Faculty Profile | Kirsten Edkins
Kirsten Edkins has served on the winds, brass, percussion faculty since 2016. She maintains a diverse career: from a regular horn player on NBC’s The Voice to performing regularly with Seth MacFarlane and jazz great, Bill Holman. When she is not performing, Kirsten is a very active and passionate teacher and clinician.
What is your favorite piece, performer, or composer:
KE: Gosh so hard to answer. I do love Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn songs. As far as performances go, I love the singer Gregory Porter… anything that he sings!
What is your favorite musical word:
KE: Some of the keys on the Saxophone are referred to as “spatulas”. That’s kind of fun!
What is something about you that most people don’t know:
KE: About 4 years ago, I was on an animal planet show called “my cat from hell” with my cat, GusGus. He got help for his anxiety. He’s mostly thriving now and has since gained a Dad and older sister.
What is your favorite concert you’ve given or attended:
KE: I had the chance to tour a couple of times in Brazil. On my most recent trip, I played with the Grammy award-winning “Claire Fisher” Band. We played at a Moacir Santos Festival. Hearing the band, Ouro Negro, the Brazilian band play Moacir’s music was MAGICAL.
What do you like most about teaching:
KE: I love being a part of my student’s growth. Seeing how each student has strengths and helping them thrive in those, while also helping with weaknesses. I love troubleshooting improvements on the saxophone, too. I derived joy in the saxophone as a young student and it’s a pleasure to be a part of that with my students.
