Patrick Burton, a student who graduated in May 2025 from the Music Occupations Program, reflects on his journey here at MATC and prepares for the future.

Before enrolling in MATC, Burton held a series of jobs, from construction worker to line cook. A desire to return to school and further develop his self-taught skills at guitar led him to the music program in the fall of 2022.

“It was daunting at first,” he recalled of balancing schoolwork with a full-time job, “but by the second semester I started building momentum,” Burton said.

Inspired by the faculty and their wealth of knowledge on the local music scene, Burton began to develop more serious aspirations for a career in this field.

“The faculty here are rockstars. They made the deepest secrets of the Milwaukee music scene accessible.” He credits the hands-on, practical approach of the program, as well as the diversity of perspectives among classmates and teachers, for opening his eyes to the depth and richness of the music community.

As he makes his transition from student to graduate, Burton is already developing his professional skills and planning for his career. He has been teaching guitar, playing solo gigs, and crafting original compositions. His goal is to expand his network and hone his craft – focusing on jazz guitar. Burton hopes to eventually pass on what he’s learned and is excited to be leaving the student mindset behind as he begins to carve out his own path forward.

“I want to work with nonprofits, studious, maybe even Milwaukee Public Schools. And yes, I’d love to come back to teach here someday. It just feels right,” Burton said.

Though Burton’s time at MATC has come to a close, he has certainly been left with a lasting impression.

“I love this place. I don’t ever want to leave,” he said.