His father, Joseph Kirshbaum (1911–1996), was a professional violinist, composer, conductor, music educator, and an alumnus of Yale University, where he had also taught.
At eleven, he continued lessons with Roberta Guastafeste (née Harrison), who was on the music faculty at Southern Methodist University.
At fourteen years old, he began studying with Lev Aronson, who was then the principal cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
[6] He graduated Yale magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa with highest departmental honors.
In particular, his longtime piano trio collaboration with Frankl and Pauk has generated a large number of concerts and recordings.
[8] Kirshbaum founded the RNCM Manchester International Cello Festival in 1988 and was its Artistic Director through to its grand finale in 2007.