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Kim Strickland
Where are you originally from, and where do you now reside?
I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama and currently reside in Trussville, Alabama with my husband Stephen and son, Jaden.
- Please tell us about your education, including where/what you studied at the time of your BMC Scholarship win.
I received a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa for undergraduate school and was a student there when I won the BMC Scholarship for the Woodwind Category. I was also named winner of “Best Overall Performance.” I earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance, studying flute with Dr. Sheryl Cohen who is now Professor Emeritus. Upon graduation I was offered a full assistantship to Oklahoma State University where I received a Master of Music in Pedagogy and Performance. There I studied flute with Dr. Jonathan Keeble.
- Are you currently working in the professional music arena?
Yes! I was Chair of the Music Department at Alabama School of Fine Arts for 14 years where I also taught flute. I am now in my 21st year at ASFA in a new role as Director of Student Support Services and I still teach flute there. I absolutely love working with young aspiring artists! I’m also a member of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and a jazz recording artist with four albums to date. I’m on the Innervision Records label out of California and have three #1 Billboard hits to my credit.
- What role does music play in your daily life?
Music is part of my everyday life. It’s what I teach, what I study, what I share with the world and what I love.
- Are you involved in any community music organizations?
I am a current member of the BMCG, the Alabama Educators Association, the National Flute Association and Music Teachers National Association.
- If you had to pick one, what would you say is your most treasured music-related accomplishment or accolade?
My most treasured accomplishment was being invited three different years as the United States representative at the International Festival of Flutists in Peru. Each time I was there for one week to perform solo concerts, perform with the symphony and teach at the conservatory. What a wonderful experience to share my music in another country and work with other talented musicians. Many of them couldn’t speak English, but they heard and understood every musical gesture. Music is the universal language.
- What are your plans for future musical endeavors?
I will continue to work at ASFA and share my gift with its students until my retirement. Currently I am working on my fifth album and hope to secure more #1 records!
- Can you tell us one favorite memory involving musical performance or study?
One of my favorite memories was winning the concerto competition as a grad student at Oklahoma State University. I was able to perform the concerto with the university orchestra in concert.
- What is your favorite piece you have ever played/sung?
One of my favorite pieces to play is one of the #1 hits I composed entitled “Free to Be!”. Every time I perform it people get up and dance to it. I love that it brings people so much joy! My other favorite is anything by Bach!
- What words of encouragement or advice do you have for students studying music today?
My advice for students studying music hasn’t changed in over 25 years because it still rings true and continues to work for me. “Find your passion and strive to make a living doing what you love. Passion, combined with a plan and a great work ethic, is a setup for success and happiness!”
