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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.

Michael M.

Music has always been important in his family’s history. His maternal great-grandmother Lena Thomas played guitar with the Wandering Minstrels in Arkansas back in the 1800s. (photo: 2nd from left) His other grandmother’s (Hazel Harrison) musical roots were tied to Liverpool, England. She was especially proud of a recently popular Beatle named George Harrison. Her being his aunt. Even though not everyone her age was in the Beatle’s Fan Club quite yet, she certainly was. Seems like from then on they always tried to know and memorize Beatle’s trivia, catchy lyrics, and songs. Now, over half a century later, when his family gets together for a reunion (Lena’s side), it’s like a mini Woodstock Festival. His grandfather played guitar and fiddle on the radio with Roy Clark. His mother and her twin sister sang on TV and radio when they were kids. So, raised in a music-loving family moved to perform in front of his family and friends. While his primary love is singing, he began to play piano, organ, clarinet, and guitar from an early age. He learned acoustic guitar first, then got his first electric guitar as a teen. Later, he played rhythm guitar for a local band and fronted it with lead vocals. As an adult, he’s given acoustic guitar lessons to children and adults, both in the USA and in South America. He’s taught British and American English in South America as well. In 2006 and 2007 he spent some time authoring a published book on techniques of hypermiling. Since it was one of the first books of its kind, it was featured on LA’s KTLA news and other stations. He’s created an acoustic guitar playing course (in Spanish) to teach how the guitar works, with simple and advanced techniques, highlighting fundamental and inverted chord building principles without having to read traditional music. Being of baritone vocal range, his singing voice is similar to Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Neil Diamond.

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Michael M.

Riverside County

  • Voice.
  • Piano.
  • Guitar.
  • Online Lessons.
  • Music Theory.