Dr. Nicole Strum
604.868.2586 •
Registered Subjects: Saxophone (RMT)
Other areas of musical instruction: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Rudiments, Advanced Theory
A multifaceted performer and educator, Nicole Strum holds a performance diploma in classical saxophone from the Bordeaux Conservatory and a DMA from the University of North Carolina. She is an active soloist and collaborative musician with over 15 years of experience as a woodwind instructor and chamber music coach, and over 10 years' experience as a concert band director.
As a teacher Nicole views herself as a facilitator and guide: lessons with her are inquiry-based and student-directed. She and her students continually ask questions about music, in search of meaning and purpose beyond the notes on the page. She encourages expressiveness, independence, experimentation, silliness, and fun, within a strong pedagogical framework. Students in her studio explore music of a variety of genres including classical, jazz, pop, video game, and film, and develop their musical skills from multiple perspectives through practice in music theory, composition, ear training, and improvisation.
Nicole has taught music theory at Kwantlen University and UBC, and saxophone and chamber music at Mount Allison University, UPEI, and the Lunenburg Academy. She is currently on faculty at UPEI, is the Woodwind Specialist for Halifax Regional Arts, and operates an independent studio. She adjudicates at local and national music festivals, leads workshops and clinics, and coordinates Summer Studios, a week-long chamber music workshop for advanced high school wind players held at UPEI.