A graduate of the NYC HS of Peforming Arts, Oberlin Conservatory, I obtained a Master of Arts Degree at NYU. Major influences: Murray Perahia, Lillian Freundlich, Daniel Barenboim, Leonard Bernstein, Dinu Lipatti, Rosina Lhevinne, and Elaine Comparone. Blogging at http:/www.arioso7.wordpress.com  (writings and embedded videos) Two CD albums now on Amazon.com  Search under Music, Shirley Kirsten Audio track samples, mp3s. A MUSICAL JOURNEY: Scarlatti, Schubert, and Chopin is also at: http:www.cdbaby.com/cd/shirleyk  (audio samples, reviews) Blogcritics review: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-shirley-kirsten-a-musical/ Scarlatti and Chopin album: http:www.cdbaby.com/cd/shirleyk2 Blogcritics review: http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-review-shirley-kirsten-scarlatti-and/ My cds are sold on Amazon, cd baby, i tunes, tradebit, pay play, and other Internet sites. Published Review of Irina Gorin's Primer Method Book, Tales of a Musical Journey http://mtac.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/CMT2012FallTalesMusicalJourney_preview-article1.pdf  

2009 JPF music awards nomination in the category of solo classical album for A Musical Journey: Scarlatti, Schubert and Chopin.

Published in the Piano Quarterly, Clavier Magazine, the California Music Teacher; former staff writer for Northview News: covered the Arts, Education, and Business; 4 "Valley Voices" essays (Fresno Bee) 4 classical CDs released, most recent acquired a favorable review in the California Music Teacher. Listen to the author's music at www.cdbaby.com/cd/shirleyk
Amazon.com and www.myspace.com/shirleykirsten

From the California Music Teacher, May 2007: "Kirsten has delved deeply into the complex music of Scarlatti and achieved a beautifully balanced and sonically colorful picture. Her playing is immaculate...The Scarlatti works are nicely balanced by Schubert and Chopin." Phyllis Villec, Editor, California Music Teacher
Numerous Fresno Bee Profiles in the Lively Arts Section; "Tune Town" review of "A Musical Journey" CD-
"Moonbeams and Other Musical Sketches," Kirsten's composed Intermediate piano album was praised in a Clavier Magazine review.