Ricky Burkhead has a performance background in many musical styles and instruments. His musical training began at age 12 and has been a lifelong process. His performing experience is extensive and covers musical styles including African, Caribbean, Latin American, orchestral, and other world music. He formed the first steel drum band in Mississippi while teaching at Mississippi Valley State University in 1986. He formed a second band while teaching at the University of Mississippi in 1995. He can perform a variety of programs featuring Caribbean culture, which includes a lecture, performance, and history of the steel drum; West African culture, which includes a performance and history of the djembe and kalimba; or a solo percussion recital featuring marimba, vibraphone, timpani, snare drum, drumset orchestral percussion and other ethic percussion instruments. Burkhead’s lectures are informative and audience friendly. Students and teachers are encouraged to participate in all musical forms and dance. He is available for workshops, master classes, and clinics.