About Kirk

I’m just a guy using my skills, gifts, experiences, hard-earned wisdom, and intuition to give back to the world, starting in my/our own community - to help bring healing through the immeasurable collective power of rhythm and music.

For as long as I can recall, I’ve been a lover of nature, a natural teacher eager to help, a creator, a musician, a multi-instrumentalist, a composer, a performer, a singer, a writer, a gatherer of people, a connector, and a story-teller with a vivid sonic imagination - always wondering about the bigger “Whys?” and seeking deeper authentic meanings within everything. I continue to learn every single day.

My extensive multiple experiences over decades as a formal teacher and administrator in both the public and private sectors, a live sound engineer, a music producer, a music theory geek, and a live performer - combined with my passion for family and life, all come into sharp focus together with a collaborative event such as this. Just me being me with you being you. I’ve put my 10,000 hours of skill development in many times over, I’m sure. And as a composer for film and television, I have a deep understanding of how musical elements such as rhythm, texture, timbre, harmony, articulation, tone, dissonance, and so on, have a profound effect on our emotions and our souls. Now I simply let it all flow intuitively.

Please feel free to peruse my website to see and hear a small sampling of my work, and to read what others have said about collaborating with me. And of course, get in touch if you have any questions not addressed below.

Keep being awesome and see you in the circle!

Thanks!

Kirk

Questions & Answers

Why a “circle”? Circles are one of the most natural concepts in existence. Everything moves and/or exists in circles, spirals, and cycles. Endings and Beginnings. Rhythms. Circles have neither head nor tail. No one is above or below another and each individual can see all others openly. You are a unique part of the whole. A circle is a place of authenticity and vulnerability - a sacred space of simply being present with one another. The World Web Web is indeed wide. Very wide. But it is also incredibly shallow for most of us. The speed and convenience of this shallow world has caused us to become more and more disconnected from our roots as conscious expressions of the universe itself. Or more accurately, our true connections and natures are being buried deep beneath layers upon layers of expectations put upon us by our culture which more often than not don’t truly reflect our deeply held core values. We need, crave, and deserve to be grounded in true reality- not a superficial digital fantasy that doesn’t really exist, having to always pretend to be someone you aren’t. Circles with other humans and drums is a wonderful place to start rediscovering those connections with yourself and others!

Why are drums used so often in these circles? Drums are arguably one of the oldest forms of musical instruments, expression, community builder, and dance motivator! I believe that drums were more discovered rather than invented. Percussion intruments are organic to every part of the world and to every culture. They reflect the very essence of who we are - loving conscious creatures with beating hearts. The connection is inseparable.

What kind of drums and instruments will be provided? The main instrument being used in the circle is called a djembe drum. The djembes being used in these sessions were made in West Africa. What I personally love about them is their beautiful natural tones, as they are made out a single piece of hollowed-out hard wood with a natural animal hide, all held together by colourful ropes. This ensures that each individual djembe is truly unique, with its own distinguishable voice. And when it is cared for and played properly, it becomes an expressive extension of you! And of course, shakers, rattles, and other fun instruments will be provided as well.

Do you need any formal musical experience or training? Nope! However, we are all musical by nature. It’s innate to us. A drum circle can be a wonderful place to begin to connect to your natural groove. If you’re an expert drummer? No problem. I’m sure you’ll drum circles around me. All good!

Are these sessions formal drum lessons? They are not. However, there is certainly an educational component to the evening so that you may learn the proper skills to draw the best tones out of your djembe drum. A little technique will go a long way! If you develop a deeper interest in this style of drumming and wish to pursue it more seriously, I can connect you with the right people.

May I bring my own drum or other instruments? Yes. However, please contact me first to let me know what you have, as the evening will revolve mainly around the djembe style of drumming. But of course, shakers, tambourines, and other types of small hand percussion are indeed welcome.

Will there be a performance? You will never be singled out nor put on the spot. Think of the session more of as playing along “with” rather than playing “for.”

What should I bring? The most important thing to bring is your authentic presence. You may want to also bring a water bottle, a notebook and pen, or a yoga mat if you wish to lay down rather than sit for the listening activity.

Where is it and is there easy parking? The sessions will be held in one of the larger studios with a beautiful piano, at the Winnipeg Conservatory of Music, 1476 Portage Avenue in Winnipeg. A map with details and easy parking will be provided when you receive a reminder email a few days prior to your session.

Are the PlayShops (sessions) sequential? Are they all the same? Do you need to attend all four of them? They are not sequential. Although each one will follow a similar structure, it will have its own unique interactive story and songs with fresh piano improvisation with a unique group of people. How could it be the same? Feel free to come to as many you like!

What about clothing and jewelry? Wear whatever is comfortable for you to sit and/or move freely in. I also recommend that you do not wear rings while playing the djembe drum. If you have difficulty removing them or do not wish to remove them, simply put a soft bandage around them. This will minimize potential damage to your finger, the ring, or the drum itself.

What age group is this geared towards? Although there is nothing inherently inappropriate for young children, the topics and concepts covered may be too complex or abstract for younger children to follow along.

What is the investment and how do I pay? The sessions are $30 each and are payable by e-Transfer (kirk@oakstreammusic.com) or credit card through PayPal (osmpro@gmail). Please pay in full no later than 24 hours prior to your session in order to secure your seat/drum, as seats are limited and there may be a waiting list. However, of course, a full refund will be given if I have to cancel the event for any reason.

Are there a minimum number of people needed per session? Not necessarily, but ideally a group is best with about 10 to 15 people.

How loud does it get? I’m glad you asked! As a highly sensitive empath myself, I understand how overwhelming some environments can be. No worries. We’ll keep it controlled. It’s more about being expressive and dynamic with nuances. We already have enough noise in this world!

Please feel free to contact me if you are wondering about something I have not addressed yet.

Thanks!

Kirk