The Man Behind the Music: Mr. Jordan Korth

Today we celebrate Mr Jordan Korth, a pillar of the Woodstock School Music Department and a quiet virtuoso of nearly every instrument within reach.

Mr Korth’s journey into music began not with a formal recital, but with a group of friends determined to start a rock band. Faced with the absence of a bassist, he stepped into the role, began lessons, and received his first electric bass as a Christmas gift. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with music – one that would evolve, deepen and ultimately shape his career as mentor and performer.

By the time he reached secondary school, Mr Korth had expanded his musical repertoire to include the upright bass, immersing himself in classical traditions while continuing to explore rock and jazz. His curiosity drove him to incorporate music into academic projects, experiment with new instruments and push the boundaries of his own learning. Today, he understands the fundamentals of most instruments well enough to play something on nearly any one he picks up, though he distinguishes between those he performs on publicly and those he explores purely for the joy of discovery.

His formal training includes a bachelor’s degree in music from Earlham College, with a focus on bass performance and composition, followed by a master’s degree in music education from the Jacobs School of Music, where he specialised in string and instrumental ensembles.

He further honed his craft through conducting workshops with esteemed professionals such as Markand Thakkar, and continues his professional development through digital programmes offered by ASTA and Stanford University.

Mr Korth’s musical philosophy is rooted in connection and authenticity. He tells his students he will never present music he does not personally connect with, believing that music should move us – emotionally or physically. To honour this, he involves students in selecting repertoire, ensuring that each piece reflects thoughtful choices and shared enthusiasm. His approach to teaching is both rigorous and inclusive, meeting students where they are and guiding them towards becoming well-rounded musicians. He emphasises strong technical habits alongside historical and contextual understanding, nurturing not only skill but also a deeper appreciation for music as an art form.

Creativity and self-expression are central to his lessons. He encourages students to explore composition and to question the choices made by composers and performers, fostering a sense of ownership and personal connection to the music. By allowing students to help choose the repertoire and guiding them towards genres that ignite their interest, he creates an environment that is both challenging and inspiring.

Among the defining moments in his musical journey, Mr Korth recalls two performances during his university years that left a lasting impression. One featured a visiting composer who blended Western and non-Western traditions, combining orchestra, DJ and Tuvan throat singers. The other was a performance of Carmina Burana with members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. These experiences, grand in scale and rich in cultural fusion, solidified his commitment to music as a lifelong pursuit.

When asked which instrument best reflects his personality, Mr Korth chooses the bass without hesitation. He identifies with the traditional perception of the bassist – steady, easygoing, reliable and always present to support the group, yet ready to step forward when needed. This sentiment mirrors not only his musical style but also his role within the Woodstock community.

For Mr Korth, the most rewarding moments in teaching are often the quiet triumphs – when students, after weeks of preparation, step onto the stage and bring their hard work to life. Witnessing their growth and the joy of performance reaffirms his dedication to the craft.

His ultimate hope is that students leave his classroom with a lifelong love of music and performance. He believes that music enriches many aspects of life, from academic achievement to cultural understanding, and most importantly, offers a profound connection to something greater than oneself. Wherever life may take them beyond Woodstock School, Mr Korth hopes each student carries with them the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift and transform.