Kirk B
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Music, Keyboard, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles: Classical, Pop, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera
Kirk B
Instruments: Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Cello, Viola, Bass Guitar, Double Bass, Music, Keyboard, Classical Guitar, Acoustic Guitar
Styles:
Classical, Pop, Folk, Musical Theater, Opera
Where I Teach:
Online
Ages Taught: 4-80
ABOUT
Degrees / Training / Special Info:
Bachelor of Music, University of Miami 1983 - Coral Gables, Florida
Master of Music, University of Michigan 1985 - Ann Arbor, Michigan
Awards:
University of Miami - School of Music full scholarship, Dean's Honor List
University of Michigan - School of Music scholarship
Soloist, Midwest Bass Symposium 1985 - Muncie, Indiana
Texas Composer's Concert (only undergraduate composition chosen), Baylor University 1976 - Waco, Texas
Overview:
I enjoy teaching music, and consider it my calling. Having started double bass in college, I began performing with the Fort Worth Symphony after studying two years. When in college in Florida, I served as Principal (first chair) Bass of the Greater Miami Opera, and the Fort Lauderdale Symphony. In graduate school in Michigan, I was Principal Bass of the Flint Symphony. Returning home to Dallas, I performed with the Dallas Symphony, and recorded over a dozen compact discs with the orchestra. More recently, I have performed as an instrumentalist in musicals Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.
EXPERIENCE
I have developed a personal commitment to helping my students succeed. I began teaching music lessons in public schools during my college years. At my professor's request, I taught college music students who were not music majors, and was also substitute teacher for a music class of my peers at the university. My music education experience includes serving as an elementary-middle school orchestra teacher, and being judge at the school district's concerto competition. My students have received high scores in solo competitions, been accepted to magnet school programs, and won awards.
METHODS USED
In my opinion, it is very important that the teacher understand each student's motivation for studying music. Hearing, and playing along with, recordings of lesson material will very much benefit intonation (tuning) and rhythm. For that reason, the Hal Leonard method books are very good; and the Suzuki books are excellent for repertoire, when the student has established a foundation. Although studying music literature is emphasized, lessons will usual consist of scales and arpeggios, technical studies, and repertoire.
LESSON STYLE
I believe in a positive perspective on practicing: regular practice will greatly enhance a student's progress with lessons. Focusing on, and isolating, challenges, rather than practicing what has already been acquired, will help the student gain proficiency and fluency in his or her musical ability. Music is, in a sense, both a fine art, and a discipline. For that reason I teach both interpretation and technic. Musical challenges can, at times, be met by technical considerations; and technical challenges can be met by musical considerations.
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