Herbert Burtis, a native of Battle Creek, Michigan, holds degrees from Columbia University and from the School of Sacred Music at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He is an internationally known concert organist and pianist, having played throughout the United States, Europe, the West Indies, and Bermuda. He continues to have a busy career at the piano as a chamber music player and vocal accompanist, and as a teacher of vocal and piano workshops.

For many years he was taught a large studio of vocal students, two of whom have appeared on the roster of the Metropolitan Opera Company. At the moment, Mr. Burtis is writing a practical approach to the technical piano method of Theodor Leschititsky. He has also written a mystery novel that takes place in the Berkshires. He lives in Sandisfield, Massachusetts.