Ates Kirkan

Ates Kirkan is a bassoonist and educator affiliated with the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), where he serves in the Wind, Brass & Percussion department. He holds a BMus and MMus, with further studies at the Royal Northern College of Music and the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts in Ankara, Turkey. His teaching focuses on fostering musical talent through energetic, student-centric methods, aiding students in transitioning to professional careers.

Professionally, Kirkan is a sought-after freelance bassoonist, performing with renowned orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Bilkent Symphony Orchestra, and RTE National Symphony Orchestra. He has collaborated with conductors like Zubin Mehta and Sir Neville Mariner, and served as principal bassoonist for the Wexford Festival Opera. His pedagogical contributions extend to roles with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, where he is a popular tutor.

Kirkan’s expertise spans performance and education, with a dedication to bassoon pedagogy and orchestral training. His career reflects a balance between active performance and shaping future musicians through impactful teaching methodologies.