TODOR KIROV

Dr. Todor Kirov is a prolific author. During his 45-year performing, teaching, and research career, he has published a vast number of books. Among them are "Bulgarian Folk Music Presented by Todor Kirov" parts I and II (2004), "Gadulka Performance in Dobrudja - the Small Gadulka of Dobrudja" (2003), "Evolution of the Gadulka and Gadulka Performance in Bulgaria" (1999), "Shkola for Gadulka" (1994), "Pieces for Gadulka" (1991), "Etudes for Tamboura" (1991), "Exercises for Gadulka" (1989), "Pieces for Gadulka with Piano Accompaniment" (1988), "Authentic melodies for Folk Instruments" (1988), "Scales and Exercises" parts I and II (1983 and 1987), and "Etudes for Gadulka" part I and II (1984 and 1986). Todor Kirov is author of the lecture course and book "Methods of Teaching Traditional Bulgarian String Instruments". He has created curriculums for teaching gadulka at the Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts, and Junior High and High Schools in Bulgaria. He also assists the Bulgarian folk music schools in the areas of pedagogy and performance.

Prof. Kirov has a number of published articles and essays such as "New Moments in the String Folk Instruments' Education" (1983), "Some Problems in the Gadulka Teaching" (1985), "Traditions and New Directions in the Teaching of Bulgarian String Instruments" (1989), "The Place of the Bulgarian Folk Instruments in the School System and Their Influence on the Development of a Music Teacher" (1992), "Jeko Ivanov Atanasov - the Player of Small Dobrudja Gadulka from Rossenovo, County Tolbouhin" (1993), "Some Historical Facts about the Traditional String Instruments in Bulgaria" (1994), "The Performers of Small Dobrudja Gadulka - Ivan Nedev Panev and Kolio Kostadinov Ivanov" (1995), and "The People and the Music Instruments of Dobrudja" (2001).

Dr. Kirov has appeared on more than 10 records as a performer and composer. He is a founding member of the legendary Folklore Ensemble “Trakia”, has recorded for Bulgarian National Radio and has performed in Bulgaria, Russia, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Egypt, and the United States. He has led numerous children's, student, and professional folk ensembles and has written pieces for solo folk instruments, chamber groups, and folk orchestras. Since 1986 Dr. Kirov heads the jury at the annual National Festival of Gadulka Performers in Galabovo, Stara Zagora County. Todor Kirov is the first ever gadulka pedagogue at college level in Bulgaria. His numerous students have performed all over the world and have won many awards at festivals and competitions. Some of them work as performers in renowned ensembles and teachers in Bulgaria and abroad.