Instrument/Department: Bassoon
Joined Hochstein faculty in: 2005
Kirsta Rodean is an active educator and performer in the Rochester area. Having first come to Rochester from Texas to attend the Eastman School of Music, she received both a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (bassoon) and Education as well as a Master’s degree in Education before permanently relocating here. She teaches at both the Fairport Central Schools and The Hochstein School where she works with students from 5th grade to adult. In addition to teaching duties, she is an active adjudicator for NYSSMA, has served on the MCSMA (Monroe County) board, has presented at the NYSSMA and NYSSBA conferences, is a frequent panelist for concerto competitions, and has written a method book for starting bassoon geared towards experienced musicians.
Rodean has performed in the Rochester area with a variety of organizations such as the Rochester Philharmonic orchestra, Mercury Opera, Empire State Ballet, Kunde Chorale, Rev Theater, and Cordancia. Previous performances have been included as part of ESM’s Women in Music Festival, WXXI’s Backstage Pass, WXXI’s Performance Upstate, and Live from Hochstein. In addition to her work as a bassoonist, she frequently can be found doubling as a woodwind specialist for musical theater productions for both amateur and professional performances in the area.
A resident of Webster, NY, Rodean enjoys gardening and spending time with her husband, Casey Springstead and children, Orson and Malin.
More About Kirsta Rodean
Hometown: Denton, TX
What inspires me: Collaboration and new challenges
Why the arts matter: The arts can be something different to each person – they have the ability to be just what you need when you need it. They can be a place to find community, meditation, entertainment, solace … whatever you desire.
Favorite things to do in Rochester area: I love to hike and get out into nature as much as possible!
When I’m not at Hochstein, you can find me: in my garden.
My favorite local restaurant: Nosh
Favorite place to travel: Anywhere new to me - though I’m partial to Cornwall in the UK.
What people would be surprised to know about me: I love to double in musical pit orchestras playing a variety of woodwinds – the challenge is exciting!