Teacher Profile: Kiernan Robinson

About Kiernan Robinson

Kiernan Robinson is a Strings (Violin, Viola, Cello) and Piano Instructor based in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area. He’s a passionate educator who shares his love for music and the arts with students of all ages.

Kiernan's musical journey began at the age of 10, when he first picked up the Viola. Four years later, he expanded his repertoire to include the Violin, initially by performing Violin parts on the Viola. He was very involved with school orchestras throughout his childhood years, which included the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, and prestigious All-State and county conferences. His private studies with Dr. Allyson Fleck as a child, a distinguished Violist with extensive solo and orchestral experience, laid a strong foundation for his musical career.

Kiernan holds a Bachelor’s degree from Sarah Lawrence College and a Master’s degree in Composition from the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied with renowned improviser Tim Feeney and cellist Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick. His diverse performance experience spans classical, folk, pop, and improvised music, and he has collaborated with emerging composers such as Alice Sandhahl, Dasol Lim, and Matt LeVeque.

Kiernan's fervor for teaching is based in his great love of music and the ability to pass on his gifts to others. He believes that music and the arts are integral to a well-rounded education and finds immense joy in helping students discover and develop their own musical voice. His teaching philosophy centers on fostering freedom and exploration in sound, honing technical skills through dedicated practice, and developing a keen ear to aid in finding notes and muscle memory. While he is well-versed in the Suzuki and Essential Elements methods, Kiernan is enthusiastic about integrating creative selections and materials to tailor his approach to each student's needs. One of his most cherished experiences was teaching with United Sound, a program designed to introduce students with special needs to string instruments.

In his teaching, Kiernan aims to instill in his students a profound appreciation for music and a sense of confidence in their ability to learn and overcome challenges. He hopes that whether or not his students continue playing their instruments into adulthood, they will carry with them a lifelong love of learning and music.

Outside the classroom, Kiernan is an avid sports fan, particularly of soccer, and enjoys reading both comics and books. He also spends his free time exploring electronic and modular synthesizer systems, further reflecting his diverse musical interests.