Instructor Spotlight – Kirk F
Kirk is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Anthropology, but has had a lifelong passion for music. Kirk’s interest in playing music began when he joined his middle school band on percussion. After playing percussion, Kirk developed an affinity for learning other instruments as well. Since then, he has taught himself to play guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, piano, and theremin, and is always searching for a new instrument to try to learn.
Over the years, Kirk has performed in bands with friends, usually playing guitar, bass, or drumsin a variety of bands, performing at everything from friends’ birthday parties and farmersmarkets to small venues in Chicago. Kirk also loves writing and recording original music in hisfree time. Kirk began working at Bach to Rock in January of 2019 to pursue music as a careerrather than just a hobby, and has loved working there ever since. When Kirk is not playingmusic, he enjoys watching movies, camping, and trying new restaurants and recipes.
Why do you teach music?
What motivates you to continue? I teach music to try to inspire others to have the same passion for playing and creating music that I do. Being surrounded by other amazing and like-minded musicians at Bach to Rock really motivates me to keep pursuing music.
What are your goals in the music industry?
Long term and short term. My goals in the music industry are mostly to just have fun playing and writing music and to continue pushing myself to create and learn about music.
How has Bach to Rock helped you move closer to achieving these goals? What are your thoughts on our school?
Bach to Rock definitely helps me achieve my musical goals since it provides an outlet for me to make music my career while helping others develop a similar love for music. I love that Bach to Rock allows instructors to create very individualized lessons for each student; I feel that people learn best and are most interested when what they are learning is very specific to them.
Define your view of success and failure.
Success is trying to achieve your goals and never giving up; the only way to fail is to give up on something you’re passionate about or to never try at all.
Who are some of your musical influences? Favorite artists?
Some of my favorite artists/musical influences are Green Day, The Beach Boys, and The Residents.
Describe your best memory(ies) at Bach to Rock.
Most of my favorite memories at Bach to Rock come from community outreach events where I get to talk to people about the school. It’s always so great to see kids come up to the booth very excited to try out the instruments and then wanting to take music lessons!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I recently joined a local ska band called Run and Punch and we’re currently working on booking some shows and possibly recording some new music soon!