About Kurt
Originally from New Orleans, Kurt started singing opera at the age of 12 and has always been drawn to music. At the age of 14, Kurt auditioned at the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) in Vocal Performance under Ms. Phyllis Tragel, and was accepted with a full scholarship. While attending NOCCA, Kurt performed in opera productions held by the department and in venues around New Orleans. Kurt was exposed to piano and began studying at the age of 15 with Matthew Wood. When he moved to Lafayette, Kurt studied under Lana Rhinehart where he placed top in performance in Rally and top in the state for composition. He now studies under Dr. Lim at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in Piano Performance.
Kurt is on the praise team at First Baptist Lafayette playing cello, and has performed with local artist Nikia Young. He has recorded for Ragin’ Recorders, a recording label at UL, with student bands and has recorded some of his original compositions. Kurt is also first chair cello in the UL Orchestra and sings in the Chamber Choir.
Kurt has always thought of music as therapy and a place to be completely yourself. He says, “When I was young, music was my safe zone and still is to this day. When I would have a bad day, I would just sit at the keys and play until my heart was content.” He also says, “Music is what we use to remember things we once forgot, or forget things we wish never to remember.”