Brian Kirk’s Educational Philosophy
Being a professional musician, I have always perceived teaching as natural extension of the tradition of performing music, where the master musicians mentored the young apprentices. Having the opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for music and experiencing the magic that occurs in the students as they begin to realize their academic and performance potential has been the most rewarding experience of my career.
While education has come to mean many things, in essence education suggests that our efforts must focus on the full development of students in all matters of deliberate action. Education should seek to develop students in all matters of deliberate action.
My role as a teacher is to treat students as human beings who not only have authentic life-experiences, but who are also active participants in the production of knowledge. In so doing, knowledge is not transferred, but rather created and critically examined in the context of the classroom and beyond.
Highlighting the significance of electronic music production as a complex and consequential social practice as well as an art form, it is my desire to assist students with the understanding and knowledge of music appreciation. It is the mission of this instructor to help students to appreciate how music is put together, the importance of a good solid technological musical foundation and also its’ values, meanings and sensibilities.
Resources for Students
Seattle Central College Course Catalog
Syllabus
- Music 141 Music Theory Winter2020 Syllabus (pdf)
- Music 105 Music Appreciation Winter 2020 Syllabus (pdf)
Audio Files