Patricia Burnham

(PT, T) Assistant Professor of Music

Expertise

Piano Pedagogy, Performance, Accompanying, Private and Group Piano Instruction

Dr Patricia Burnham grew up in VA Beach, VA and began her piano studies at a young age. Even in those early years Patricia always knew that piano would be her path to a lifelong career music. She has performed in major cities across the USA; Brazil, Germany and England. On several occasions Patricia had the opportunity to travel to Brazil. There she taught music at a Children’s home while also helping them to purchase instruments and music books for the students to learn, play and enjoy music.

Following her undergraduate studies at Old Dominion University (B.S. Secondary Music Education), Dr. Burnham began graduate work at Florida State University where she completed two master’s degrees. (MM Piano Performance and Pedagogy; MME Music Education) She continued her education at the Catholic University of America where she earned her Doctor of Music Arts degree. (DMA Piano Performance and Pedagogy)

Dr. Burnham joined the music faculty at Southwestern University in 2019. Other university positions include Concordia University Texas (Associate Professor of Music and Director of Music); Blinn College (Choral and Vocal accompanist); Incarnate Word University (Vocal Accompanist); Shenandoah Conservatory (Instructor Private and Group Piano).

At Southwestern she teaches Private and Group Piano, Music Theory and Solfege/Sight Singing. She is a dedicated professor who makes student learning fun and engaging. Her students and the quality of education they receive are priority. Other professional activities include private studio teaching, accompanying, adjudicating and playing for her church in Bastrop, TX. Patricia is a member and judge for the largest National and state music associations. Past president and member of Austin District Music Teachers Association, she was awarded Outstanding Collegiate Teacher of the Year for 2011 - 2012. Her workshop and performance on the topic of duo piano repertoire for the beginner - early advanced student was selected for presentation at the 2020 Texas Music Teachers Convention.

Dr. Burnham lives in Cedar Creek, TX with her husband and 3 dogs. 

  • Biography

    Dr Patricia Burnham grew up in VA Beach, VA and began her piano studies at a young age. Even in those early years Patricia always knew that piano would be her path to a lifelong career music. She has performed in major cities across the USA; Brazil, Germany and England. On several occasions Patricia had the opportunity to travel to Brazil. There she taught music at a Children’s home while also helping them to purchase instruments and music books for the students to learn, play and enjoy music.

    Following her undergraduate studies at Old Dominion University (B.S. Secondary Music Education), Dr. Burnham began graduate work at Florida State University where she completed two master’s degrees. (MM Piano Performance and Pedagogy; MME Music Education) She continued her education at the Catholic University of America where she earned her Doctor of Music Arts degree. (DMA Piano Performance and Pedagogy)

    Dr. Burnham joined the music faculty at Southwestern University in 2019. Other university positions include Concordia University Texas (Associate Professor of Music and Director of Music); Blinn College (Choral and Vocal accompanist); Incarnate Word University (Vocal Accompanist); Shenandoah Conservatory (Instructor Private and Group Piano).

    At Southwestern she teaches Private and Group Piano, Music Theory and Solfege/Sight Singing. She is a dedicated professor who makes student learning fun and engaging. Her students and the quality of education they receive are priority. Other professional activities include private studio teaching, accompanying, adjudicating and playing for her church in Bastrop, TX. Patricia is a member and judge for the largest National and state music associations. Past president and member of Austin District Music Teachers Association, she was awarded Outstanding Collegiate Teacher of the Year for 2011 - 2012. Her workshop and performance on the topic of duo piano repertoire for the beginner - early advanced student was selected for presentation at the 2020 Texas Music Teachers Convention.

    Dr. Burnham lives in Cedar Creek, TX with her husband and 3 dogs. 

  • Research

    Student Duo Piano Repertoire (beginner - early advanced) by current American Piano Composers & Teachers - selected for presentation and performance at the TMTA convention 

    The Influence of the Spanish Guitar in the Piano Repertoire

  • Performances

    Performances with guitarist Carlos Barbosa-lima “The Sonata for Guitar and Piano” by Radamés Gnattali (Ambassador Theatre, Los Angeles, CA and Recorded on the Concord Record Label)

    Premier Performance of Works by Bobby Scott for Guitar and Piano (NYC)

    University Performances with guitarist Charlie Byrd 

    Duo Piano Performances 

    Accompanist for Choral, Vocal and Instrumental groups