Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Julee Kim Walker.
Hi Dr. Walker, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Born and raised in Houston, TX, I am a child of Korean immigrant parents. My parents taught me the true meaning of hard work and perseverance, and continue to do so. I decided I wanted to play the flute in 6th grade because I was watching my favorite TV show at the time, “Who’s the Boss”, and in one episode, Alyssa Milano plays the flute. Who knew that it would eventually become my career and livelihood! After many years of grade school band, flute lesson with amazing teachers, hard work, many tears, and three degrees later, I am a tenured professor, teaching and mentoring future music educators and performers. I also have the privilege of traveling all over the world to teach and perform!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As most artists do, I faced many ups and downs on my journey to becoming a professional musician, and the journey is far from over. Failure, rejection, and imposter syndrome are just a few of those challenges we all face, and continue to face. However, with every obstacle we overcome, the next one becomes a little easier. I truly believe being a musician and facing challenges prepared me to get through the hardest times of my life. In 2015, my husband was diagnosed with cancer at age 32, and I became his full-time caregiver for several months. The resilience and perseverance it takes to be an artist truly helped us get through the most challenging time of our lives. While we still face the unknown, we are able to get through one day at a time.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Here is a short bio: Dr. Julee Kim Walker (she/her) is Associate Professor of Flute at Texas A&M University-Commerce, where she has been teaching since 2012. She is twice the recipient of the TAMUC Paul W. Barrus Distinguished Faculty Award for Teaching.
A highly sought-after performer and pedagogue, Dr. Walker has given performances and classes throughout the US, as well as in Shanghai, China, Zagreb, Croatia, Salzburg, Austria, Talca, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. She performs regularly with The Dallas Winds, Abilene Philharmonic, Irving Symphony, Lyric Stage, FlutAria! trio, amongst others.
Dr. Walker is dedicated to the flute community through service, music education, and mentorship. She currently serves on the Executive Board of the National Flute Association as well as the Texas Flute Society. She is Artistic Director of the Texas Summer Flute Symposium and is a Conn-Selmer Performing Artist.
She received her degrees from The University of Texas at Austin, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and University of North Texas.
She plays on a 9K Powell Aurumite flute, and her favorite flute piece is the Bach Partita in A Minor.
Her hobbies include cooking, baking sourdough bread, eating, traveling with her trumpet professor husband, Mr. Dr. Walker, and being a cat mom. Fun fact: she is also fluent in Korean!
What do you think about happiness?
You learn a lot about true happiness and what is important in life when you go through a major life-changing event. Happiness comes from within and what you value. For me, I find happiness in serving others, bringing people together, helping out, and caring for others. Enjoying all aspects of life to the fullest is so important, and as artists, it is too easy to let the work become your only identity. Life is short, so find happiness with those you love and care for, and not just in your work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @juleekimwalker
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flutistJKW
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/flutistjulee/
Image Credits
Mehrdad Gholami
Basil Bouras
