Having studied music at Dartington College of Arts, Exeter University and Royal Holloway College, he took a ten-year break from music, returning to concentrate on composition in the 1990s. He has received commissions from festivals, Summer Schools, ensembles and professional musicians in the UK and abroad, including: the finale of the Bath International Music Festival; Inchcholm New Music Ensemble; CoMA, a series of percussion pieces for Chris Brannick; trios for the Stanesby Players and for the The Duruflé Trio; a trumpet quartet for Bella Tromba; and many other pieces for a variety of instruments, including choir, string orchestra, piano (and toy piano), and recorder ensembles. Burnell enjoys writing pieces and experimenting with unusual combinations and instruments and often makes use of electronics and backing tracks.
Many of his pieces feature spoken word elements.