Meet Dr. Julee Kim Walker | Associate Professor of Flute, Texas A&M University-Commerce

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Julee Kim Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Julee Kim, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a proud native Texan! I was born in Houston, TX to South Korean immigrant parents. I grew up only speaking Korean in the household, and learned English in grade school. I am bilingual, and very thankful that my parents taught us Korean and sent us to Korean school every Saturday growing up. Being raised in a city that has always been a melting pot of cultures has positively impacted who I am today. As a college professor and first generation college student myself, I am able to relate to the many cultural differences of my students, many of whom are also first generation college students and children of immigrant parents. Growing up, it was not easy being the only Asian kid in my class and one of four in my whole elementary school, but my parents helped me embrace our differences and value the importance of making friends of all cultures and races, learning from one another. My parents hardly spoke any English, and to this day, they only speak broken English. I used to be embarrassed to share this, but now, I think it is powerful to share my story to others, especially to those students who can relate. In addition, the immigrant work ethic is something that has been instilled in me since I was a child. There has never been a day that I have seen my parents not work hard and diligently. In fact, they still do work and they are in their mid 70s. I strive to work half as hard as they did to provide a better life for my sister and I in the United States.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a classically trained flutist and tenured college flute professor. I received all three of my degrees in Flute Performance. I initially wanted to focus on becoming an orchestral musician throughout my training, but fell in love with teaching and mentorship aspect of teaching throughout my experiences. One of my favorite things about teaching is the mentorship aspect and being able to give back to the community. Being a college professor also gives me the flexibility and honor to practice two of my passions: teaching AND performing!

Perseverance, constantly seeking opportunities, keeping a positive attitude, being proactive, being organized, being genuine and kind, working hard, failing, and accepting failure are the main factors that have led to my success.

I am an Enneagram 2 wing 3: I have a passion for helping others and have a naturally nurturing personality, and also have traits of The Achiever.

On the outside, it may look easy, but there is always a struggle. As a musician, the road is long, windy and bumpy. There have been several times where I wanted to quit or change careers. I have been there multiple times throughout my career, and many musicians would say the same. In addition, dealing with performance related injuries and becoming a caregiver to my spouse when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, are also struggles that I have dealt with that have affected my career, both positively and negatively. However, as much as your career is important, it does not define you as a person. When life happens, you will especially understand the importance of this.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I LOVE planning trips and activities!! Here are some of my favorite Dallas places:

Day One

Coffee at Ascencion Design District
Walk the KT Trail
Lunch at KT Trail Ice House
Happy Hour at Bowen House
Dinner at Uchi

Day Two

Mani-Pedis at MiniLuxe West Village (Amanda is the bomb!)
Lunch at Hopdoddy
Shopping in West Village
Coffee and Macarons at Bisou Bisou
Dinner at Malai Thai

Day Three

Breakfast Tacos
Pool Day or Klyde Warren Park
Lunch at Paradiso
Desserts at Emporium Pies
Shopping in the Bishop Arts
Dinner at Lucia or Meddlesome Moth

Day 4

Brunch at Krio
Shopping at North Park Mall
Lunch at Seasons 52
Sprinkles Cupcake ATM
Happy Hour/Dinner at Uchiko
Nightcap at The Standard Pour

Day 5
Brunch at Cru Wine Bar
Hiking at Cedar Ridge Natural Preserve
Happy Hour Snacks and Drinks at HG Sply
Macarons at Joy Macarons
Dinner at Medina Oven and Bar
Movie in Victory Park

Day 6
Six FLAGS or a Rangers game

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Mom and Dad: Boohee and Insoo Kim

Spouse: Dr. Brian Walker

Terri Sundberg – mentor, teacher, friend, colleague

Website: https://juleekimwalker.wixsite.com/flutist

Instagram: @juleekimwalker

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julee-walker-5128b187/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/flutistJKW

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/flutistjulee/videos

Image Credits
Mehrdad Gholami