Michael Burns is a performing multi-instrumentalist, teacher, and composer. He studied music at San Francisco State University, has written soundtracks for three films, won a Whammie (SF Weekly, Bay Area music awards), has toured Europe twice with several US/West Coast tours, and has recorded or appeared on at least 30 records.

Burns uses everything from violins to garbage can lids in his compositions. Having a wealth of knowledge of all forms of music, rock, jazz, country, classical, electronica, pop, etc. Michael can score any film or video, he has an uncanny knack for unearthing that perfect piece of soundscape, that essential accompaniment to an image, that musical morsel that gives body to the bones.

After 20 years of performing and recording in the Bay Area, Burns has amassed an impressive array of back-up musicians. On call, at any time, and at Burns' disposal are concert violinists, cellists; upright bass players; guitarists (jazz, blues, ragtime, rock); an endless assortment of horn players (trumpet, tuba, trombone, saxophone); saw players; accordionists; pianists; washboard players; etc. etc. The list goes on and on!

Burns' personal musical arsenal includes: 1930's Deagan glockenspiel; Yamaha P80 electronic piano w/midi interface;1959 Ludwig drum kit w/Zildjian cymbals; 1963 Fender Telecaster electric guitar; Hohner "triple-o" acoustic guitar; 5 accordions of various sizes and shapes; 1894 Menzenhauer & Schmidt zither; 1910 Sterling upright grand piano; 1929 Steinway upright piano; 1960's Harmony ukulele; Kent 5-string banjo; a myriad of garbage can lids, all shapes and sizes; an assortment of anvils (an endless assortment of pitch varieties); pump organs; woodblocks; cowbells; train whistles; and an endless reservoir of hand claps!