About Bill Kirkner

Bill Kirkner is from West Chester and has been a professional musician and educator for 50 years.  He received his Bachelors degree from West Chester University in 1977 and a Masters in Music Education in 2009 from Cabrini College.  Upon graduation Mr. Kirkner enlisted in the US Navy as a full time musician.  After completion of the US Navy School of music he transferred to the Commander Sixth Fleet Navy Band in Naples Italy and performed with the US Navy Rock Band, The Diplomats.  The band performed throughout Europe, North Africa and the Mid East doing public relations concerts and military functions.  Part of his training was conducting the ceremonial band for parades and military ceremonies. After leaving the military, Mr. Kirkner taught music to special needs students for the Devereux Foundation, which he still considers his most memorable musical experience.  He is proficient on guitar, bass guitar, keyboard, and arranging.  Now that he is retired he is teaching part time for the Music and Arts facility in Exton and is in the process of exploring working with the Veterans Administration as a pro bono guitar instructor for their "Guitars for Vets program". His certification is K-12 but also teaches adult students.  He believes in the benefits of music education and the positive effect on other areas of education.