A native of Calgary, Alberta, Kirk Worthington was a member of the Calgary Philharmonic for six years prior to joining the TSO. He has his Bachelor and Master's Degree from the Cleveland Institute, graduating in 1981. During this period his main teachers were Alan Harris and Stephen Geber. Kirk also attended master classes with Janos Starker in Banff , Alberta, and Ron Leonard in Cleveland. He took part in the Cleveland Chamber Music Seminar which was coached by the Guarneri Quartet. Kirk has been an active chamber musician, taking part in the TSO's Evening Overtures Programme, among many other concerts.

Kirk's hobbies include instrument making and gardening, an activity he can indulge himself in since he just bought a new home in Toronto.