Kirby Adkins

Berklee College of Music

My musical journey started at the age of 11 on an acoustic guitar. I started playing the electric guitar after I began listening to bands such as Def Leppard, Scorpions, and Van Halen. I immediately fell in love with heavy metal & rock music and started growing my hair (ask to see my pics – you won’t believe it’s me). While in high school, I studied with a teacher who introduced me to the circle of fifths, scales, arpeggios, and jazz chords. I continued my studies at Berklee College of Music in Boston earning a Bachelor of Music in Professional Music. At that time, I played in local bands and taught lessons to mostly teenagers who wanted to learn the latest rock songs. I’ve always stressed the importance of music theory, which I include in my teaching.

My journey continued after college working in a small recording studio in New York City. I recorded radio hosts, commercial spots and mixed radio shows. At this time the Internet appeared, and I was spending time in Internet cafes thinking to myself, "I can do this too!" I started designing & coding web pages and over the years became a full-fledged computer programmer. I continued to play music with friends, work on side projects, and offered my services for several years playing contemporary Christian music at our church.

In recent years, I’ve taken up playing the Ukulele and Harmonica. They are both extremely fun to play. I’ve been teaching my youngest son guitar for 5 years now with a formal lesson once a week. He practices four times a week, and he loves it. The most important thing I tell him is to have fun with it. Music becomes a part of you and is a wonderful skill to have. I currently work with scouts helping them achieve their Music and Programming merit badges. I also must confess that I have a bit of an addiction to guitar pedals. They are these fun little boxes that can make your guitar sound wonderful and crazy. When you are ready, I can teach you about them too!

What brings me to Mill Pond Music Academy? My older son has been learning piano at the school for over 5 years now. I love Mr. Pete's teaching techniques & style and the overall vibe of the school. I knew this was the place where I also wanted to share my talents in teaching.
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