A multi-instrumentalist and skilled performer of many styles of music, Kirsten is a knowledgeable and versatile educator with experience teaching children, teenagers, and adults.

Kirsten maintains a private studio and performs educational programs through Arts for Learning Massachusetts. She has taught weekly residencies at Horizons for Homeless Children and the Brookline Early Education Program, and served on faculty at summer festivals including KlezKanada and New England Conservatory’s JazzLab. Kirsten is also a frequent guest teaching artist and workshop leader at schools and universities, such as Tufts University and New England Conservatory.

Private Lessons

Kirsten teaches private lessons in her Boston studio at affordable rates. Her goal is to develop musical appreciation and understanding with a strong foundation in theory and technique, while tailoring lessons to focus on students’ personal goals in a relaxed, encouraging atmosphere.

Group Classes

Kirsten is available to teach group lessons and general music classes in the Boston area, either as regular meetings or simply one-time classes or parties. Please get in touch for more information and rates.

Programs through Arts for Learning Massachusetts

The mission of Arts for Learning Massachusetts is to educate, inspire and empower the youth of Massachusetts through the arts. Kirsten is a performing artist on their register and available to perform at schools, libraries, and other community spaces.

Coyote’s song

Kirsten's solo performance of the fable "Coyote’s Song" is a unique introduction to the double bass, banjo, and basic musical concepts. Part concert, part storytelling, and part sing-along, the program begins with a demonstration on the double bass, leading to the interactive musical story. Following the story, two basic rhythmic patterns based on the story’s characters are taught and performed by the audience. The program ends with songs accompanied by banjo, and a question and answer session. This program is geared for pre-K through 5th grade audiences and can be adapted to 30-45 minutes.

Songwriting workshops

In this highly-participatory musical team building experience, groups work together to create an original song through accessible and encouraging step-by-step instruction. For those without musical experience, 60-min workshops will primarily focus on lyric writing and setting lyrics to a simple beat and melody. For groups with band or orchestral instrumental experience, extended 90-min workshops will continue deeper into composing melodies, harmonies, and a full arrangement of their song. This workshop is geared for 5th-12th grade audiences, and can also be adapted for adults.

Exploring Klezmer: Ashkenazi Music and Song With Ezekiel’s Wheels Klezmer Band

This fun, upbeat, and interactive performance program introduces klezmer music, the Yiddish language, and instruments from three different instrument families. Klezmer music is Eastern European Jewish (Ashkenazi) secular celebration music. Students will have fun learning about different musical instrument families (woodwind, string, and brass) as they move and sing along to a lively set of traditional tunes played on clarinet, violin, trombone, and double bass. They will also enjoy learning about klezmer music and its significance in secular Ashkenazi Jewish culture both in Eastern Europe and in the United States as they define popular Yiddish words and sing along to songs with Yiddish lyrics.