As a saxophonist, Kirk began studies as a high school student in the Cleveland, Ohio area with Joseph Bosoty. He then studied with Eugene Rousseau at Indiana University, John Sampen at Bowling Green State University, and Frederick L. Hemke at Northwestern University. He has performed in master classes for Claude Delangle and had additional studies with Iwan Roth and Jonathan Helton.


He has taught saxophone privately, at Colorado Christian University, and at Lafayette College. He performs exclusively with pianist Holly Roadfeldt: the duo has performed across the United States and Canada.


Kirk has composed extensively for saxophone. His catalog for the instrument includes concertos, a sonata, a quartet, and works for mixed ensembles. Please contact Kirk about commissioning new works, purchasing performance materials, or scheduling performances.


Compositions for Saxophone



Sacred Spaces for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble

Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano

Crystal Canyons for Alto Saxophone and Digital Delay

Mindful Drones for Alto Saxophone and Fixed Media

Somewhere I have Never Traveled for Alto Saxophone and Fixed Media

planet nine for Alto Saxophone and Live Processing

As In Evening Silence for Alto Saxophone and String Quartet

Distant Light for Alto Saxophone, Percussion (1), and Fixed Media

Leonardo's Sketchbook for Alto Saxophone and Flute

Ductus figuratus for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Ensemble

Moments Once Remembered for Sopranino Saxophone and Guitar

Canticles for Saxophone Quartet

Ostinati for Soprano Saxophone, Violin, and Piano

Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra

Longings for Soprano Saxophone and Clarinet

Cathedral for Alto Saxophone and Organ



A few performances



O'Riordan: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano,


Muczynski: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano,


Maslanka: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano


Albright: Sonata for Alto Saxophone and Piano, mvt. 1





Hahn: A Chloris transcribed by Kirk O’Riordan





Desenclos: Prelude, cedence et finale





Creston: Sonata op. 19 for Alto Saxophone and Piano





Albeniz: Tango for Alto Saxophone and Piano