Ricky Burkhead is an associate professor of music at the University of Mississippi, where he has taught since 1994. He holds the B.M.E. degree from Mississippi Valley State University and the M.M. in percussion performance from Eastern Illinois University. Prior to his appointment at Ole Miss he taught at Mississippi Valley State University. His responsibilities include applied percussion, percussion ensemble, steel band and salsa band.

Mr. Burkhead's professional experience includes performances with the Memphis, Tupelo, and Corinth (Mississippi) symphonies. he is also active as a performer, clinician, and adjudicator in the southeastern United States. He is President of the Mississippi chapter of the Percussive Arts Society, and is a member of Phi Mu Alpha. He also composes and operates a private MIDI and recording studio.