Biography

Saxophonist | Educator | Multi-instrumentalist | Human

Currently based out of Montréal, Québec, Indian-American saxophonist and educator Kirby Leitz (he/him/il/lui) has continuously blazed an artistic trail of his own. His artistic output concerns fostering connection and camaraderie between diverse musical groups and cultures. Primarily a saxophonist, Kirby is a dedicated contemporary music advocate whose performances have taken him to Greece, Turkey, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, and throughout the United States. In the United States, he has appeared at the Indiana State University Contemporary Music Festival, Bowling Green State University New Music Festival, Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and American Saxophone Alliance Conference. An artist dedicated to becoming a musical “citizen of the world,” Kirby has actively sought out unique experiences including the Susquehanna University GO study abroad program (Niigata, Japan) and Cortona Sessions for New Music (Cortona, Italy; Ede, Netherlands).

In commitment to the future of music education, Kirby regularly teaches under multiple Canadian-based Music Education Platforms including MusiProf and Beethoven at Home. Though saxophonist at heart, he has generated a unique pedagogical approach through his extensive experience as a collaborative pianist and chamber violinist.

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“The privilege to struggle sews the seeds of perseverance.”
— KL
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A faithful advocate of chamber music, collaborative music making, and contemporary music, Kirby has contributed to several premieres and commissions. He is a staunch proponent for composer-performer collaboration towards manifesting unique musical experiences.

Kirby holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Susquehanna University (Magna Cum Laude) and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance at Bowling Green State University, where he held a Graduate Assistantship teaching Woodwind Methods. Currently, he is completing a Doctor of Music in Performance Studies at McGill University, where he is dedicated to studies surrounding contemporary music as well as an exploration of Canadian saxophone performance practice as it relates to Canada’s French roots as well as its American influence. His primary teachers include Dr. Gail B. Levinsky, Dr. John Sampen, and Marie-Chantal Leclair.

Kirby is a proud ambassador for the JLV Sound Paris brand. He currently enjoys musical freedom with the JLV Ligature Black Edition (for alto and soprano saxophones) and the JLV Phonic Ring (alto). When he is at rest, the JLV mouthpiece covers provide safety and security to his reeds.

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