Keith Irwin: A Musical Maestro's Journey
Keith Irwin's life is a profound musical composition, beautifully orchestrated with the rhythm of unwavering dedication, the melody of innate talent, and the harmonious integration of his lifelong passion for music. His journey spanning over half a century in the heart of the music industry bears testament to his diverse talents as a musician, his enriching role as an educator, and his successful foray as a self-made entrepreneur.
Immersed in the art of music for more than 55 years. His proficiency also extends to the guitar, an instrument he has played over 45 years, reflecting his innate versatility and love for varied musical expressions.
In 1996 keith received a BA music from UBC in Vancouver.
Since 1997, Keith has been guiding over 500 students through the world of music, teaching them a wide array of instruments. His approach, refined over years of experience, goes beyond mere technical instruction. Keith's lessons equip students with necessary skills while also instilling a genuine appreciation and love for music. He's committed to helping each student find their unique musical voice, ensuring a lively and thriving future for the art form. With Keith, music isn't just a career; it's a calling, and every lesson is an opportunity to explore and celebrate the incredible world of music.
1980
Bookkeeper for a guitar and bass guitar teacher (Winnipeg, Canada). Began writing songs.
1981
Began producing amateur pop/rock bands. Began engineering live sound.
1982
Began producing 500 seat amateur talent shows featuring musicians developed in my own production program. Began assembling a contemporary hard rock recording project using only amateur musicians from the live production program.
1983
Began part-time roadwork in western Canada as a wholesaler’s agent in the musical instrument trade.
1984
Completed the writing/arranging/recording project entitled “How ‘Bout a Song for the Girls” which began in 1982. Created an independent wholesaler’s agency in the musical instrument trade. Responsible for marketing, sales and collection of receivables to all 300 retail musical instrument stores from Ontario to British Columbia (Canada), inclusive. – The dispensation of product franchises. – The administration of a 4 man sales crew.
1989
Retired from the road in order to pursue songwriting and busk for 3 years in Vancouver, Canada.
1992
Began a 4 year B.A. (music) degree program at UBC (Vancouver, Canada).
1996
Completed the B.A. specializing in music at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Compiled 500 lyrics written over a 15 year period. Completed the demo-recording of 100 original songs.
1997
Returned to Dauphin, Manitoba to teach guitar, piano and bass guitar and resume producing amateur talent. Worked 5 years in a group home in Dauphin assisted mentally challenged people part-time.
1999
Compiled a CD of 4 track demo recordings entitled, “From the Heart” in order to present and promote myself as a songwriter, arranger, musician and demo engineer.
2004
Relocated to Manitoba’s Interlake in order to teach and produce amateur talent in a larger and more urban upper middle-class market. Stayed until 2019.
2006
Worked as an executive assistant and general runner for Richard Perchotte at Kodiak Shelters part-time on contract. Duties included filing, petty cash reconciliation, banking general errands. Until 2013
2014
Partnered with LCE Music, Vancouver to distribute band merchandise (clothing) and corporate uniforms wholesale. Lines include: Nike, Oakley, Gildan, M & O, Bella & Canvas as well as 10,000 styles of hats and toques from AJM International. We are very competitive, drawing from five warehouses across Canada.
2020
Teaching online in Selkirk, MB.
2023
Returned to Dauphin, MB to teach and produce talent