Kirk is a musician and educator from Hartford, CT. He began playing drums at the age of eight and progressed his study of percussion in school and through the Artists Collective in Hartford, CT. He went on to study at the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music where he earned a master’s degree in jazz studies, specializing in jazz percussion. Kirk is passionate about providing current and future generations of musicians with all the skills needed to be well-rounded musicians. His lesson plans are tailored to improve technique, overall musicality, and help students reach their personalized goals. Woodard has performed at venues and concert series throughout the United States that include The Side Door, Rudy’s Jazz Room, Lewiston Jazz Festival, Scruffy City Jazz Festival, and Paul Brown’s Monday Night Jazz Series. He has had the privilege of studying with world-renowned musicians such as Eric McPherson, Nat Reeves, Javon Jackson, Steve Davis and Rene McLean. Kirk’s inspiration to teach stems from being able to pass on the knowledge he has gained through his mentors. He is sought after as a teacher for his patience and genuine interest in the progress of his students.