Brad Stirtz

Percussion Faculty Performer | Vibraphone | Naperville, IL

A native of Minden, Nebraska, Brad Stirtz followed his initial years of study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with studies at the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, culminating in the Master of Music degree in percussion performance. He also attained a second Master’s degree in Theology from Concordia University Chicago.

Stirtz now serves as Director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Illinois. On multiple mission trips to Uganda, he has directed choirs in the capital city of Kampala and neighboring Jinja, culminating in a studio recording of the choir. He is one of few Americans adept at the construction and playing of the Amadinda xylophone of this East African region. In October of 2000, Stirtz joined the Northern Illinois University Steel Band as a guest artist, and helped them win second place in the World Steel Band Competition on the Caribbean island of Trinidad. This was the highest finish for a foreign band in the history of the competition. 

Stirtz currently teaches at North Central College in Naperville, IL, and has served on the faculties of the American Conservatory, Roosevelt University, Benedictine University, and Northern Illinois University.  He has been a member of the faculty at Birch Creek Music Academy in Door County, Wisconsin for over 40 years. 

Stirtz’ two albums, Christmas Vibes and Caribbean Christmas are available on CD or online. He also appears on Agents of Change by jazz vocalist Janice Borla which was voted Jazz Album of the Year by Chicago Public Radio. Stirtz has performed with contemporary artists including Joe Walsh, The Lettermen, Charlie Pride, and Dennis DeYoung, and jazz artists Ed Thigpen and Jerry Goodman. 

Website: Brad Stirtz