Ashley Kirk
About
Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by my profile! I'd love to tell you a little more about myself!
I hold a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from The University of Connecticut and a CT Teaching Certification in grades Pre K-12 in all concentrations of music education from Central Connecticut State University.
While at UConn I studied such operatic roles as Yum-Yum in Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, Susanna in The Marriage of Figaro by Mozart and as a Nymph in Henry Purcell’s The Fairy Queen. I also premiered and recorded original music in Quito, Ecuador with an early music ensemble called Collegium Musicum. During my time at UConn, I was an active member of the UConn Opera Outreach program, which aimed to bring the love of opera into the public school music classroom. I have performed at The Bushnell, Lincoln Center and the Candlelight Processional at Disneyworld. I have also been featured as a soloist with First Church Congregational in West Hartford, CT.
I pride myself in having taught elementary choral/general music teacher in both rural and urban public school districts throughout the state of Connecticut. I currently teach preschool music for ages 2-5. I was also a grant recipient to begin a ukulele program while teaching at the elementary level.
I began my private teaching career in 2011 teaching students of all ages ranging from 6 to 73.
I believe I bring a certain warmth to my lessons that makes me stand out amongst other educators. My students love their lesson experience between they feel a genuine connection with me that provides them with a nurturing yet successful music education.
A typical Miss Kirk music lesson includes movement, acting, drama, music theory, stage presence practice, singing and fun! When students feel a sense of joy and excitement then learning and expertise follow.
I believe in educating the student as a whole learner. I believe music education helps us learn not only what can be seen, such as music notation, but also what can only be felt. I believe music and the arts connect us to one another and our deepest, truest selves. I believe in music education because it helps the student recognize beauty in the world. I believe music has the power to help and heal oneself at any age. I teach music so that the world we live in becomes a more peaceful and loving place for us to live in solidarity with one another. Let me help you in this journey!
I tailor my lessons to meet the needs of my individual students. I do not believe in a "one size fits all" method for teaching lessons. Generally speaking, beginning piano students will use the Alfred's Basic Piano Library series.