sisters and I had a string quartet that we would travel since I was about 8.

Q: What style of music did you want to learn about when you started?

A:  Truly, I was always more interested on the threads that tied music together above any style...  I was interested in any music that everyone agreed on.  No matter the style.

Q: What styles are you currently playing?

A: Latin, Jazz, Orchestral, Theater, Country/Blues, Soul.

Q: What are some of the groups/organizations do you work with?

A: Performance Santa Fe which was awesome, Santa Fe Symphony, Dream Big, The Identity Project courtesy Native American Student Services those guys have been so great!!

Q: How long have you been teaching, and is there a particular system that you teach?

A:  About 20 years on and off.. there was about ten years nobody believed I was a musician at all real talk(a tale for another time).. Maybe they still don't but haters hate. Oh well..

My method is:  Understanding. Communication, PLAYing, learning and guiding each other..  not boasting, which is so boring and exhausting for an ensemble...  if one finds they are the best at music(whatever that means).. Develop leadership. Help others understand. Prince was an amazing teacher.

Q: What instruments do you teach?

A: String Bass, Electric Bass, Piano, Cello, Violin, Guitar.

Q: Have you recorded any songs and/or albums?

A:  Ya know I never recorded an album, though I have a single doing quite well ‘Nothing to Blame’.  I surely will make a body of work soon!

Q: Are you a songwriter too?

A: I am.

Q: Do your songs reflect a certain theme?

A: Life. Love. Wry feelings.. God.

Q: I'll be that you've received a number of awards.

A:  Performance Santa Fe honored me with a two page spread in their final season catalog.  And shoot, this award here speaks to me. My time in New Mexico has been as arduous as it’s been rewarding. Im not a boaster, or I try not to be so.. just thank you for noticing me.  Its very special to me!  Oh and the Tony Kornheiser show choose my single ‘nothing to blame’ for an episode...aye!

Q: What kind of practice schedule do you keep?

A:  Practice whenever it strikes.. practice core stuff first.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

A:  Start from a place of ignorance...it's ok. The note you play is the note your are. You can't be the audience and the performer at the same time. Reading notes does not need your emotion...the music does. Talent is not mastery.

Q: What are your future goals? Any new projects?

A:  I’d like to play with the very best and most sincere artist this world has to offer...real talk..  That spark I had to understand music as a kid has never diminished. I have this music I’ve been sitting on for a while.. maybe the time is right! 

Q: Do you have a Candyman connection?

A:  My man Jake Monteil and Fran. I appreciate them so much. Wherever I was.. whatever I am.. wherever I’m headed.. however random it is.. I can’t thank them enough.  Truly.