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I began my musical journey at the age of 4, learning to play both drums and piano. My father, Ed Burke, a music teacher with expertise in band instrument repair, founded Burke Music Company in 1958 in our hometown of Frederick, Maryland. He was skilled in playing various instruments such as trumpet, trombone, saxophone, and clarinet. Growing up surrounded by music, I fondly recall listening to the John Coltrane Quartet on the record player at our family's music store. The iconic drummer Elvin Jones greatly influenced my playing style from a young age.

I picked up the bass guitar at 13 and ventured into the world of music. By 16, I found myself at Berklee College of Music in Boston for my first summer session. Transitioning from a drummer to a bassist was initially challenging, yet I persevered and returned for more summer sessions in the following years. The Ear Training classes and evening jam sessions with fellow students became my favorite parts of the experience.

In the early to mid-1980's I was playing either drums or electric bass in various rock, country-rock and jam bands. In the late 1980s, my musical journey took a new turn when I invested in a Roland D-50 synthesizer, reigniting my passion for keyboards and prompting me to resume piano lessons. Shortly after, I delved into the world of piano technology by acquiring an old upright piano, sparking my interest in becoming a skilled piano technician. Fast forward over 30 years, and I have honed my expertise in piano tuning, repairs, and rebuilding, establishing myself as a proficient professional in the field. I maintain a web site at www.DonBurke.com

Certified Master Piano Tuner / Technician
Keyboard Restoration Specialist
Over 30 Years of Experience