Mrs. Kylie Irvin is a native of Skaneateles Falls, New York and moved to Asheville, N.C. to continue her lifelong journey in music education and performance. Kylie has a diverse musical background in several instruments such as trombone, guitar, voice, and flute. Her musical diversity also spans multiple genres including rock, classical, musical theatre, and jazz. She received her degree in music education with a concentration in bass trombone from the Greatbatch School of Music at Houghton College in Western New York and studied instrumental conducting in graduate school at Houghton where she conducted the Houghton Philharmonia and the wind ensemble. From there she decided to move to Asheville, N.C. to cultivate her part in a larger musical community. Since her move to Asheville, she is grateful to have had many opportunities as a performer, teacher, and observer. She has directed rock band, musical theatre, performed in various ensembles as a vocalist and trombonist, and served others with music therapy. Each new experience has given her insight on how to teach students of all different ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Kylie currently teaches music at Candler and Pisgah Elementary for Buncombe County Schools and teaches private lessons at Asheville Music School. During the summer, she directs music at the Black Mountain Center for the Arts and volunteers for Girls Rock Asheville. She specializes in teaching others to read musical notation using the ‘solfege’ system and ear training.
Kylie takes a holistic approach to voice lessons. She urges her students to look at the study of voice as a process and a way of life. Lessons with Kylie are positive and encouraging so that the singer may be comfortable to explore their own unique voice. She enjoys teaching ear training and theory to provide a deeper understanding of musicianship as required by the student. A typical lesson will involve reinforcement of proper vocal and breathing technique, an exploration of music theory, and working through repertoire that was chosen by the student. She is open and experienced in many styles such as classical, jazz, broadway, and rock, and uses classical and non traditional methods to help students to achieve their musical goals.