Life Lessons with Renowned Flutist Kimberly Strickland – When Art Meets Education
Witnessing the journey of Kimberly Strickland, Director of Student Services at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA) in Birmingham, and an accomplished classical flutist known as Kim Scott in the jazz scene, is akin to a symphony of triumph over stereotypes, commitment to education, and the power of raw talent.
Performing with Purpose
In her vibrant career as a Billboard chart-topping jazz musician, Strickland, who is an ASFA alumnus and National Board Certified Teacher, weaves together her passion for teaching and performing. She seamlessly transits between her esteemed role at ASFA, and her command over stages worldwide as Kim Scott. As she elaborates, “What I do in my professional life allows me to be great at ASFA. And everything I learn from doing that, I bring back to these kids.”
The flute virtuoso’s dedication to teaching is so profound that she volunteered to continue imparting flute lessons in the music department at ASFA for no extra pay even after transitioning to her administrative role. Unleashing the transformative power of music and sharing the wisdom garnered from her experiences, Strickland guides her students on their musical odyssey.
Nurtured by Music
Tracing back the notes of her symphony, she acknowledges how her parents sowed the seeds of her love for music. Strickland shares, “my mom was a music educator in the Birmingham City Schools systemand my dad, although he worked for [a telecommunications company], also played saxophone and sang.” Strickland was brought up harmoniously with the melodies of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and funk music, among others, ringing in her ears. The first true note of her lifelong romance with the flute was struck when she was handed a flute by her mother. Strickland’s commitment to honing her flute-playing skills would later lead her to the doors of the ASFA.
Becoming the Ultimate Band Nerd
Strickland’s unwavering dedication to her music practice and the nurturing guidance from her then band director and flutist, Suzanne Winter, led to her acceptance at ASFA’s music department. After spending her freshman year at John Herbert Phillips Academy, Strickland eventually made her way to ASFA where she felt right at home. Under the wing of her flute teacher, Katherine Kitzman, she began tostake her claim in the vast world of music. These formative years at ASFA, full of practicing, performing, and learning, laid the foundations of her stellar musical career.
Beyond the Classroom
Post-graduation, Strickland continued to chase her musical dreams at The University of Alabama where she was tutored by yet another brilliant flutist, Sheryl Cohen, Doctor of Music (D.M.). Strickland attributes the recognition of her innate talent, the honing of her flute-playing technique, and the initiation into performance education to Cohen’s mentorship. As Cohen enunciates, “What I did was I helped her draw them out. I helped her realize what was inside and to go for it.”
From Student to Mentor
After doing her graduate work, Strickland was presented with the opportunity to return to her alma mater, ASFA – this time as a flute teacher. As she recounts, “I loved the gratification I got from watching [students] succeed and win competitions or make good grades on their juries and be so excited”. The joy of teaching helped her balance her endeavors as a performer and educator.
Music Making a Difference
Strickland believes that her journey can break stereotypes, inspire students of color in the arts, and open up prospects for women in the jazz world. A striking example of her constructive influence is Coreisa Lee, an ASFA graduate and successful flutist who performed with celebrities like Lizzo. Lee shares the profound impact of Strickland’s teachings and recalls her saying, “play to the very back of the audience”. As Lee articulates, “Ms. Scott helped me to see that I didn’t have to stay in a box as a classical flutist,” which truly epitomizes Strickland’s philosophy of education.
Strickland’s thriving career, spanning education and performance, presents an inspiring testament to the life-changing potential of music. In her words, “Everything I’m learning, I’m supposed to teach [my students] so that when they become professionals, they go way, way further than I have”. Her symphony continues to resound in the success of her students, whether they pursued music professionally or ventured into other fields. It echoes in the lessons they carry forward from their time at ASFA and serves as a source of motivation for them to excel in their chosen paths.
