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Kirk B

Kirk’s love of music began at the age of 12, when he picked up the trombone and began playing jazz. Demonstrating talent and dedication, he was playing in advanced jazz groups and orchestras within several years, eventually playing in Utah’s Youth Symphony as 1st Trombone. Kirk transitioned to the Electric Bass in high school and continued on to Hamilton College in Clinton, New York for a bachelor’s degree in music. There, he split his time between two jazz bands, three rock groups, and his own jazz/funk ensemble. In addition, he was a member of the student orchestra, playing on an Upright Bass. After graduating, he was accepted to Berklee College of Music and immediately involved himself in half a dozen bands, student performance projects, and regular weekly gigs throughout Boston, all while holding on to the Dean’s List academic standing and double majoring in Bass Performance and Film Scoring. After Berklee, Kirk moved to New York City where he began scoring for independent and student films. Most notable works include a composition for NPR’s “This American Life,” where he scored the nationally played trailer showcasing their live HD broadcast. Now in San Diego, Kirk’s newest chapter in music is teaching piano and bass guitar to children and adults who are beginning their own musical journeys. Kirk’s experience as a jazz bassist and composer offers a unique perspective towards music and music theory. Without losing sight of the importance of fundamentals, Kirk encourages his students to “think off the page.” His philosophy is to inspire learners to think creatively and internalize the music, which can help not only in the understanding of music, but with critical thinking skills as well. Above all else, his naturally patient and positive personality serves to keep lessons light and always fun.

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Kirk B

San Diego County

  • Piano.
  • Guitar.
  • Bass guitar.
  • Online Lessons.
  • Music Theory.

Ryan K.

Ryan grew up among a family of professional brass musicians and educators in Cape Town, South Africa. He began learning the violin at age 6 and subsequently changed over to the trumpet at 7 for which he took lessons alongside a host of other instruments including the piano, guitar and double bass. It was at age 11 that he decided to leave the trumpet and take up the tenor trombone. This decision changed the trajectory of his musical career as he would audition for and receive a scholarship to attend Diocesan College Boys’ School in Cape Town for the duration of his high school years. It was here that he studied with British trombonist extraordinaire and brass teacher Stuart Scott. He attended the South African National Youth Orchestra course for multiple years throughout high school, travelling in 2006 to Germany as part of the South African National Youth Orchestra where he performed Beethoven’s 5th Symphony in the Beethoven Hall in the city of Bonn. After high school Ryan pursued his tertiary studies at the University of Cape Town where completed both a Performance Diploma and Post-Graduate Diploma in Western Classical music specializing in trombone performance. In this duration, he studied with trombonist and UCT head of brass William Haubrich, San Diego native and USC alumnus. Throughout and after his university career Ryan freelanced with the Cape Philharmonic, the Johannesburg Philharmonic and the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestras on Bass, Tenor and Alto Trombones. He also performed and won category prizes for local music competitions, taught music at various schools and freelanced in many jazz ensembles. Ryan moved to the US in 2019 to become a Marine Musician, eventually being stationed at MCAS Miramar. He performed in many parades and ceremonies in the duration of his service, including the illustrious Tournament of Roses Parade.

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Ryan K.

San Diego County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Guitar.
  • Drums.
  • Songwriting.
  • Bass guitar.
  • Bass.
  • Saxophone.
  • Trumpet.
  • Ukulele.
  • Music Theory.